Paris-Rouen Railway Opens

The Paris-Rouen Railway marked a significant milestone in French rail development, engineered by British contractor Thomas Brassey with locomotives supplied by British firms. It overcame challenging terrain along the Seine Valley using innovative viaducts and cuttings. Key figures included engineer Joseph Locke. The line boosted trade and passenger travel, integrating France into Europe's growing rail network and paving the way for national expansion under the Chemin de Fer de l'Ouest.