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Train Des Merveilles Devant La Gare De Breil Sur RoyaTrain Des Merveilles Devant La Gare De Breil Sur Roya|
The Train des Merveilles
An Extraordinary
Journey
Nice, 9.08 a.m. You’re on the station platform, setting off to discover the Alpes-Maritimes. You arrive in Tende at 11.33 a.m. Hurry! The train’s about to depart. Once comfortably seated aboard the air-conditioned train, enjoy unique panoramic views of the Paillon, Roya and Bévéra Valleys. Best of all, from May to October, on the morning service only, an expert guide will explain all about the region’s exceptional heritage.
The Train des Merveilles line is indeed recognised as one of Europe’s most amazing railway landscapes. Running from Nice to Tende, you travel through sumptuous scenery, spanning from the Mediterranean coastline to Mercantour National Park. Starting at sea level and climbing to an altitude of 1,000 metres over a distance of a mere hundred kilometres is what makes this line so special.
The Story
of an Extraordinary Project
Beginning in 1883, constructing the Nice-Breil-Tende-Cuneo railway line was a mammoth task. This technical challenge required no fewer than a hundred bridges and viaducts, and almost as many tunnels and retaining walls.
Inaugurated in 1928, the railway line is a monumental achievement, admired as much for the landscapes it crosses as for its many engineering structures, starting with the spiral tunnels that allow the train to gain in altitude via a series of bends within the mountain itself.
Its vast construction site, towering scaffolding and the technical expertise employed which were impressive for the time, make it one of the greatest railway lines in the world.
An Interrupted Line
Some of the engineering structures were destroyed during the Second World War to block supplies to German troops in the upper part of the Roya. The line was eventually fully reopened in 1979.
The Train Route
in 6 stages
There are seven villages with six stops on the Nice-Tende line. Each one awaits to share their own special attraction with you be it architecture, monuments, crafts or hiking trails… And all are well worth a visit. Often, they involve a wonderful walk with panoramic views.
The first stop (and our departure point) is Sospel in the Bévéra Valley. You will be captivated by its colourful facades and its impressive cathedral. Make sure you stop off at Breil-sur-Roya, home to a fascinating transport eco-museum, as well as Saorge, one of France’s most picturesque hilltop villages. Perched on the cliffside, it forms an amazing amphitheatre over the Roya. Our final destination is Tende, a fortified medieval town, where the Musée des Merveilles reveals the history of the most important site of prehistoric engravings in Europe.
An Ode to
Contemplation
Right before your eyes, landscapes pass by, each one as breath-taking as the next. Marvel at the details of the viaducts and tunnels, villages and forests. At the end of the journey, you’ll be surprised to see that, despite Tende being at an altitude of 800 metres, the vegetation here has more of a Mediterranean feel with broom, lavender, thyme and endemic orchids still adorning the countryside with their fragrance. Most of all, you’ll love this enchanting escape from everyday life…. it is truly wondrous.
Opening Times
& Prices
- A detailed timetable of the daily TER line can be found on the TER PACA website.
- Commentary is provided by an expert guide on the 9.08 a.m. service from Nice, daily from June to September, and on weekends and public holidays in May and October.
- Ticket purchases: Buy directly at the station or book online through the TER PACA website or SNCF application.
- A promotional “Day Pass” at €16 for all-day travel on the TER network, and a “Pass Isabelle Famille” for 2 adults and 2 children are available.
To reach the Roya Valley
- Roya Valley Access
Having been severely impacted by Storm Alex, the Roya Valley and its villages are now ready to welcome you this summer! Road and rail links have been developed to offer you the best possible experience.
