Canfranc's railway history

Canfranc, a station built to connect France and Spain, was abandoned by French trains over fifty years ago after a 1970 accident. Now, it is a luxury hotel, symbolizing its rebirth after being nearly forgotten.

The 1970 derailment

In March 1970, a freight train derailed in the Aspe valley, destroying the Estanguet bridge. This accident led to the closure of the Pau-Canfranc railway line, as France decided not to rebuild the bridge due to costs.

Canfranc's architectural legacy

Inaugurated in 1928, Canfranc was an architectural marvel with a 241-meter façade. It was designed to represent the railway alliance between France and Spain, featuring separate customs areas and large platforms, but its use declined after the line's closure.

Canfranc's transformation

After years of neglect, Canfranc was sold to the government of Aragon in 2013. A three-year renovation costing thirty million euros turned it into a five-star hotel, named Canfranc Estación, which opened in 2023.

Spain's railway revival

Spain's Huesca-Canfranc line reopened in 2025 after a 180 million euro renovation. Meanwhile, France's plans for reopening the line are slower, with a public inquiry expected in 2027 and a potential reopening by 2035.

Canfranc's unique railway paradox

Canfranc's story is a rare example of a monumental station that was abandoned but found new life as a hotel before its original purpose of connecting France and Spain could be restored.