Le Train des Pignes

Chugging along on the cozy train des pignes as it makes a leisurely circuit from Nice to Digne-les-Bains is an unmissable top sight on the French Riviera. This narrow gage train starts in Nice and makes a number of stops in the outlying suburbs before winding along the Var Valley to Digne in Haut-Provence. For 151km, the scenery is an ever-changing kaleidoscope of forested cliffs, rushing torrents, fertile plains and medieval villages. It's a far cry from the busy, flashy life along the coast.

Practicalities

Run by the Chemin de Fer de Provence, the train makes four trips a day between Nice and Digne and takes about 3 1/2 hours. The train does not leave from the main railway station in Nice but from a much smaller one called the Gare de Nice CP in north Nice. You can get off, explore a village and re board as often as you like. The train also stops seemingly in the middle of nowhere to discharge hikers. There's also a steam locomotive that swings into service weekends from May to October. In May, June, September and October it runs Sundays from Puget-Theniers to Entrevaux where it makes a brief stop and then continues on to Annot. In July and August, it runs Saturday and Sunday from Villars-sur-Var to Touet-sur-Var to Puget-Theniers and back. See a map of the train des pignes.

The Villages

There are 28 stops after you leave Nice and before arriving in Digne. If possible, it's best to avoid Monday as most shops and restaurants are closed. Here are some of the more interesting villages:

Touet-sur-Var
This village seems to be built right into the cliff. From the adorable train station a little road winds up to this 12th-century village where the flat roofs of the houses are used for drying figs.

Puget-Theniers
Stretched languidly at the confluence of the Var and Roudoule rivers, this village is like a cool drink of water on a hot day. Veer off into the old town to explore the ancient Jewish ghetto and relax in one of the shady cafes that line the river.

Entrevaux
This striking village occupies a strategically important spot at the entrance to the Var valley. It was the scene of a massacre in 1536 and then fortified by the great military architect, Vauban, in the 17th century. As a fortified village, Entrevaux is the most evocative in the region with drawbridges and a working olive oil mill.

Related Pages

Map of the Train des Pignes

Top Sights on the Riviera

Nice Travel Guide

Further Resources

Chemin de Fer de Provence

Back to Top

©FrenchRivieraTraveller 2008-2012 All rights reserved