For a breathtaking yet enjoyable ride through the Langedoc-Roussillon area, try taking the "Petit Train Jaune" or "little yellow train" through the Pyrnees mountains from Villefranche de Conflent to Mont Louis. The 63 km route is open all year and serves as a lifeline to remote villages during the winter. During the summer it provides a refreshingly cool diversion for those not afraid of heights. The train is actually run by the SNCF(French National Railway) and thrills are free when you pass through some of the 15 or so tunnels and over 2 major bridges as the narrow gauge train meanders its way through the mountains. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking at almost every turn (unless you have your eyes closed going over a bridge). Departures are twice a day from Villefranche, where the rail climbs dramatically to the highest station (Bolquere),travels across a plateau in Cerdagne to La Tour de Carol and on to Mount Louis. While Mont Louis is not all that spectacular, the ride is certainly worth the time and money! It's amazing to see how a little staff of dedicated workers (I counted 6) are kept busy keeping this real lifeline open in all weather. It is not only a tourist attraction but an actual necessity to those living in the area. There is much talk of new trains coming along eventually to take the place of this little marvel. But true fans of the little yellow train will hate to see that day come when this engineering gem no longer chugs its way up and through the mountains..