Pignes steam train

One line, two trains! The Railways of Provence, the Pignes steam train line, takes you from Nice to Digne-les-Bains. As the trip progresses, landscapes one more beautiful than the next emerge, between palm trees, olive trees, lavender and mountain landscapes. For the more nostalgic, opt for the steam Pine tree train, a magical experience from Puget-Théniers to Annot.

Technical sheet

1 hour journey from Puget-Théniers to Annot

Plan a day for a round trip

For the whole family

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The Pignes steam train Unforgettable !

Immediate embarkation for an unforgettable journey aboard the mythical steam pine train.

In the heart of vehicles more than a century old, you will be rocked to the rhythm of the last century.

When it all started

The line which connects Nice to Digne-les-Bains was created in 1911, totalling 151 km of track and 1,000 engineering structures. This train is a strong element of the collective memory of Provence.

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Did you know ?

The steam locomotive has only one driver’s cab.To turn around and start again in the other direction, the volunteers rotate it on a revolving bridge with the force of their arms.

A name, a story ...

We even offer two:

– The speed of the train was so slow that the travellers had time to go down to pick up pine cones (pine cones in Provence) and back up.

– When the locomotive ran out of coal, the machinists used pine nuts for fuel.
Select the one you like!

What is certain is that this rather mocking nickname is affectionate and known around the world today!

Testimonials

Superb experience
Superb experience to do!
We made the short trip to Entrevaux to visit, a little short, next time we will go to Annot

Shudder with fear and pleasure!
For these All Saints’ Day holidays, the steam train offered us a wonderful excursion to Annot in the Halloween atmosphere.
The vintage steam locomotive is magnificent, decorated in the colours of the holiday and the team of enthusiasts who animate the trip to the top!
We laughed a lot!
There’s the spooky and circumstantial storytelling skeleton, the mad butcher controller, a young joker with myxomatous eyes, a creepy guy running around in wagons with a chainsaw, a beautiful lady vampire … small world made us shudder with fear in the dark of the tunnels.
But fortunately: to reassure themselves, distribution of bewitched candies for all!
Great memory!

A journey through time !
What a good idea to restart this beautiful steam locomotive, extremely well maintained by enthusiasts!
Magic train, with its old wagons, its plume of steam, its whistles… A coffee / souvenir wagon has been provided… The moderate speed allows to see all the details of the landscape and to be filmed by astonished motorists… The journey seems too short, both there and back.
What a lovely idea !!!

A captivating journey!

Full steam ahead, through large windows, breathe in a subtle blend of pinewood and smoke.
Landscapes of olive and chestnut trees that you will have time to admire.
Passing from viaducts to tunnels, the locomotive takes you from Puget-Théniers to Entrevaux, to Annot and sometimes even to Fugeret.
A feeling of having travelled in time, taken from a western film, a magical moment shared with the family that will delight young and old.

23€ per adult for a return trip Puget Théniers – Annot

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Where to buy your tickets:

Book online

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Is reservation compulsory?

Although you can buy your ticket on the train, reservation is strongly recommended.
It is not guaranteed that places are still available on the morning of departure.

From Nice station, opt for a combined tiket Railways of Provence + Pignes steam train

More informations

You will find free parking in front of the station and several parking lots 300m away, near the village square.

From 8 May 2022, the Pignes steam train runs every Sunday and some Thursdays and Fridays in July and August.

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Dogs are allowed, please indicate this when making your reservation.

A slightly more modern journey

The steam train is not alone on the line.
Today, the wagons have become modern and comfortable, we meet schoolchildren, workers and travellers in search of nature.
The proud modern red and orange railcar announces itself by whistling happily in the stations located along the line from Nice to Digne-les-Bains.

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