À Cléron, le Musée du Tacot retrouve sa gare.

The "Tacot" (a nickname for the old railway) is back in service in Cléron. No longer on its original tracks, but through a brand-new museum inaugurated by the town in the village's former freight station. A place steeped in history, it now allows visitors to rediscover this railway adventure that profoundly shaped the Doubs region. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Tacot was much more than just a train. This network of narrow-gauge departmental railways connected the most isolated villages of the Doubs to Besançon, Pontarlier, Salins-les-Bains, and Mouthe. From 1900 to 1953, it transported passengers, goods, artisans, and merchants, contributing to the economic and social development of the entire region. For many inhabitants, it represented a true gateway to the world. The new museum is housed in a symbolic building. This is the former freight shed of Cléron station, later used as a municipal maintenance building before being destroyed by fire in 2019. An adjacent extension, which once housed a kindergarten class, was also incorporated into the project. The municipality completely renovated the entire site and funded a modern exhibition design, created by professionals with the support of several institutional partners. Inside, visitors discover the history of the Tacot (a local term for a small, narrow-gauge railway) through panels, videos, period objects, documents, animated models, and interactive displays. It's an immersive experience of a mode of transport that has now disappeared but whose memory remains vivid in the local community. Outside, a model train layout is being installed and will further enhance the experience, especially for younger visitors. It's impossible to talk about this museum without paying tribute to Claude Lornet. Founder of the Musée du Tacot (Railway Museum) in 1983, he dedicated a large part of his life to preserving the memory of the Doubs railways. The son of the last Tacot employee, he grew up immersed in this railway world. For decades, he collected objects, archives, and personal accounts, saving numerous artifacts from oblivion. A tireless enthusiast, he even recreated a model train inspired by those of his childhood. Thanks to his work preserving this memory, several generations can now discover this essential chapter of regional heritage. Supported by a dozen volunteers, the Musée du Tacot is now opening a new chapter in its history. Visits are self-guided and enhanced with digital content to deepen the experience. An ideal summer outing for families, heritage enthusiasts, and anyone wishing to embark on a journey back in time to the heart of the Doubs region of yesteryear. Tacot Museum: 5 Chemin de la Gare, 25330 Cléron 07 59 56 93 44 – www.museetacot.fr Opening hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm.