Train Experience through the Alps (Full Day from Nice)
Active
8h - 13h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
⚠️ GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITIONS REQUIRED
Get this Off-the-Beaten-Tracks Mountain Train Experience, now! Through Alps, canyons, viaducts & tunnels, get fresh air following the great Var Valley. Explore hidden gems & breathtaking landscapes into picturesque medieval villages (1 labeled: "one of France's most beautiful villages") & many more.
Lunch incl. in one of the best valley's restaurant.
Visit its medieval jewels, drawbridge, castle fortified by Vauban, great panoramic points & Museum of Moto (optional) - Short hike downhill possible.
The 2nd village is shaped by a singular history and natural wildlife with a optional hike through sandstone blocks, rock shelters, a unique geological site, the "King's Room", a forest of hundreds years old chestnut trees.
⚠️ FROM MID-OCTOBER UNTIL END OF MARCH ITINERARY COULD CHANGE (get dark earlier and cold season):
Annot or Entrevaux + another alpine village and return at 7pm by bus (1H)
Return in Nice possible at 4pm visiting only one village
Available options
LAVENDER FARM & NAPOLEON ROUTE
Lavender Farm & Fields (hike): Longer train ride 30mn + Bus ride in Napoleon Route & by the lake + short hike to a beautiful lavender farm & owner reception<br/>Duration: 13 hours: 1st stop to the Lavender Farm with the typical lunch + 2nd stop to the village of Entrevaux with Castle & fortified village<br/>Typical lunch with wines: Local specialties will be served at the lavender field, with pairings of Provençal wines.<br/>About Lavender : Everything about Lavender, thyme, rosemary (customized): properties, medicinal benefits, gastronomy, practical & romantism<br/>Train + Bus + short hike: Cross the Alps by Train (amazing landscapes), bus ride through Napoleon road & relaxing walk through provençal hills<br/>Meet the Farm owner: Be welcomed by Farm owner : 1h expert presentation of lavender production and its uses in cosmetics (& other aromatic plants)
With Restaurant For Lunch
Best Local Food Restaurant: We select for you the Best restaurants in one of the villages
What's included
Local guide
Professional guide
Driver/guide
Lunch
Fuel surcharge
Live commentary on board
Local taxes
Detailed itinerary
1
Meeting point at 7.30am:
At the big blue gate of Gare des Chemins de Fer de Provence, 4bis Rue Alfred Binet, Nice (2mn walk from Tramway (line 1) stop "Libération", the beautiful building on the square Place Charles de Gaulle is la Halle de la Gare du Sud. The small train station is just behind
Nearby (2mn walk) the historical train station nowadays transformed in street food market. Very pleasant district with a very popular local food market
2
Historic Trainline passing through the southern Alps along the main river Var, antique frontier between France and Italian reign of Savoy. Great French civil engineering of the beginning of the XXst century. Small train. A must do! Beautiful scenery and landscapes
2hours uphill ; 2-hours downhill (or less)
3
Classified Village : One of the most beautiful medieval village of France and the best of Nice countryside, with a Castle which was a natural and manmade stronghold of the French Kingdom. A must-see!
The village offers spectacular views of the Alps and surrounding canyons. Possibility of walking uphill to the Castle (Quite sporty 150 meters) and short hike downhill
Stories of wars & great history of borders and medieval monuments (Vauban's fortified town)
The Cathedral is magnificent!
4
Baroque & gothic jewell, a very surprising monument!
5
One of the most impressive perched medieval castle in France, fortified by Vauban (Louis XIVth minister). Optional: good physical conditions required for the uphill (stairs).
Unpregnable fortress & wonderful panoramic point!
Possibility of short hiking downhill (30 minutes)
6
In Entrevaux or Annot a great Restaurant for lunch will be selected by the guide
7
Medieval authentic village, troglodyte caves, mystical forests, meteors showers, amazing hikings, nature and panoramic points (hiking option possible depending on weather and season)
From Mid-October until beginning of April if the group is not taking the long hiking, the guide reserves the right to modify the itinerary to visit another village in the Alps and return earlier in Nice by bus (1H) with arrival at 7pm (instead 9pm)
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
363 reviews
5★
319
4★
23
3★
13
2★
2
1★
6
Tripadvisor
4.7
313 reviews
5★
265
4★
29
3★
10
2★
5
1★
4
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions (except if it rains all-day), please dress appropriately
The guide will send you a text message the day before the tour with the final details (temperature, weather, advises for clothing). If you want to check meteo forecast by yourself type on google: meteo Tende + day of tour)
There is only time departure at 8.30am from Gare de Nice-Ville, 12 avenue Thiers 06000 Nice (the big blue gate) (we don't organize pick-up at the hotel)
Good physical conditions required (there are some important uphills if you want to visit all the monuments)
Meeting point
Meeting point at 7.30am in front of the big gate:
Gare des Chemins de Fer de Provence, 4bis Rue Alfred Binet, Nice (2mn walk from Tramway (line 1) stop Libération, the beautiful building on the square Place Charles de Gaulle is "Gare du Sud". The train station is just behind
Important notes
Please arrive at 7:30am at the meeting point. The guide will be waiting in front of the small train station with a blue sign Nice Creative Tours.
Gare des Chemins de fer de Provence, 4 bis rue Alfred Binet, 23 Rle Sainte-Catherine, 06000 Nice
Don't be late, the mountain train doesn't wait !
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, if you want to see everything the length is maximum 15km (minimum 4-5km).
Please ask us in advance for special options (hikings, activities) or for special requirements
About Nice
Nice, the crown jewel of the French Riviera, is renowned for its pebble beaches, vibrant markets, and charming old town. With its Mediterranean climate, stunning coastal views, and rich cultural heritage, it's a destination that perfectly blends relaxation and exploration.
Top Attractions
Promenade des Anglais
This iconic seaside promenade stretches along the Baie des Anges and is a must-visit for its stunning views and vibrant atmosphere.
Beach/Walk
1-2 hours
Free
Vieux Nice (Old Town)
The Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with markets, churches, and restaurants. It's a great place to soak up the local atmosphere.
Historical/Cultural
Half day
Free to explore
Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
This hill offers panoramic views of Nice and the Mediterranean. It's a great spot for a picnic or a romantic walk.
Historical/Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Musée Matisse
This museum is dedicated to the works of Henri Matisse, one of Nice's most famous residents. It's a must-visit for art lovers.
Museum
1-2 hours
€10
Musée Marc Chagall
This museum is dedicated to the works of Marc Chagall, another famous artist who lived in Nice. It's a great place to learn about his life and work.
Museum
1-2 hours
€10
Must-Try Local Dishes
Salade Niçoise
A classic Niçoise salad made with tuna, olives, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and anchovies.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood and eggs
Socca
A thin, crispy chickpea pancake, a popular street food in Nice.
Snack
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free
Pissaladière
A Niçoise tart made with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood
Ratatouille
A traditional Provençal stew made with vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking in Mont Boron
Scuba diving in the Mediterranean
Beach lounging
Picnicking in Castle Hill
Visiting museums
Exploring the Old Town
Swimming
Boat tours
Best Time to Visit
June to September
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and sunny skies. The beaches are crowded, and the city is lively with festivals and events.
20°C to 30°C
68°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English, Italian
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Nice is generally safe, but like any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Keep your belongings secure and out of sight
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts
Getting there
By air
- Nice Côte d'Azur Airport • 6.5 km from city center
By train
Nice Ville
By bus
Nice Airport, Nice Ville Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The tram system is modern, efficient, and a great way to get around Nice. It operates from early morning to late evening.
Taxis
Available • Apps: G7, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Cimiez
Liberation
Mont Boron
Day trips
Monaco
20 km • Half day to full day
Monaco is a glamorous city-state known for its luxury shopping, casinos, and the famous Monte Carlo Casino. It's a great day trip for those looking for a taste of the high life.
Cannes
30 km • Half day to full day
Cannes is a glamorous seaside town known for its luxury shopping, beaches, and the famous Cannes Film Festival. It's a great day trip for those looking for a taste of the high life.
Èze
15 km • Half day
Èze is a charming medieval village perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. It's known for its narrow streets, stunning views, and the famous Exotic Garden.
Festivals
Nice Carnival • February
Nice Jazz Festival • July
Fête de la Musique • June 21
Pro tips
- Visit the Cours Saleya Market in the morning for the best selection of fresh produce and flowers
- Take a day trip to Èze for stunning views and a charming medieval village
- Explore the Old Town on foot to discover hidden gems and local shops
- Try the local specialties, like socca and pan bagnat, at the street food stalls
- Visit the museums in Cimiez, like the Musée Matisse and the Musée Marc Chagall, for a dose of culture
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
