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Mountain Train: Discover Historic Alpine Villages
4.9
57 Ratings
Nice
Embark on a scenic train journey through the Alps, explore historic villages, and trek mystical forests with hidden gems and stunning landscapes.
Embark on a scenic train journey through the Alps, explore historic villages, and trek mystical forests with hidden gems and stunning landscapes.
Duration:
13 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Gare du Sud - This is the starting and ending point. Once a historical train station, it has now been transformed into a vibrant street food market. The district is delightful, featuring a popular local food market.
- Chemin de Fer de Provence - This historic train line travels through the southern Alps along the Var River, which was once the…
- Gare du Sud - This is the starting and ending point. Once a historical train station, it has now been transformed into a vibrant street food market. The district is delightful, featuring a popular local food market.
- Chemin de Fer de Provence - This historic train line travels through the southern Alps along the Var River, which was once the border between France and the Italian Kingdom of Savoy. It showcases remarkable French civil engineering from the early 20th century. The small train offers a must-do experience with stunning scenery and landscapes.
2 hours uphill; 2 hours downhill
- Entrevaux - A Classified Village: Renowned as one of France’s most beautiful medieval villages, it is a highlight of the Nice countryside. The village features a castle that served as a natural and manmade stronghold of the French Kingdom. It’s a must-see!
- Annot - This authentic medieval village boasts troglodyte caves, mystical forests, meteor showers, incredible hiking opportunities, and breathtaking nature and panoramic views.
-
Cathedrale Notre Dame de l’Assomption d`Entrevaux - A baroque and gothic gem.
- La Citadelle d’Entrevaux - One of France’s most impressive perched medieval castles, fortified by Vauban (minister of Louis XIV). Optional: Good physical condition is required for the uphill climb (stairs). An impregnable fortress.
- Barrême - ONLY FOR THE LAVENDER EXPERIENCE OPTION: Visitors will be guided to a secret lavender farm with blooming fields (and other aromatic plants) for a special introduction to their properties and uses in gastronomy and cosmetics, tailored to individual skin types and needs.
Available only during the blooming season every Monday and Thursday from June 12 until July 17.
The farm’s location is not in Barrême and remains a secret.
4-hour stop including lunch.
What's Included
- Round trip train tickets (4H)
- Lunch
- Professional guide all-day
- Round trip train tickets (4H)
- Lunch
- Professional guide all-day
What's Not Included
- Pick-up or drop off (meeting point at the train Station: Gare des Chemins de Fer de Provence)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Pick-up or drop off (meeting point at the train Station: Gare des Chemins de Fer de Provence)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Additional Information
An invigorating experience awaits!
Embark on the Mountain Train Journey through the Alps to explore a historic and iconic railway line.
This adventure offers the chance to visit two remarkable villages, each with a unique history and rich natural wildlife. Enjoy an extraordinary hike through sandstone formations resembling a “meteor shower,” explore rock…
An invigorating experience awaits!
Embark on the Mountain Train Journey through the Alps to explore a historic and iconic railway line.
This adventure offers the chance to visit two remarkable villages, each with a unique history and rich natural wildlife. Enjoy an extraordinary hike through sandstone formations resembling a “meteor shower,” explore rock shelters, a distinctive geological site known as the “King’s Room,” and wander through a forest of ancient chestnut trees. The breathtaking variety of landscapes is both stunning and unexpected.
The second village is equally captivating, featuring the Royal Castle and Citadel of Entrevaux, complete with its medieval drawbridge and majestic citadel overlooking the Var Valley. Discover numerous hidden treasures during this unique, full-day excursion off the beaten path.
⚠️ SPECIAL OPTION: LAVENDER FARM & NAPOLEON ROUTE:
Experience the blooming lavender fields, capture photos, and explore aromatic plants.
From June 9th to July 17th: Available only on Mondays & Thursdays:
Enjoy an extended train ride, a 30-minute bus journey, and a short hike to the Lavender Farm. Delight in a picnic with wine, and explore Entrevaux Old Town & Castle. Return to Nice by 9pm.
- 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
Location
Chemin de Fer de Provence
Rue Alfred Binet
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 la Halle de la Gare du Sud. The train station is just behind
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(57 Ratings)
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Northstar60237735314
May 9, 2025
Mountain train - Annot and Entrevoux - Matt - our tour guide was amazing.. we had a wonderful experience in Annot and Entrevoux villages.. The history behind these establishment was enriching..
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roderickt417
May 7, 2025
An unforgettable tour! - An amazing experience! The train is incredible at every turn, and the town we stopped at, Entrevaux, was absolutely breathtaking. Unfortunately, our second stop was rained out, but we felt more than satisfied with the experience. Our guide, Cyril, made the tour special with his wealth of knowledge, friendliness, and willingness to go above and beyond. Seriously, Cyril helped us plan our next day in Nice and helped us buy tickets.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth
May 6, 2025
Amazing unique tour - Our tour was wonderful. Our guide, Carmela, was very knowledgeable and helpful. She was flexible to make the tour suit the group and the weather. The views were breathtaking, and we saw places that were off the beaten path and felt truly unique. I would absolutely take a tour with them again given the chance.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shaunk777
May 3, 2025
Entrevaux & Annot hiking - Beautiful hike through medieval village, lush green pine forest and olive groves with very knowledgeable and pleasant guide, Matt.
Need to be walking / hiking fit with a steep climb to the fortress.
Lunch was very good.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
203pamelay
Apr 29, 2025
A Magical Experience - This tour was amazing and offered the opportunity to view the scenic countryside by train as we headed into the Apls. Cyril, our tour guide, was exceptional. His love for this area and knowledge of the history enhanced the experience. We stopped at an ancient Mediterranean village, winding our way through the old narrow streets, shopping, and eating a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. We were given various options based on our comfort level with hiking. My daughter and I took advantage of extra time to explore the village. Thank you for offering this excursion! Cyril, thank you for making it magical.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Becktrin
Apr 17, 2025
THE best tour ever!!! - We have taken many Viator tours in Europe, and this was by far the very best tour we’ve ever been on! Cyril, our guide was the most professional, helpful, and friendly guide anyone could ever ask for! He took care of every detail and went above and beyond in every category. I wish he could be our personal guide for every tour we take for the rest of our lives! The scenery and train ride was fabulous, and Cyril filled us with background all along the way. We visited the small village Annot and it was glorious. If you have the opportunity to take this trip with Cyril, don’t pass it up.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sandraaz4261we
Apr 13, 2025
Best hike with the best guide! - All day was full of good emotions. The guide Matt is good at his work because he is passionate. Historical stories about the region was interesting and engaging. Village Entrevaux is lovely and peaceful and the hike to the castle was a walk with beautiful views. I really enjoyed the hike to the top of the mountain. When you reach to the top then you are rewarded with breathtaking views and good emotions. Matt was caring and considerate. I felt so safe and cared through the all day. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cupcakecx17
Apr 12, 2025
Epic - I had an amazing experience with this hike.
Guided by Matt. Amazing historian and storyteller.
The place of Annot reminded me of where my ancestors were. (Brought me tears). The story, the people, almost everything around this place.
We had a scrumptious lunch and great wine and had chit-chat fun with the others.
The next village was beyond expectation. I was amazed by every bit of it.
"THE VIEW" was Epic ✨💖
The story, and all the freebies.
I am blessed to have experienced this hike, and I highly recommend this package 101%.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Twinsmomtam2
Apr 11, 2025
A Truly Magical Day – Perfect for Teens and Adults Alike! - We had an *amazing* experience on this tour! Our guide, Cyril, was absolutely fantastic—so knowledgeable and personable. He shared just the right mix of historical facts, cultural insights, and fun stories that made the whole day engaging for everyone in our group. Traveling with our 13-year-old son and his friend, we were thrilled at how Cyril went out of his way to connect with them, making the adventure just as exciting for the teens as it was for the adults.
One aspect I really appreciated (that isn’t emphasized enough in the description) is the flexibility of the itinerary. Initially, I considered skipping the tour due to concerns about the length of the hikes, especially after days of walking around Paris. However, I'm *so* glad I decided to join! The tour allowed us to choose how much hiking we wanted to do. I opted out of a couple of treks and instead soaked in the charm of the villages, which was its own kind of magic.
The journey itself was breathtaking. Riding the historic mountain train through the Alps offered stunning views and a sense of stepping back in time. Exploring the ancient villages, walking through the unique sandstone formations, and visiting the majestic Royal Castle and Citadel of Entrevaux were highlights that left us in awe. Walking through ancient paths, learning about the architecture and the reasons behind how these communities were built—it was truly special.
This tour provided a perfect blend of adventure, history, and cultural immersion. Highly recommend, especially for families with teens!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jet680734
May 5, 2025
Still a good trip - Great day, trains and weather tried to ruin the event but did not.Matt was fun and full of knowledge and with great attitude and resourcefulness when things looked bleak .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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