Vietnam’s iconic Da Lat railway station and France’s Deauville-Trouville station have officially formed a heritage partnership linking two historic rail destinations more than a century old.
Da Lat railway station, now more than 90 years old. Photo: VNR
Da Lat railway station in Vietnam’s Lam Dong Province and Deauville-Trouville station in France’s Normandy region have officially signed a twinning agreement, creating a unique cultural and tourism connection between two historic railway landmarks located thousands of kilometres apart.
The agreement was signed on May 7, 2026 at the French Embassy in Vietnam, marking the first railway station twinning model established between Vietnam and France.
While Deauville-Trouville station became a symbol of European seaside holidays in the early 20th century, Da Lat station has long been considered a nostalgic landmark in Vietnam’s highland city.
In 2025, Da Lat station welcomed more than 480,700 visitors and served nearly 196,600 railway passengers.
Few people realise that the Normandy station served as inspiration for the architectural design of Da Lat station more than 90 years ago.
Built between 1932 and 1938 by French architects, Da Lat station blends the architectural style of southern French railway stations with distinctive elements of Vietnam’s Central Highlands culture.
Its three iconic roof peaks, inspired by Langbiang Mountain, have helped make the station one of Da Lat’s most recognisable architectural symbols.
After nearly a century, Da Lat station has remained remarkably well preserved. Beyond its transportation role, the station has evolved into a cultural and tourism destination featuring heritage train services, artistic performances, local cuisine and popular visitor experiences.
The Da Lat - Trai Mat railway route and the “Da Lat Night Journey” have become among the station’s signature attractions.
In 2025, Da Lat station welcomed more than 480,700 visitors and served nearly 196,600 railway passengers.
Caption: Deauville-Trouville station in Normandy, France.
Pham Viet Hung, Head of Planning and Business at Vietnam Railways Corporation, said the partnership with Deauville-Trouville station would help introduce Da Lat’s railway heritage to more international travellers, particularly visitors from Europe.
The two sides are expected to cooperate long-term in preserving and operating historic railway stations while developing tourism products inspired by both Vietnamese and French heritage.
The partnership is also viewed as an opportunity for Vietnam to learn from France’s approach to modern railway station development, where stations function not only as transport hubs but also as cultural, community and tourism spaces.
Under this model, railway stations can become destinations where visitors enjoy coffee, attend small concerts, explore exhibitions or reconnect with the memories of historic cities.
More than simply linking two railway stations across continents, the twinning agreement reflects a shared ambition to preserve heritage while bringing new life to century-old architectural landmarks.
Vietnamnet.vn
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