Tour with the Mountain Train, Trek to Mystic Forest and Castle
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
A great breath of fresh air!
The Mountain Train Experience through the Alps to discover a historic and emblematic train line.
The opportunity to visit 2 amazing villages shaped by a singular history and natural wildlife with a very surprising hike (optional) through sandstone blocks ("rain of meteors" effect), rock shelters, a unique geological site, the "King's Room", a forest of hundreds years old chestnut trees. The wonderful diversity of landscapes is stunning and surprising.
The 2nd Village is a must-see too with the Royal Castle and Citadel of Entrevaux, its medieval drawbridge, its majestic citadel overlooking the Var Valley. Many hidden gems to discover during an original a full day off-the-beaten-tracks
⚠️ 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
Tour with the Mountain Train, Trek to Mystic Forest and Castle
LAVENDER FARM & NAPOLEON ROUTE
LAVENDER MOUNTAIN TRAIN EXP.: Authentic lavender fields in flower & Lavender Farm (& thyme, rosemary, olive)
Short walk in wonderful natural landscape.<br/>Duration: 13 hours: 1st stop: Lavender Farm & introduction to aromatic plants production, properties, uses, picking
2nd stop: Royal Castle <br/>Pic-nic at the Farm: Local food specialties near the lavender fields with provençal wines<br/>Train + Bus Napoleon Route: From Nice to the Lavender fields: Train (2h30) + Bus Napoleon Route &(30mn)
Beautiful views over the Verdon lake by bus.
What's included
Round trip train tickets (4H)
Lunch
Professional guide all-day
Detailed itinerary
1
Departure and return point.
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
2-hours 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
8
ONLY FOR LAVENDER EXPERIENCE OPTION: we will lead you to a secret farm of lavender with blooming fields (and more aromatic plants) for a special moment introducing you all the properties, uses in gastronomy, cosmetics, adapted to your kind of skin and necessities.
ONLY during the blooming season every Monday and Thursday from June 12 until July 17
The Farm is not in Barrême and is kept secret
4hour stop including lunch
What's not included
Pick-up or drop off (meeting point at the train Station: Gare des Chemins de Fer de Provence)
Please have breakfast before to come at the meeting point
No dinner in the Train backwards
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
94 reviews
5★
91
4★
3
3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
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
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 Entrevaux + day of tour)
There is only time departure at 7.30am from Gare des Chemins de Fer de Provence, 4bis Rue Alfred Binet, 06000 Nice (the big blue gate) (we don't organize pick-up at the hotel)
Hiking option not recommended if you suffer vertigo
Meeting point
In front of the big 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 "Gare du Sud". The train station is just behind
Important notes
Please adapt your clothes to forecast weather conditions in the Alps checking "Entrevaux" or "Annot" temperatures may change a lot depending the season and day.
Bring good shoes for walking and possibility of hiking. If no options hiking taken free time at the village or playing pétanque or having a drink or food at the bar.
If 13 hours is too long (9pm arrival in Nice) it's possible to shorten the visit 8 hours visiting only the 1st village and go back by train. by your own.
Some days (like Sunday) return possible in Nice at 6.15pm
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
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