The Train des Merveilles, also known as the Train of Wonders, has reopened after a year-long closure due to major works. This spectacular railway route connects the glamorous Côte d'Azur with the rugged Southern French Alps, offering passengers a breathtaking two-hour journey from Nice to the medieval town of Tende.
Journey Through Time and Terrain
Departing from Nice-Ville station, the train quickly leaves behind the suburbs and climbs into the hills. The line, which began construction in 1883, features over 100 bridges and viaducts, along with numerous tunnels and retaining walls. Ingenious helical loop tunnels allow the train to gain altitude by spiraling inside the mountains.
As the train ascends, the landscape transforms from low hills with chestnut trees to a grand mountainscape with jagged peaks. Passengers can disembark at Sospel, a medieval town with a 13th-century bridge, or continue to La Brigue, gateway to the Mercantour national park, known for the Chapel of Our Lady of Fountains with its vivid 15th-century frescoes.
Highlights of the Route
- Sospel: A medieval town with the Pont-Vieux bridge and a vibrant market day.
- La Brigue: Home to the Chapel of Our Lady of Fountains, often called the Sistine Chapel of the Southern Alps.
- Tende: The final stop, 800 meters above sea level, with ruins of Chateau Lascaris and the Musée des Merveilles, showcasing Neolithic rock engravings.
The town of Tende's history is tied to the Salt Road, a mule train route used from the Middle Ages until the 18th century. The Musée des Merveilles explains the area's significance as one of Europe's largest Neolithic and Bronze Age rock-engraving sites.
Exploring Beyond the Train
After the train journey, travelers can explore the coast. Antibes, just 40 minutes from Nice, offers a marina with gleaming yachts and 16th-century ramparts. Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a short hop east, boasts belle epoque glamour and the Plage de la Petite Afrique for paddling and seafood.
In Nice itself, the old town offers culinary gems like Acchiardo, a family-run restaurant serving daube Nicoise, and Les Bar Des Oiseaux, a bistro with art-covered walls and delicious bourride fish stew.
Travel Tips
The trip was provided by Mama Shelter hotels and the Nice Côte d'Azur tourist board. Doubles at Mama Shelter Nice start from £114 B&B. The Train des Merveilles runs daily from June to September, with an onboard guide on the 9:30 departure. A regional rail day pass with Ter Zou!, including the Train des Merveilles, costs €20.
