train des merveilles torino cuneo limone - ter | sncf train des merveilles... · and bank holidays...

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Train des Merveilles From Nice to Tende Free: English commentaries • June to September: every day • May and October: weekends and bank holidays Let the region transport you € 15 1 day unlimited travel in the Alpes-Maritimes Italie Viaduc sur la Roya Viaduc de l’Usine Viaduc de la Chapelle Tunnel hélicoïdal Saint-Dalmas - La Brigue Tunnel de Tende Viaduc de Scarassouï Tunnel du Mont Grazian Viaduc du Caï Viaduc de l’Erbossiera Viaduc de l’Escarène Tunnel du Col-de-Braus Tunnel hélicoïdal de Berghe Tunnels de Rio-Freddo et Morga Tunnel du Col de Tende Circuit des Trois villages 1 h 30 Circuit de Lourquière 2 h Fort Central Fort Pernante Fort de la Marguerie Gravures rupestres Gravures rupestres Fort Pépin Fort Tabourde Musée des Merveilles Notre-Dame des Fontaines Chapelle Saint-Sauveur Madone de Poggio Notre Dame du Mont Chapelle des Pénitents Nice Fontan-Saorge Sospel La Brigue Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende Tende L'Escarène Breil-sur-Roya Touët-de-l'Escarène Peillon-Sainte-Thècle Peille Nice-Ville Drap-Cantaron Halte de Fontanil Nice-Pont-Michel La Trinité-Victor L'Ariane-la Trinité Eze Menton Carnolès Cap-d'Ail Nice-Riquier Menton-Garavan Bevera Airole Piène Olivetta San Michel Beaulieu-sur-Mer Monaco- Monte-Carlo Villefranche-sur-Mer Roquebrune- Cap-Martin Vintimille Cannes Toulon Marseille Gênes Torino Cuneo Limone Mont Bego 2873 m Pointe de la Corne de Bouc 2439 m L’Arpette 1610 m Mont Gros 1272 m Mont Sainte-Marie 2739 m Lantosque Vence Saint-Martin-Vésubie Roquebillière Levens Carros 3 6 5 4 1 2 Viévola From Nice to Tende Recognised for the wild beauty of the landscapes through which it travels, the Merveilles tourist Train is also remarkable due to the genius who oversaw its construction. An extraordinary journey From Nice to Tende, the Merveilles tourist train crosses stunning landscapes from the Mediterranean coast to the Mercantour National Park. This comfortable, air-conditioned train serves the villages in the Paillon and Roya Bévéra valleys, giving an opportunity to discover the unique landscapes of rural France. The Merveilles tourist Train is recognised as one of the most stunning railway journeys in Europe. In the summer, a tour guide from the Region will give you a guided tour with information on the most interesting points about the natural and historical heritage along the way. The history of an extraordinary construction From sea level to 1 000 m altitude heights, the 100 km long railway line, inaugurated in 1928, is a monumental construction which includes various engineering feats. The construction was commissioned in 1 883 and was a real technical challenge, requiring no less than one hundred bridges and viaducts and almost as many tunnels and retaining walls to cross the uneven landscape. For those who love Nature and Adventure! On a sunny day, take the Train des Merveilles to explore authentic local villages. Each of the ten stops on the line offers attractions such as hiking circuits, museums, monuments, and local crafts. On arriving at Tende, the doors open out onto the Mercantour National Park with its preserved natural environment, 600 km of signposted trails and archaeological treasures and cave paintings. Train des Merveilles line Nice-Ventimiglia coastal line Ventimiglia-Breil sur Roya line Station or stop Tunnels, viaducts and engineering work Hiking circuit Culture and heritage: museums, monuments and Baroque art Restaurants Italy Nice Tende Provence-Alpes- Côte d'Azur Region Practical information Timetables A regularly-running line, this train stops at twelve stations each day, with 11 return journeys between Nice and Breil-sur-Roya (including four between Nice and Tende). Connections possible with the line Nice-Cunéo. Detailed timetables can be found on timetable number 5 in stations along the line. Prices, reservations and ticket purchases Online ticket sales on the TER PACA site, in Alpes-Maritimes SNCF stations and at regional SNCF railway-ticket machines. Services on board the train • Bicycles are accepted on board the train. • Pets are accepted with a valid ticket. Your car-less journey in one click Free app and website, Pacamobilité.fr calculates your journeys by train, coach, metro, bus and tram in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. ZOU ! Reduced fares for your leisure activities! For € 15, a ZOU! Pass allows you 1 day unlimited travel in the Alpes- Maritimes department. Valid from 1 st June to 30 th September. Already hold a ZOU! Études card or a ZOU! 50-75 % card ? You will automatically receive a 50 % discount on your leisure transport. Find out more ! Information • TER PACA website • TER MOBILE app • Contact TER 0 800 11 40 23 (calls and services free from France every day from 7 am to 9:30 pm) • Website: regionpaca.fr 1 Hiking and outdoor sports Discover numerous routes to hike on foot or on mountain bike, around each village and from one station to the next. Take the opportunity to experience water sports, canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, rafting and the steep routes of the Via ferrata. Choose your own route and customise your adventure with information available from the Tourist Office in each village. Saorge Monastery Overlooking the village of Saorge, this monastic community dating from the 17 th century, has preserved its exceptional landscapes, architecture and interiors. Open during the tourist season, 10 am -12 am and 2 pm-6 pm (5 pm in October). Entry: € 5.50, free for under 18 years. Self-guided tour or tour with commentary. saorge.monuments-nationaux.fr, +33 (0)4 93 04 55 55 Mediterranean Museum of Merveilles Discover natural history, archaeology, arts and popular traditions, as well as the Mont Bego cave paintings. With an up-to-date museum display and using cutting-edge audiovisual technology and multimedia, the museum, by means of maps, slideshows, and recreations of engraved rocks and original objects, presents the richness of this heritage, which is unique in Europe. Open 2 nd May-15 th October, 10 am-6.30 pm every day except Tuesdays (except on July, August and September: open every day). Closed 12 th -24 th March, 13 th -25 th November, 25 th December, 1 st January and 1 st May. Free entry. Avenue du 16 septembre 1 947, 06 430 Tende. musee-merveilles.com, +33 (0)4 93 04 32 50 6 Transport Ecomuseum For twenty years, the volunteer members of the Association of the Breil Ecomuseum have collected rare items relating to the history of transport in the Southern Alps and the French Riviera (locomotives, trams, buses, etc.). The eventful history of the Nice-Tende-Coni train, an exhibition of SNCF locomotives, functional small-scale models, etc. Shop-Bookshop with items relating to railways and local history. Open 1 st May-30 th September, 2 pm-6.30 pm. Entry: € 3 Plateau de la gare, 06 540 Breil-sur-Roya. ecomusee-breil.com, +33 (0)4 93 04 42 75 Fort Saint-Roch museum Situated a 15 minutes’ walk from the village of Sospel, this fort is part of the Alps “Ligne Maginot" (Maginot line). There are several kilometres of galleries and a Resistance museum to be explored. Open 2 pm-6 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and French Bank Holidays in April, May, June and September. Every day except Mondays in July and August. Entry: € 5 adults, € 3 children, € 4 group (15 people or more). Tourist Office: 19 avenue Jean Médecin, 06 380. Sospel. sospel-tourisme.com, +33 (0)4 93 04 15 80 © Rémy Masséglia-Lez’Art Création © Mairie de Saorge © département des Alpes-Maritimes © Rémy Masséglia-Lez’Art Création © Rémy Masséglia-Lez’Art Création © Rémy Masséglia-Lez’Art Création Train des Merveilles The House of Heritage and Brigasc Traditions This place presents a large collection of objects and tools from the past, displayed in reconstructed scenes to give the visitor an idea of what life in the valley was like 100 years ago. You will also see a working bee hive, under glass, and the museum of historical organs. Open in May and October: Saturday, Sunday, holiday weekends and bank holidays; in June and September: every day except Monday and Tuesday, from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. In July and August: every day except Tuesday, from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm. 26 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 06 430 La Brigue. patrimoine-labrigue.no-ip.fr, +33 (0)4 93 85 26 13 5 Prepare your journey Your car-less itinerary in one click. Pacamobilité calculates all your journeys by train, coach, metro, bus and tram in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. • Pacamobilite.fr, website and free app. Reduced fares for everyone with the Region! Subscriptions, discounts cards, daily passes, a ZOU ! Pass for everyone! • TER PACA website • Website: regionpaca.fr Information, purchases, and schedules in real time • TER PACA website • TER MOBILE app • Contact TER: 0 800 11 40 23, free calls and services from France, every day from 7 am to 9:30 pm regionpaca.fr 2016 - Direction de l’information, Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. © Photo Région PACA – Jerôme Cabanel. Ne pas jeter sur la voie publique. Sauf erreur typographique. Document non contractuel. Réalisation . Imprimerie Trulli. 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Traindes MerveillesFrom Nice to Tende

Free: English commentaries• June to September: every day• May and October: weekends and bank holidays

Let the region transport you

€ 15 1 day unlimitedtravel in the Alpes-Maritimes

MER MÉDITERRANÉE

I ta l ie

Viaduc sur la RoyaViaduc de l’Usine

Viaduc de la Chapelle

Tunnel hélicoïdalSaint-Dalmas - La Brigue

Tunnel de Tende

Viaduc de Scarassouï

Tunnel du Mont Grazian

Viaduc du Caï

Viaduc de l’Erbossiera

Viaduc de l’Escarène

Tunnel du Col-de-Braus

Tunnel hélicoïdalde Berghe

Tunnels deRio-Freddo

et Morga

Tunnel du Col de Tende

Circuit des Trois villages

1 h 30

Circuit de Lourquière

2 h

Fort Central

Fort Pernante

Fort de la Marguerie

Gravuresrupestres

Gravuresrupestres

Fort Pépin

Fort Tabourde

Musée des Merveilles

Notre-Dame des Fontaines

Chapelle Saint-Sauveur

Madone de Poggio

Notre Dame du Mont

Chapelledes Pénitents

Nice

Fontan-Saorge

Sospel

La BrigueSaint-Dalmas-de-Tende

Tende

L'Escarène

Breil-sur-Roya

Touët-de-l'Escarène

Peillon-Sainte-Thècle

Peille

Nice-Ville

Drap-Cantaron Halte de Fontanil

Nice-Pont-Michel

La Trinité-VictorL'Ariane-la Trinité

Eze

Menton

Carnolès

Cap-d'Ail

Nice-Riquier

Menton-Garavan

Bevera

Airole

Piène

Olivetta San Michel

Beaulieu-sur-Mer

Monaco-Monte-Carlo

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

Vintimille

CannesToulonMarseille

Gênes

TorinoCuneoLimone

Mont Bego2873 m

Pointe de la Corne de Bouc2439 m

L’Arpette1610 m

Mont Gros1272 m

Mont Sainte-Marie2739 m

Lantosque

Vence

Saint-Martin-Vésubie

Roquebillière

Levens

Carros

3

6

5

4

1

2

Viévola

From Nice to Tende

Recognised for the wild beauty of the landscapes through which it travels,the Merveilles tourist Trainis also remarkable due to the genius who oversaw its construction.An extraordinary journey From Nice to Tende, the Merveilles tourist train crosses stunning landscapes from the Mediterranean coast to the Mercantour National Park. This comfortable, air-conditioned train serves the villages in the Paillon and Roya Bévéra valleys, giving an opportunity to discover the unique landscapes of rural France. The Merveilles tourist Train is recognised as one of the most stunning railway journeys in Europe. In the summer, a tour guide from the Region will give you a guided tour with information on the most interesting points about the natural and historical heritage along the way.

The history of an extraordinary construction From sea level to 1 000 m altitude heights, the 100 km long railway line, inaugurated in 1928, is a monumental construction which includes various engineering feats. The construction was commissioned in 1 883 and was a real technical challenge, requiring no less than one hundred bridges and viaducts and almost as many tunnels and retaining walls to cross the uneven landscape.

For those who love Nature and Adventure!On a sunny day, take the Train des Merveilles to explore authentic local villages. Each of the ten stops on the line offers attractions such as hiking circuits, museums, monuments, and local crafts. On arriving at Tende, the doors open out onto the Mercantour National Park with its preserved natural environment, 600 km of signposted trails and archaeological treasures and cave paintings.

Train des Merveilles line

Nice-Ventimiglia coastal line

Ventimiglia-Breil sur Roya line

Station or stop

Tunnels, viaducts and engineering work

Hiking circuit

Culture and heritage: museums, monuments and Baroque art

Restaurants

I ta ly

Nice

Tende

Provence-Alpes- Côte d'Azur Region

Practical information TimetablesA regularly-running line, this train stops at twelve stations each day, with 11 return journeys between Nice and Breil-sur-Roya (including four between Nice and Tende). Connections possible with the line Nice-Cunéo. Detailed timetables can be found on timetable number 5 in stations along the line.

Prices, reservations and ticket purchasesOnline ticket sales on the TER PACA site, in Alpes-Maritimes SNCF stations and at regional SNCF railway-ticket machines.

Services on board the train• Bicycles are accepted on board the train.• Pets are accepted with a valid ticket.

Your car-less journey in one click Free app and website, Pacamobilité.fr calculates your journeys by train, coach, metro, bus and tram in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

ZOU ! Reduced fares for your leisure activities! For € 15, a ZOU! Pass allows you 1 day unlimited travel in the Alpes-Maritimes department. Valid from 1st June to 30th September. Already hold a ZOU! Études card or a ZOU! 50-75 % card ? You will automatically receive a 50 % discount on your leisure transport. Find out more !

Information• TER PACA website• TER MOBILE app• Contact TER 0 800 11 40 23 (calls and services free from France every day from 7 am to 9:30 pm)• Website: regionpaca.fr

1

Hiking and outdoor sportsDiscover numerous routes to hike on foot or on mountain bike, around each village and from one station to the next. Take the opportunity to experience water sports, canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, rafting and the steep routes of the Via ferrata. Choose your own route and customise your adventure with information available from the Tourist Offi ce in each village.

Saorge Monastery Overlooking the village of Saorge, this monastic community dating from the 17th century, has preserved its exceptional landscapes, architecture and interiors.

Open during the tourist season, 10 am -12 am and 2 pm-6 pm(5 pm in October). Entry: € 5.50, free for under 18 years. Self-guided tour or tour with commentary. saorge.monuments-nationaux.fr, +33 (0)4 93 04 55 55

Mediterranean

Museum of Merveilles Discover natural history, archaeology, arts and popular traditions, as well as the Mont Bego cave paintings. With an up-to-date museum display and using cutting-edge audiovisual technology and multimedia, the museum, by means of maps, slideshows, and recreations of engraved rocks and original objects, presents the richness of this heritage, which is unique in Europe.

Open 2nd May-15th October, 10 am-6.30 pm every day except Tuesdays (except on July, August and September: open every day). Closed 12 th-24 th March, 13 th-25 th November, 25 th December, 1st January and 1st May. Free entry.Avenue du 16 septembre 1 947, 06 430 Tende.musee-merveilles.com, +33 (0)4 93 04 32 50

6Transport Ecomuseum For twenty years, the volunteer members of the Association of the Breil Ecomuseum have collected rare items relating to the history of transport in the Southern Alps and the French Riviera (locomotives, trams, buses, etc.). The eventful history of the Nice-Tende-Coni train, an exhibition of SNCF locomotives, functional small-scale models, etc. Shop-Bookshop with items relating to railways and local history.

Open 1st May-30th September, 2 pm-6.30 pm. Entry: € 3 Plateau de la gare, 06 540 Breil-sur-Roya. ecomusee-breil.com,+33 (0)4 93 04 42 75

Fort Saint-Roch museumSituated a 15 minutes’ walk from the village of Sospel, this fort is part of the Alps “Ligne Maginot" (Maginot line). There are several kilometres of galleries and a Resistance museum to be explored.

Open 2 pm-6 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and French Bank Holidays in April, May, June and September. Every day except Mondays in July and August. Entry: € 5 adults, € 3 children, € 4 group (15 people or more). Tourist Offi ce: 19 avenue Jean Médecin, 06 380. Sospel. sospel-tourisme.com, +33 (0)4 93 04 15 80

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Train des Merveilles

The House of Heritage and Brigasc TraditionsThis place presents a large collection of objects and tools from the past, displayed in reconstructed scenes to give the visitor an idea of what life in the valley was like 100 years ago. You will also see a working bee hive, under glass, and the museum of historical organs.

Open in May and October: Saturday, Sunday, holiday weekends and bank holidays; in June and September: every day except Monday and Tuesday, from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. In July and August: every day except Tuesday, from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm. 26 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 06 430 La Brigue.patrimoine-labrigue.no-ip.fr, +33 (0)4 93 85 26 13

5

Prepare your journey

Your car-less itinerary in one click. Pacamobilité calculates all your journeys by train, coach, metro, bus and tram in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. • Pacamobilite.fr, website

and free app.

Reduced fares for everyone with the Region! Subscriptions, discounts cards,

daily passes, a ZOU ! Pass for everyone! • TER PACA website • Website: regionpaca.fr

Information, purchases, and schedules in real time • TER PACA website • TER MOBILE app • Contact TER: 0 800 11 40 23,

free calls and services from France, every day from 7 am to 9:30 pm

regionpaca.fr

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PeilleCulture and HeritageFrom its promontory, this charming medieval village offers a unique panoramic view as far as the Mediterranean. In this authentic picturesque village, you will be able to explore the cobble-stoned, the beautiful little squares, the church, the fountains and the mansion houses dating from the Middle Ages, a testimony of a long and glorious past, full of history.

Nature and Escapism Peille has exceptional natural riches and pleasant paths winding among sweet-smelling plants. Take advantage of the climate, the flora and fauna and the outdoor activities all year round: excursions in the forests, hiking, mountain biking, Via ferrata, etc.

Lifestyle, Traditions and Events • July: Feast of Sainte-Anne in Grave de Peille• July: Léo Ferré Summer Festival• First Sunday of August: Wheat and Lavender Festival• 15th August: Feast of the Assumption• First weekend of September: Feast of Baguettes.

Explore: museums, tours• Free guided visits every afternoon from Wednesday to Sunday (leaves 2 pm, 3:15 pm, 4:30 pm in front of the Tourist Office): Musée du Terroir, Sainte-Marie church, dome, chapels, old post-card route and village.

InformationTourist Office: [email protected] Outdoor activity centre: +33 (0)4 93 80 46 84 / +33 (0)6 32 11 53 68

AccessApproximately one hour’s walk from the Grave of Peille station.

L’EscarèneCulture and Heritage In this village lying at the convergence of the Redebraus and Paillon de Lucéram rivers on the salt trail, the Place de la Gabelle, the Pont Vieux (old bridge) with one arch, the labyrinth of 13th century streets and houses, all bear witness to the past. The Baroque church of Saint-Pierre Es Liens, flanked by the "Pénitents Blancs" and "Pénitents Noirs" Chapels, contains a Grinda organ (1 791), classified as an Historic Monument (completely restored). The village also has a working Greek-style oil mill and a mill museum.

Nature and Escapism The ScarenaBerra, botanical 12 km hiking trail and numerous paths for hiking on foot, on horseback and on mountain bike.

Lifestyle, Traditions and Events • Palm Sunday: Olive Festival• 7-23 July: Les Scarenales, Festival of Ancient Music• End of July: Patronal Feast• August: Grinda organ recitals.

Explore: museums, tours• Olive oil tour (by reservation): 17th century oil mill, olive oil tasting, discover the Nice AOC Olive Oil. Contact Adolive: +33 (0)4 93 79 69 25, adolive.fr• Guided tour of the village: church with two chapels, organ, mill museum, streets, fountains, mausoleum of the first DFL (Free French Army Division) inaugurated by General de Gaulle and the Cougourdon museum.

InformationTourist Office: +33 (0)4 93 79 62 93. Town Hall: escarene.fr, +33 (0)4 93 91 64 00

AccessApproximately 10 minutes’ walk from the station to the village.

Breil-sur-RoyaCulture and Heritage The village is located along the Roya and the lake. It has arcaded squares, the Sancta Maria in Albis church (with a magnificent organ dating from the 18th century) and Baroque chapels. Artists’ exhibitions take place at the "Ar Cuppera" mill. This is olive country and the oil extracted in the mills used to be served in the Russian courts.

Nature and EscapismHiking in all seasons for everyone (routes available from the Tourist Office). Paradise for water sports: canyons, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed (various service providers). Covered, heated swimming pool (the only one in the Roya Bévéra valleys).

Lifestyle, Traditions and Events • July: Agricultural Festival• First two weeks of August: Historic Organ Festival in the Roya Bévéra valleys• Mid-August: Patronal Feast of Medj’Agoust and Cruella Festival• Local Products: crescent pastries, pies, honey, ceramics, etc.

Explore: museums, tours• Self-guided historic tour of the village following the signposts in the streets.• Transport Ecomuseum. Open 2 pm-6 pm-1st May-30th September.Entry: € 3• Moulin d’A Coupiera, oil and grain mills.

InformationTourist Office: breil-sur-roya.fr, +33 (0)4 93 04 99 76Transport Ecomuseum: ecomusee-breil.fr, +33 (0)4 93 04 42 75

AccessApproximately 10 minutes’ walk from the station to the village.

FontanCulture and Heritage Originally called Tourette, Fontan is a hamlet that was created in 1 616 under the orders of the Duke of Savoie, in order to create a stopping place for travellers on the "Real Strada" or Royal Road, inaugurated in the 18th century. The trompe l’œil decorations on the façades are a testimony of the Ligurian influence. The heritage sites of this village include the remarkable Baroque bell tower covered in glazed tiles and the Notre-Dame de la Visitation church from the 17th century with one of the six classified organs of the Roya Bévéra (1850).

Nature and EscapismRiver trout fishing, water sports, hiking, mountain biking.

Lifestyle, Traditions and Events • Fist weekend in August: Patronal Feast• End of October: Chestnut Festival• December: Christmas Market.

Explore: museums, tours• Guided tours organised by the Médiathèque (minimum 4 peopleor more). Reservation the day prior to the visit before 5 pm. InformationTourist Office: fontan-tourisme.com, +33 (0)4 93 04 56 93

AccessApproximately 15 minutes’ walk from the station to the village.

SaorgeCulture and Heritage Powerful medieval city overlooking gorges, steeply-stepped streets, houses with sculpted lintels. The religious architecture is remarkable: the Romanesque chapel of Madone del Poggio, the 15th century Saint-Saviour Church with its Pavie organ, which was transported by boat and on the back of mules, Saorge Monastery, a former Franciscan convent, exceptional baroque monastic complex.

Nature and EscapismTrout fishing in the river, water sports, discover the forests in the Mercantour Park.

Lifestyle, Traditions and Events • July 23rd to 30th: Italian Organ Week: courses, concerts, etc.• August 6th to 9th: Open-air cinema at the Saorge Monastery• Second half of August: Feast of Saint-Roch.

Explore: museums, tours• Monastery visit, former Franciscan convent: every day except for Tuesdays, 2nd May-30th September, 10 am-12 pm and 2 pm-6 pm. In February, March, April and October, 10 am-12 pm and 2 pm-5 pm. Closed from November to January and 1st May except group visits by reservation.• Guided tour of the village, mini-concert on historic organ, by appointment.

InformationTown Hall: saorge.fr, +33 (0)4 93 04 51 23, saorge.monuments-nationaux.fr Caïros Bookshop: [email protected], +33 (0)4 93 04 51 60Saorgue Monastery: +33 (0)4 93 04 55 55

Access15 minutes’ walk along the road from the station to the village or a good hour’s hike on the Grande Randonnée path.

Saint-Dalmas-de-TendeCulture and Heritage This hamlet of Tende became French in 1 947. With the aim of affirming the power of the young Italian nation, the monumental station of Saint-Dalmas was built in 1 928 under Mussolini’s orders. Old lead and zinc mines have been exploited here since Antiquity.

Nature and EscapismA departure point for hikes to Granile, Tende and La Brigue and the main access route to the valleys of Fontanalbe and Valmasque, Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende is also the entrance to the fabulous valley of Merveilles in the Mercantour National Park. Try out various activities at Castérino: horse-riding, 4 x 4 excursions, "cani-rando" dog sledding. Daily transfers by bus from the SNCF station in July and August. Information on +33 (0)4 93 04 73 71.

Lifestyle, Traditions and Events • Last weekend in June: Village Patronal Feast• End of October: Chestnut Festival.

Explore: museums, tours• Saint-Dalmas Station has 20th century heritage classification• The former Saint-Dalmas priory, transformed into a hotelrestaurant• The hamlet of Granile has preserved its traditional mountain architecture• The Granile chestnut trees.

InformationTourist Office: tendemerveilles.com, +33 (0)4 93 04 73 71

AccessApproximately 3 minutes’ walk from the station to the village.

La BrigueCulture and Heritage Medieval village with seven historic monuments and sculpted lintels, remains of the Lascaris castle, Place Vieille with arcades, Saint-Martin's Collegiate Church and its altarpiece paintings by the "Peintres primitifs niçois" (early painters from Nice), and Baroque chapels. 4 km from the village: Notre-Dame des Fontaines famous for its sumptuous frescos (1 492), Pont du Coq on the road leading to the chapel, "Ca d’Arbine" and to the "Chemin des Oratoires".

Nature and EscapismHikes, interpretive trails, mountain bike trails, Via Ferrata with zip lines, rock climbing spots, a caving kingdom, unique flora.

Lifestyle, Traditions and Events • Sunday June 5th: Spring Festival• Sunday July 1th: Multi-period Festival• August 1st and 2nd: Art and Tradition Weekend• August 6th and 7th: Mélodique Motor Show• Sunday October 16th: Brigasca Sheep Festival.

Explore: museums, tours• Tour of the “Our Lady of the Fountains” chapel: every day (except Tuesday and Thursday afternoons) from April 15th to October 15th, from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm. Entrance: € 4 (reduced price € 3), guided tour € 6 (reduced price € 4)• Tour of the Musée du Patrimoine et des Traditions Brigasques (Museum of Heritage and Brigasc Traditions). Open in May and October: Saturday and Sunday. In June and September: every day except Monday and Tuesday. In July and August: every day except Tuesday. Entrance: € 4, groups: € 3, under 12 s and schoolchildren: € 2.

InformationTourist Office: labrigue.fr, +33 (0)4 93 79 09 34Maison du Patrimoine: patrimoine-labrigue.org, +33 (0)4 93 85 26 13

AccessApproximately 10 minutes’ walk from the station to the village.

TendeCulture and Heritage An important stopover point on the salt trail, the village of Tende includes the valleys of Merveilles, Fontanalbe and Valmasque in the Mercantour National Park. Not to be missed: Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Collegiate Church (organ dating from 1 807), medieval hilltop village, Baroque chapels and frescos from the 15th century, remains of the Lascaris Castle, Museum of Merveilles, interactive exhibition in the Maison du Mercantour.

Nature and Escapism• Hikes, 4 x 4 excursions, Via ferrata, mountain-biking centre, walks,swimming pool in summer and games areas.• Daily shuttle bus in July and August for Castérino (access to the valleys of Merveilles).

Lifestyle, Traditions and Events • July 9th and 10th: Saint Eligius Festival• July 24th: African Day• August 13th and 14th: Saint-Roch Shepherds’ Festival and the Farmers’ Festival• August 19th to 21st: Old Tende Festival (concerts, exhibitions, etc.)• October 7th to 9th: Chestnut Festival.

Explore: museums, tours• Guided tours of the village, free documentation for treasure hunts,historic visits and walks• July and August: Honey Center• Private Collections on traditions and popular arts• Panoramic walks near the village.

InformationTourist Office: tendemerveilles.com, +33 (0)4 93 04 73 71Museum of Merveilles: museedesmerveilles.com, +33 (0)4 93 04 32 50

Access Approximately 3 minutes’ walk from the station to the village.

Peillon-Sainte-ThècleCulture and HeritageUp winding streets, with steep steps, the old village of Peillon, with its tall, narrow houses, has Historic Monument status. Its heritage sites include an 18th century fountain, a church of Transfiguration, a "Pénitents Blancs" Chapel, murals attributed to Canavesio.

Nature and EscapismHikes towards Peille and the Lourquière point, mountain bike circuit, climbing routes, equestrian centre.

Lifestyle, Traditions and Events• First weekend of August: Patronal Feast of Saint-Saviour• Last weekend in August: Feast of Saint-Auguste• End September: Feast of Saint-Thecla• November-December: Santons Fair• Various exhibitions throughout the year at the Railway Museum • November: World War I centennial exhibition.

Explore: museums, tours• Guided tours: "Pénitents Blancs" Chapel, church of the Transfiguration, village, Railway heritage museum with guidebooks for self-guided tour.• Excursion idea for Railway museums: after tour and lunch at Tende, take the train to Breil to visit the Regional Transport Ecomuseum, then take the train to Peillon to visit the Flaminius Raiberti Railway heritage museum. Return to Nice. • Tours by reservation at the tourist information office.

Information Tourist Office: [email protected], +33 (0)6 24 97 42 25, Open from March to October, Tuesday to Saturday, from 1 pm to 5 pm (6 pm from June to September).Railway museum at the Peillon-Sainte-Thècle station: +33 (0)6 24 97 42 25

AccessOne hour’s walk on the main road or the communal pathway.

SospelCulture and Heritage This medieval village has rich heritage: the old bridge with a tower, trompe l’œil façades, arcaded squares, fountains, rural chapels, "Pénitents" chapels and a remarkable group of Baroque architecture (cathedral with recently renovated interior decoration, historic organ and altarpiece by François Brea). Also discover the fortified sites and the Ligne Maginot museum.

Nature and EscapismVarious trails for hiking on foot, mountain bike, horseback, paragliding, canyoning and bicycle touring.

Lifestyle, Traditions and Events• June 29th to July 3rd: Les BaroQuiales (a large baroque festival)• 22-28 August: Cinema Festival• August 28th: Horse Festival• September 11th: Agricultural Festival• 24th September: Second Sustainable Development Day.

Explore: museums, tours• Guided tours of the town, the restored Saint-Michel cathedral and "Pénitents Blancs" Chapel in the afternoons• Fort Saint-Roch, Ligne Maginot alpine museum• Fort du Barbonnet and l’Agaïsen: occasional visits• Exhibitions, lectures, films at the Médiathèque and at the Pont Vieux.

InformationTourist Office : sospel-tourisme.com, +33 (0)4 93 04 15 80

AccessApproximately 5 minutes’ walk from the station to the village.

Free: on-board commentaries in French and English provided by experienced guides during the summer period. • Every day from June to September, weekends and bank holidays in May and October.• Departure at 9:23 am from Nice train station, arrival in Tende at 11:24 am. Returns possible via the lower Roya valley, on the Breil-Nice line, via Ventimiglia (an additional € 5 will be payable on the train).• Round-trip ticket: € 15 with ZOU ! Pass Alpes-Maritimes from June 1st to September 30th and € 13.60 for the journeyNice-Tende with ZOU ! 50-75 % year-round. Find out !• Ticket purchases online at ter-sncf.com/paca ; or in SNCF train stations in the Alpes-Maritimes, and at the SNCF Nice-Liberté shop.

To organise other guided tours in the valleys:• Creative Riviera, tour guides (guides on the Merveilles tourist Train). [email protected], +33 (0)6 12 10 59 61.• ADTRB (association for tourist development in the Roya Bévéra valleys), heritage department. The Roya and Bévéravalleys belong to the Ministry of Culture and Communication national network of Towns and Regions of Art and History. vpah-royabevera.com, +33 (0)4 93 04 22 20.• Pathways and Villages, Architecture, History, Anecdotes and Secret Places: tour guides offer quality tours [email protected], +33 (0)6 27 12 66 28.• The Tourist Offices in the towns and villages served by the train offer guided tours, contact them for more information.

From Nice to Tende

Recognised for the wild beauty of the landscapes through which it travels, the Merveilles tourist Train is also remarkable due to the genius who oversaw its construction.

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Train des Merveilles