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IN BRIEF
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Want to trade speed for the poetry of the rails? Departing from Nice, two charming trains invite you to look up from your smartphone and enjoy the hinterland: the Train des Merveilles to Tende, at the gates of the Mercantour and the Roya Valley, and the Train des Pignes towards Digne-les-Bains. Between viaducts, tunnels and perched villages, these gentle-paced getaways promise grand landscapes for a pleasantly light budget.
Want to trade speed for the poetry of the rails? Departing from Nice, two regional lines invite you to an old-fashioned escape, with XXL panoramas in sight, gentle prices, and a contemplative pace. The legendary Train des Merveilles speeds towards Tende in the heart of the Mercantour and the Roya valley, while the charming Train des Pignes patiently rises to Digne-les-Bains, crossing bridges, viaducts, and medieval villages. Here’s how to savor these two picturesque excursions in slow travel mode.
France boasts nearly 30,000 km of railway tracks, among which there are “gem” lines that favor contemplation over speed records. From Nice, one can embark on journeys that are as accessible as they are memorable, far from stress, close to landscapes, and often for a very reasonable budget. Ideal for reconnecting with the magic of the rail, between gorges, mountains, and perched villages.
From Nice to Tende: the Train des Merveilles
For nearly a century, this TER nicknamed Train des Merveilles has linked Nice to the fortified village of Tende, at the gates of Italy, sometimes via Vintimille depending on the schedule. Upon arrival, you enter the Mercantour National Park and the Roya Valley, a stunning backdrop where stone, water, and forest create a living tableau. A historical detail that spices up the getaway: Tende was attached to France only in 1947, following the Treaty of Paris.
This journey of less than one hundred kilometers is enjoyed in just over two hours, renovations underway. A delight, as the train strings together stunning viaducts, tunnels carved into the mountain and plunging views of spectacular gorges. The ticket, often under 20 €, offers the luxury of time and curiosity: plan stops at Breil-sur-Roya or Saorge, whose suspended alleys seem to challenge the void. An itinerary to savor like an adventure novel… at the speed of a page turned.
From Nice to Digne: the Train des Pignes
Head towards the first Alpine foothills with the Train des Pignes, a line more than a century old that connects Nice to Digne-les-Bains. Allow about three hours to travel nearly 150 km: the train weaves between olive groves, valleys, and grey marl, before rising to the more mineral landscapes of Haute-Provence. Some summer dates even see a heritage train pulled by a steam locomotive from the 1920s, adding a postcard-like epic flavor.
The journey multiplies bridges, viaducts, and tunnels that cut the landscape like vignettes. Along the way, two stops are a must. In Entrevaux, Vauban citadel and medieval streets are revealed through gently sloping walks. In Annot, a chaos of blocks, paths in the undergrowth, and old stone houses create a refreshing stop. Here, time stretches, and one quickly understands that slowing down is sometimes the best way to go far.
Practical tips for enjoying the journey
– Window seat please: for the Train des Merveilles, prefer the right side when departing from Nice to enjoy the gorges of the Roya, then alternate according to the curves. On the Train des Pignes, the views are rewarding on both sides, so be flexible if the carriage is not full.
– Plan your stops: Breil-sur-Roya, Saorge, Entrevaux, and Annot are worth a detour. Check connections and return schedules to wander light-heartedly.
– Budget and tickets: the line to Tende is often very affordable (often less than 20 €), and the Train des Pignes offers prices suitable for weekend explorers. Schedules and information on SNCF Connect: www.sncf-connect.com
– Ideal season: in spring and autumn, the light is golden and the crowds reasonable. In summer, think of water, a hat, and, if luck is on your side, a steam outing on the Train des Pignes.
Desires for other getaways, by rail or otherwise
If these journeys have sparked your taste for adventure, keep the discovery course. Want ocean and Art Deco? Head to the Basque coast with this discovery of Biarritz. Castle and vineyard enthusiasts, let yourself be tempted by an itinerary in the South Loire Valley. Dream of the great North? A special outing awaits you with the whale watching in Tromsø. For those curious about new ways to travel, check out these unusual experiences where Uber flirts with tourism, between safaris and helicopters. And if the East calls you, dive into the atmosphere of a imperial city of Morocco, made of secret gardens and eternal medinas.
