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[ Cholet - Maine et Loire ]

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All rights reserved /  J.G.Skinner  / 2005

Cholet is a large and busy town of 55,000 inhabitants, located 59km south of Nantes and 65km south-west of Angers in the region of the Pays de la Loire. The railway station was built in 1865 by the Paris Orléans company as a 1st class station with a splendid metal overall roof that remains and has been renovated.

The station is linked to Clisson by a single track line with mechanical signals, and regional services are provided from Nantes to Cholet.  A single track line also links the town with Angers.

The track south to Bressuire is only open for occasional freight trains.

My visit was in August 2005.

Cholet station has been renovated and inside is more impressive than the facade which lacks colour.

Here is the fine overall roof of Cholet station on a quiet midday, mid week in August 2005.

Another view of the interior of this attractive station

Here is the busy mid day TER from Angers which will return there in a few minutes

Another view of X 73500, the standard for regional services now and popular with passengers with its panoramic windows, comfort and air conditioning.

Published in 2005

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