A true family business success story, the company was founded by Michel PRAT in 1967. The business grew with his sons and grandsons, who were proud of his legacy, faithful to his vision, and possessed of his characteristic determination.
His idea and its implementation led to the creation of a new sector halfway between transport and tourism.
Today, there are more than 500 tourist road trains operating in France, and well over a thousand in Europe and around the world.
Michel PRAT
Our History
It all began on that day in 1967 when, as he did every year, Michel was at the Milan trade fair to buy electrical appliances, and his wife drew his attention to a little train on rails that was moving forwards and backwards... And that's when everything went off the rails!
‘What child hasn't dreamed of owning a train? In my day, it was the best-selling toy in the world. A train is magical...’
He decided to leave the family hardware store and set up a small train business. The little train at Jouvet Park in Valence.
Forced by the installation of the 1968 Fair in Jouvet Park, he adapted by putting his little train on tyres. It was a success! Invited, as every year, to the Valence Fair, the presidents of the Foires de France were thrilled.
‘That's how we started. With a truck and a caravan. We went to fairs: Chambéry, Annecy, Montpellier, La Roche-sur-Foron... We were itinerant: eight days here, eight days there. There was also this atmosphere, this friendly side, this spirit of mutual aid that I love...’
At the same time, he began selling trains customised to suit his customers' tastes. More and more towns became interested, and little by little, the pneumatic train became a fixture in the French tourist landscape.
‘The manufacturer followed us, the business grew, and today four of my children and grandchildren have taken over.’
The history of the pneumatic train
Michel PRAT's vision, which was to ‘free’ the train from its rails, combined with the experience and industrial expertise of his Italian partner, led to the emergence of the pneumatic train.
The pneumatic train began its history as a means of transport in public parks and private estates such as amusement parks, holiday centres and castles.
From the 1970s and 1980s onwards, the rubber-tyred train became an important part of tourism development, designed to promote and showcase the city. The tour included commentary and focused mainly on the historic centre and its landmarks.
This service is still the most widespread today.
In 1978, the first French ministerial decree on traffic on public roads regulated the profession, but it has since been repealed several times.
In some cases, the rubber-tyred train is returning to its historical roots.
Certain municipalities and events are choosing to use it as a tourist shuttle to provide urban transport services in addition to conventional buses.
