The Mining and Railway Centre of Oignies
A Living Railway Museum and the epic story of Coal mining

Events at the "Centre de Denis Papin" of Oignies in 2012

We are open on the following Sundays 14:00 to 18:00

CMCF Sunday opening 2012
CMCF is in the town of Oignies close to Lille, France,
and is open on the 2nd Sunday of the warm months
AprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctober
8th 13th 10th 8th 12th 9th 14th



2011 festival

The 2012 Festival of Steam

On Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th August 2012 the "Centre de la Mine et du Chemin de Fer de Oignies (62)" has its 18th Festival of Steam. Full sized and model railways will be exhibited at the Centre Denis Papin. The Festival will be open from 10am until 6pm each day.

During the 2012 Festival the Confrérie des Amateurs de la Vapeur (Steam Enthusiasts Federation) will be holding its annual general meeting at Oignies. Members of the federation will bring and run/show their locomotives in addition to our normal visitors.

  • Steam and electric locomotives on a 700m circuit in 5″ and 7¼″ gauges offering free rides for adults and children.
  • Steam Traction Engines giving rides from the Pacific Locomotive shed to the Mine Museum and Postal Museum.
  • Presentations of the clubs activities and historical collections of CMCF will be available throughout the day on both days.
  • Large railway layouts of various small gauges will be in operation.
  • Access to the workshops where the SNCF Pacific Steam Locomotive is being restored will be available to all visitors.
  • Stalls where you can buy from specialist suppliers will be open on both days.
  • Six postal carriages containing the museum dedicated to the history of travelling sorting offices.
  • A mine museum in the old mine training school.
  • A naval exhibition in a postal carriage.
  • Drinks and food stalls.

Entrance fee: Adults 6 euros, juniors 5 euros, accompanied children 8 and under - no charge.

We welcome visitors with their own 5 inch or 7 1/4 inch locomotives, trams and rolling stock (whether steam or not).

Our site has room to accommodate caravans, camper vans etc. (no tents though) for the duration of the open weekend. Also, if you are holidaying on Continental Europe you can deposit your locomotive with us we will gladly store it for the duration of your holiday (unfortunately at your risk).

If you wish to bring something, store it or put your caravan on our site please contact us at least 3 weeks in advance.

The 2011 festival included steam traction engine rides around the compound. The 2009 festival contained an important moment for the society; the lifting of the boiler of the Super Pacific.



External events in which CMCF participates