Move

BELGIUM | Le Chemin de Fer du Bocq heritage railway reopens on 14 June 2025

Posted by Timothy on

“Reprise des circulations régulières dès le 14 juin.” Resumption of regular traffic from 14 June. With this short sentence, Christian from Le Chemin de Fer du Bocq (CFB) communicates this heritage railway in the province of Namur finally reopens after some much-needed engineering works.

“A mix of nature, history and family fun: Le Bocq takes you to a different place. Climb aboard an authentic railcar from the 1950s for a guided ride through the Bocq Valley, or take part in one of our special events ranging from a meal served on board the train to a meeting with St. Nicholas“, CFB says.

“Departing from Spontin station, the journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. It will take you first to Ciney (no entry to the Infrabel domain or Ciney station except on certain dates), then to Yvoir (Bauche PN) and finally to Spontin, our terminus.”

The trains makes intermediate stops. Tickets and information.

2025 infrastructure work

“In order to offer you optimum safety and comfort at all times, we are carrying out infrastructure work on our beautiful railway line. We are doing everything we can to limit the impact of this work on our traffic. Nevertheless, our routes may be modified according to the needs of our works. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: reservation@cfbocq.be. 

Summer solstice

For the summer solstice weekend of 21 and 22 June 2025, the association behind Bocq Railway, Patrimoine Ferroviaire et Tourisme – Toerisme en Spoor Patrimonium (PFT-TSP), organises culinary rides. 

These take three hours.  

Hikes

Under de brand Rando-Train de Bocq, you can also combine your ride with a 10-kilometre hike.

Chemin de Fer du Bocq and Patrimoine Ferroviaire et Tourisme?

The Chemin de Fer du Bocq (CFB) is a heritage railway running through the scenic Bocq Valley in Belgium’s Namur province. Operated since 1992 by the non-profit association Patrimoine Ferroviaire et Tourisme (PFT), it follows the former Infrabel Line 128 between Ciney and Yvoir. 

The single-track, non-electrified line spans 21 kilometres and includes several notable engineering features, such as three tunnels between Dorinne-Durnal and Purnode. The railway’s main operational base is located in Spontin, where sidings and maintenance facilities are housed.

CFB runs tourist services on weekends and during school holidays from April to September, using diesel locomotives and railcars after steam operations ceased in 2017 due to a lack of operational steam engines. The railway also hosts themed events throughout the year, including the ‘Saint-Valentrain’ in February, the ‘Bocq Gourmand’ dining trains in June and November, and Halloween and Saint Nicholas specials in autumn and winter. 

In 2022, more than 2,000 passengers travelled on the line. The CFB has also served as a filming location for various productions, including ‘Sans Rancune‘ (2009), ‘The Happy Prince‘ (2018), and ‘Deep Fear‘ (2022), and each August it hosts a flagship gala event.

Major boost

In January 2023, the Chemin de Fer du Bocq received a major boost when the Walloon Region granted a €1.3 million subsidy to support its long-term development. 

This funding contributes to a wider €1.75 million investment programme for the restoration and expansion of the line. The most significant of these projects is the reconstruction of the missing four-kilometre section between Bauche and Yvoir, where trains have not operated for about sixty years. 

Once complete, this will reconnect the full 21-kilometre route between Ciney and Yvoir, with the reopening planned for 2026.

Additional infrastructure works are also planned at both ends of the line. In Ciney, a new boarding platform and a passing loop will allow locomotives to change ends without the need for double-heading. 

In Spontin, a new double track section will be laid from the station to the tunnel, along with an additional siding near the train shed to enhance operational flexibility.

Behind the railway’s preservation and daily operations is Patrimoine Ferroviaire et Tourisme (PFT), established in 1988. The organisation also maintains a collection of historical Belgian rolling stock—steam, diesel and electric—housed mainly at its Saint-Ghislain depot and museum. 

It previously operated heritage trains on the national rail network, though these services were suspended in 2013 due to new safety regulations. PFT continues to promote Belgian railway heritage through CFB and its bi-monthly enthusiast magazine, ‘En Lignes‘ (French) and ‘Op de Baan‘ (Dutch).

Heritage and other special trams and trains in Belgium