vezelise

Vézelise is an austere village located some 36 km south of Nancy. There is a covered market place. From the centre, an attractive tree-lined lane winds up the valley side for 1 km to the rural station which is bordered by trees.

The rail site has an original level crossing with full width barriers operated from the station platform. This feature is now very rare in France.

The train service allows a half day or full day in Nancy and is provided by old and new autorails, badged "Metrolor", the Lorraine region local transport identification.

Visit: 24th October 2005.

Vézelise station, built by the Compagnie de chemin de fer de l'Est, was staffed by several agents at the time of my visit. Between Nancy and Vézelise the line is double track. Then single track on southwards to Mirecourt. Several TER services from Nancy terminate here.

Good news, no trace yet of any green wire fences in this remote location.

Arrival of the mid morning TER from Nancy to Contrexéville, operated by a brand new AGC. This can be deduced from the absence of the Metrolor identification. No new SNCF logo either. The new AGC's are extremely quiet and can surprise the unwary spotter. Be warned !

The AGC is ready to depart, the station master walks to the front of the unit with two colleagues to give the "right away".