T3
THE MOUNTAIN TRAIN EXPERIENCE :
ROYAL TOWN, CASTLE & MYSTIC FOREST
TRAIN - CROSSING THE ALPS - SURPRISING HIKE - MEDIEVAL CASTLE - WILD LANDSCAPES - RIVER
A unique experience with a historic trainline from Nice to discover the Alps (nearby Verdon Canyon). A technical feat of French civil engineering from the early
20th century which history will be told on board by our professional and local guide. A great opportunity to visit 2 amazing villages each forged over centuries by a unique
history.
The 1st village is a must with its impressive fully fortified village, its medieval drawbridge, its extravagant Baroque Cathedral and its majestic eagle nest
Castle overlooking the Var valley. An incredible village with many historical gems and fabulous landscapes to discover (possibility of a pre-return in Nice at 4pm visiting only one
village).
The 2nd village, in addition to its medieval beauty, offers the possibility (optional) to go on the most special and beautiful hiking excursion of the Southern
Alps: giant sandstone blocks (‘meteor shower’ effect), cave shelters and troglodyte houses, surprising geological sites, the mysterious ‘King's Room and King's Garden’, a multi-centenary
chestnut forest and, in a few hours, a diversity of landscapes that create a chain of surprises.
An unforgettable day to enjoy the clean, fresh and invigorating air of the Alps on an excursion full of surprises and hidden treasures: a haven of peace
just a stone's throw from the French Riviera.
PS: Be aware, it is a sporty day, a good physical condition is recommended!
THE ALPINE ROUTES BY TRAIN: NATURE, GEOLOGY & VISIT OF CITADEL
ITINERARY (flexible):
- 07:30 am: Early morning meeting point
- 8am: Train ride (1H30-2H) commented on board by our local expert guide
- 9:30am - 10am: Visit of the 1st Village and possibilities of walking options (Castle and/or Hiking)
-
12:30am: Typical lunch break
-
~2pm: Train to the second village
- ~2.30pm: Visit of the 2nd village with hiking option (shorter (4 km) or longer loop (8 km) depending on physical conditions) - Free time (aperitif, game of pétanque, tastings of local produces).
- Return in Nice at 9pm.
(During WINTER SEASON: Tuesdays and Wednesdays the 2nd village with hiking through Mystic Forest ; Thursdays and Saturdays the 1st village with the Citadel and the Royal Castle ; Sundays only: the 2 villages and return to Nice at 6.15pm).
Highlights of the Train Tour :
‘MOUNTAIN TRAIN EXPERIENCE: ROYAL TOWN, CASTLE & MYSTIC FOREST’ :
- A unique historical train line through the Alps (viaducts, valleys, tunnels) with commentary on board.
- Authentic and surprising villages of Alpine Valleys with visits of antique mills and ovens.
- One of the most surprising hiking excursions in the southern Alps, a geological and natural jewel, a diversity of landscapes that creates series of surprises.
- A rich medieval history with anecdotes & legends.
- A crossing of the Southern Alps
- A baroque cathedral, churches & chapels of exception
- A typical lunch of local specialities
- A local, professional and knowledgeable guide of these villages
- Possibility to visit the Motorbike Museum (depending on the day)
- Small groups guided tour for a better quality of service (5 pers. min. - 15 pers. max.)
OPTION possible:
- During special events you can take a Historical Steam Train to experience like once upon a time (2025 dates available soon).
OPTIONS possible (for private groups):
-
Canoeing, Rafting, Canyoning and Via Ferrata (climbing routes).
- Visits of villages, hiking and sports activities (and/or relaxation/spa/thermas/massages) tailor-made over 2-3 days with recommendations to be accommodated in a village (Hostel, Hotel, MobilHome/Camping) (with possibility to go to the famous Verdon Canyon, the highest in Europe).
Price conditions:
* These excursions are suitable for children/families 12-17 years old = -10%; 6-12 years old = -50%.
Included: round trip train tickets, local expert guide during the whole day, lunch with local specialities.
.
