Bucket list experience:
Get above it all on the picturesque, human-scale, and wonderfully scenic Train des Pignes.
The historic steam engine takes 90 minutes to chug from Puget-Theniers to Annot, and on special occasions goes as far Le Fugeret.
Along the way, you pass through verdant French countryside, peppered with mountains and gorges, olive-oil mills and walled villages.
Choose to disembark at medieval Entrevaux with its citadel, or Annot and Le Fugeret for lovely walks.
It’s a spectacular route and a great day out in the South of France: kids love it too.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
France
Where to go and what to see in the Cote d’Azur to get the most from your trip – a 9-day itinerary including Cannes, Monaco, Nice & Saint-Tropez from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
France
Where to go and what to see in Nice to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
The train departs from Puget-Theniers at 11am; if you are starting in Nice, the corresponding train from Nice CP station (north of the city centre) leaves at just after 9am (buy a combination ticket).
The train returns from Annot at around 3.30pm, allowing to you catch the corresponding train back to Nice, arriving back at 6pm.
Trains leave Puget-Theniers at 11am on Sundays from May until the first Sunday in November, as well as on Fridays in July and August, and also Thursdays in August.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[0.6 miles]
This attractive, friendly and affordable 4-star boutique hotel stands out for its lovely garden. It’s handily located just outside the pedestrianised area of Old Nice, close to Nice’s main sights, and a short walk to its beach.
Official star rating:
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[0.8 miles]
This fun, colourful and affordable design hotel channels this area’s beach clubs, just off Nice’s Promenade des Anglais.
Official star rating:
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[1 miles]
Big, full-service hotel with a flashy image, set in a historic casino on Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais seafront.
Official star rating:
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[1.3 miles]
Contemporary suites and apartments set in an attractive 18th-century building, in a superb location in Old Nice. A great base for a few days in Nice.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Cote d'Azur, France
Money, glamour and bombshell looks: this beach-trimmed stretch of French coast offers decadent hotels, lounging in beach clubs, fine restaurants and world-class art.
Cote d'Azur, France
The buzzing, art-filled, foodie capital of the French Riviera, with a charming, Italian-influenced historic centre. The ideal base for a first-time visit to the Cote d’Azur, and home to the world-renowned Nice Carnival.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[0.7 miles]
Parades, costumes, flower ‘battles’, lights, and sun: Nice holds one of the world’s best carnivals – second only to Rio.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 2 weeks
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[0.9 miles]
This modern museum showcases Chagall’s joyful series of artworks inspired by the Bible – an explosion of colour and light. It’s the biggest public collection of works by one of the greatest 20th-century artists.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[1 miles]
One of France’s most splendid Belle Epoque villas, donated to the city of Nice by the aristocratic Massena family, is now home to a compelling collection of art, furniture and artifacts that track Nice’s rich history.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[1.3 miles]
This superb late 20th- and 21st-century art collection features many artists associated with Nice and the French Riviera. Nice’s answer to Paris’ Pompidou Centre.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[1.6 miles]
This magnificent former private mansion – built by a Russian princess – contains a fine collection of paintings and sculptures from the 16th to 20th century, by artists who lived in the Cote D’Azur.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[3.1 miles]
A superb collection of art from France’s ‘Naive’ art movement, housed in a delightful pink mansion. Over 600 works from 27 countries.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5
Villefranche-sur-Mer , Cote d'Azur, France[4.5 miles]
Tucked between chi-chi St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Nice, the charming Medieval village of Villefranche-sur-Mer is the relaxed, boho antidote to the moneybags Riviera. A kilometre of coarse, gently shelving golden sand and crystalline waters, it’s all free and open to the public.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[5.8 miles]
Built in 1908 in an ancient-Greek-style, this villa in a ravishing seaside garden setting features replica 2nd-century AD interiors typical of the island of Delos. The project of two scholars obsessed with the period.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Be it jaw-dropping scenery, a rich historical significance, the tradition and atmosphere of the train itself – or a combination of all three – here’s our round-up of the world’s best.
