Paris-Rouen Railway Opens

The Paris-Rouen Railway, engineered by British contractor Thomas Brassey with locomotives supplied by the Stephenson works, opened to the public on June 2, 1843. This 135-kilometer line connected the French capital with the port city of Rouen along the Seine valley, overcoming challenging terrain with impressive viaducts and cuttings. It represented one of the first major international technology transfers in railroading, bringing British engineering expertise to continental Europe. The line dramatically reduced travel time between Paris and Normandy from days by coach to mere hours by train, boosting trade, tourism, and industrial growth. Key figures included engineer Joseph Locke and financier Edward Blount. Its success paved the way for France's national rail system and demonstrated the viability of long-distance steam railways outside Britain.