Train Experience through the Alps (Full Day from Nice)
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
⚠️ 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
Additional Info
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)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Professional guide
Driver/guide
Lunch
Fuel surcharge
Live commentary on board
Local taxes
What To Expect
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
Southern French Alps
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)
Options
With Restaurant For Lunch
Best Local Food Restaurant: We select for you the Best restaurants in one of the villages
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
Duration: 13 hours: 1st stop to the Lavender Farm with the typical lunch + 2nd stop to the village of Entrevaux with Castle & fortified village
Typical lunch with wines: Local specialties will be served at the lavender field, with pairings of Provençal wines.
About Lavender : Everything about Lavender, thyme, rosemary (customized): properties, medicinal benefits, gastronomy, practical & romantism
Train + Bus + short hike: Cross the Alps by Train (amazing landscapes), bus ride through Napoleon road & relaxing walk through provençal hills
Meet the Farm owner: Be welcomed by Farm owner : 1h expert presentation of lavender production and its uses in cosmetics (& other aromatic plants)
Reviews
669 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding Trip to the Alps and Beautiful Cities
Diane F,
Oct 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was one of the best excursions/tours we’ve ever had! Toured two beautiful cities with our exceptional guide, Carmela, who was knowledgeable and very interesting. She went out of her way to get to know our interests and to be very helpful. Lunch was delicious. The restaurant set out a special area just for our group, and there was more food than we could eat. We also had wine. The hike to the Citadel was challenging, but the view from the top is worth the effort. (I walk 3-4 miles a day, and I found it difficult.) it was simply a wonderful day.
Worth it
Corilyn R,
Oct 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00Worth it ! The day was informative and adventurous. The train was pleasant with great history of nice. The town’s were quaint
Be prepared for itinerary changes
Donna R,
Oct 12, 2025
- Viator
3.00Disappointed. Description was not accurate. Only stopped twice and only one was on itinerary. Twice I contacted the operator and told them we wouldn’t be able to do the hiking. Both times they assured me that there would be foot paths we could take. Maybe on the stops WE DID NOT GO TO that day.
A day in French Alps
Pam W,
Oct 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very much enjoyed our tour. Carmela was wonderful and clear in her directions. She gave excellent information about the areas history and the villages. She is well loved by the villagers who excitedly greeted her.
Great experience! Beautiful sites and fun active time
Rebecca B,
Oct 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00We really enjoyed this tour with our guide Cyril! Not only were all the sites we visited stunning Cyril was very knowledgeable about the history and culture that he made the trip very much enjoyable. The start of the trip in Annot was paced nicely (slower) and we had a very delicious lunch with so much food! We were provided a variety of selections to meet any palate. The second half of the tour in Entrevaux was just as beautiful as I thoroughly enjoyed the hike up to the citadel. You do in fact need a decent level of mobility and fitness to make the trip up, but this part is only the last hour of the trip and those who do not want to participate in the hike can stay behind and continue their exploration of the beautiful village shops or have a coffee or beer in one of the few bistros. We were a group of 6 plus Cyril and it was a very manageable size group. I felt the value to cost was high given it was an all day excursion with everything included. I would highly recommend tourists visiting Nice take a day to explore this beautiful and historic region and this tour makes it very easy to do so.
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Operated by Nice Creative Tours