Great Scenic Rail Journeys

Great Scenic Rail Journeys

#1 Train des Pignes

Take a trip back in time an as beautifully restored steam train
Discover the charm and heritage of a real narrow gauge steam train. With faithfully restored carriages and original wooden benches, traditional paintwork and fully restored coal fired steam engine. Follow the line along the scenic hills and valleys amongst the olive groves and chestnut trees, through the villages and ancient towns of this picturesque landscape.

The train has been restored and is operated by the volunteers of the Groupe d’Etude pour les Chemins de Fer de Provence. www.gecp-asso.fr

Have a great day out on the Train des Pignes

A trip on the “Train des Pignes” of about 20 km, from Puget-Théniers and Annot in the morning with the return trip in the afternoon and a stop at the ancient border town of Entrevaux, on Sundays from May to the end of October and on Thursday, Friday and Sunday in summer.

How to get there

By train (1 Hour 5 Min):

Go to the Nice CP station located at 4bis rue Alfred Binet 06000 Nice, Liberation district.

For more information and departure times go to: https://trainprovence.com/accueil/

Train des Pignes – Take a trip though the beautiful villages.

Special day outings are also offered on the steam train, from Puget-Théniers to Le Fugeret and between Saint-André-les-Alpes and Thorame-Haute.

Get the Chemins de Fer de Provence app!

Comments from on board the train, real-time schedules, traffic info and fares. Available on App Store and Google Play.

For more information, dates and detailed timetables on tourisme.trainprovence.com/accueil-english/

Train des Pignes Video

#2 Le Train des Merveilles! ‘The train of Wonders’

Embark on one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe, from Nice to Tende. (2 hour 7 Minutes)

Take a trip through the beautiful countryside on the train of wonders!

The route starts at sea level and rises to more than 1km in altitude. A true feat of engineering through a rugged region requiring an impressive succession of engineering structures including viaducts over deep canyons and tunnels through mountains. 

A staggering amount of work between 1883 and 1928, the line is a testament to Italian ingenuity. 

A monumental work that features:

• A drop of more than 1km in altitude
• 81 tunnels for a total of 44 km including 3 helical tunnels:
  • 1 at Berghe and the famous Scarassouï viaduct
  • 1 between Saint-Dalmas de Tende and La Brigue
  • 1 between Tende and Viévola (Rio Freddo and Morga tunnels)
• 407 bridges including the 300 m long Rivoira viaduct
• 15 arches for 45 m of absolute height
• 130 retaining walls

Much of the line was rebuilt after the Second World War after it was destroyed to prevent the supply of German troops installed in Haute Roya. The line was reopened in its entirety in 1979.

What to do in Tende

Visit the remains of the castle of the Counts Lascaris with it’s panorama of the village perched in the surrounding mountains.

Take the mountain train to the historic village of Tende

• The little road to Pia, a pretty, peaceful space close to the river 
• The hill of the Eagle, A 40 minute scenic round trip along a path
• The Museum of Wonders (free entry) sheds light on the origin of local engravings and the occupation of the Alpes-Maritimes from the Neolithic period to the second millennium BC. Visitors can see weapons and tools made of flint and metal, as well as local ceramics. The ornaments highlight the dexterity of the people who lived here, from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to the slopes of Mont Bégo. The museum of wonders at Tende is a great way to experience the way of life of the breeders and farmers behind the engravings.
• La Maison du Mercantour (free entry) A fascinating insight into the flora, fauna and geology of the area.
• The Honey and Bee House Activities by beekeepers in July and August
• For the more adventurous, the Saint-Sauveur chapel with it’s fantastic panoramic views is perched on a cliff accessible by a path from the village. (1 hour walk) 

Getting the Train from Nice

The regular TER which leaves from Nice-Ville at 9:17 am (arrival in Tende at 11:24 am), a tour guide is often present on board a train to comment on the route!

For more information and departure and arrival information please visit:

https://www.tendemerveilles.com/train-des-merveilles.html
(Please note, A day pass is available!)

Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8GGPgbQ0rg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWdM920FsMo