Railway companies Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur

Of all the small lines of the secondary rail network, little has survived. The Compagnie des Chemins de Fer de Provence operates a narrow line, Nice-Digne, which plunges into the hinterland, rises to 1 022 m altitude and crosses sites of all beauty, inaccessible by road, on a spectacular route of 151 km which contains no less than 25 tunnels, 16 bridges and viaducts of stone and 15 metal bridges. It is a real mountain line offering magnificent views.

Why this nickname of Train des Pignes? Opinions are divided on its. For some, it would come from pine pignes that city dwellers report on their Sunday walks. For others, the speed of the train on the coast is so low that travellers can go down and pick up pignes along the road. For others, the coal soot was deposited on the locomotives and made them resemble the bottom of the Italian pots, the Pignates… today, the regular service is provided by blue, modern and comfortable diesel railcars but, some days, the Puget-Théniers-Annot segment is insured by a steam locomotive built in 1909 and maintained by a volunteer association. It derives from painted wood benches of 1892. The vapeur of its six tons of water requires the lighting of the boiler 5 h before departure! This steam train only works on certain dates (check before). Regular service per railcar consists of four trains per day in each direction. This transport is ideal for a walk in the hinterland, but may prefer a departure from Nice-Lingostière station where it will be easier for you to park.

Terroir and picturesque discoveries are on the program of the train des Pignes which links Nice to Digne. This line offers a journey to the heart of Provence. The company operates a daily service of 6 round trips, all year round and without reservation. Les chemins de fer de Provence provides a link between Nice and Colomars, some 20 times a day. This urban train connects the two towns in 25 minutes and is mainly aimed at school and business travelers.

Launched in April 2013, this low-cost SNCF service from Marseilles allows passengers to reach central Paris, Lyons or Lille for just a few euros. Prices remain low even as you approach your travel date, but it's best to start early so you don't miss out on the best prices. The service is serious, the trains are new and clean. It will be ideal to go to Disneyland as well since there is a direct line to Marne-la-Vallée. Please be sure to arrive 30 minutes before your departure, having printed your tickets. The baggage allowance is subject to certain restrictions, which can be consulted on the website. But for the price, who can complain?