Nice to Alps: Mountain Train Day Trip & Medieval Villages

Summary

Alpine train ride from Nice into medieval villages with castle hikes and valley lunch

You’ll board a historic mountain train in Nice with a local guide, cross viaducts into medieval villages like Entrevaux or Annot, climb castle stairs for wild Alpine views, share lunch in a valley restaurant, and maybe hike among ancient chestnut trees. Expect real conversation and plenty of fresh air — plus moments that linger long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

Pascal, our guide, was already waving at us by the big blue gate at Gare des Chemins de Fer de Provence — he had that local way of making you feel like you’d known him for ages. He pointed out the old market building nearby (“best socca in Nice, but we’re saving room for lunch!”), and then herded us onto this little mountain train I’d only ever seen in photos. The seats were a bit creaky and the windows fogged up as we left Nice behind. I could smell coffee from someone’s thermos and hear French chatter mixing with the sound of wheels on tracks. There’s something about trains that makes you want to just stare out the window forever.

The train snaked up through the Var Valley — honestly, I lost count of how many tunnels we passed through. Pascal kept leaning over to point out old stone viaducts or sudden flashes of river far below. At one point he told us how this line used to be a frontier between France and Savoy, which I didn’t know (I probably should have paid more attention in school). When we finally stopped at Entrevaux, it felt like stepping into another century: narrow lanes, medieval arches, even a drawbridge. We huffed up to Vauban’s fortress (my legs are still mad at me) but wow — standing up there with wind whipping around and looking down at the rooftops, it just hit different. Someone’s dog barked somewhere below; it echoed weirdly off the stone walls.

Lunch was in a tiny restaurant Pascal swore by — he ordered for us in rapid French and winked when I tried to pronounce “daube.” The food tasted earthy and rich; I can still remember the smell of chestnuts roasting near the kitchen door. Afterward we wandered through another village (Annot), where sandstone blocks made these strange natural shelters. A couple of us took the optional hike through chestnut forests — not gonna lie, my shoes weren’t ready for all that mud but the quiet was unreal. It felt like time slowed down under those trees.

I didn’t expect to feel so far away from city life just a few hours from Nice. On the way back, everyone was quieter — tired but sort of glowing? Maybe it was just relief at sitting again after all those hills. Either way, if you’re up for some walking and don’t mind a bit of train nostalgia, this day trip from Nice into the Alps is… well, it stays with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Train journey and alpine village visits

• Meet at Gare des Chemins de Fer de Provence
• Take historic train through southern Alps
• Visit classified medieval village and castle
• Explore baroque and gothic monument
• Tour perched Vauban fortress and panoramic point
• Lunch at local alpine restaurant
• Visit second medieval village with nature hike option
• Return to Nice by bus

Top questions

How long does the mountain train day trip from Nice take?

The full tour lasts about 10–12 hours including train travel and village stops; return to Nice is usually by 7pm or 9pm depending on season and itinerary.

Is lunch included on this Alps day trip from Nice?

Yes, lunch is included at a selected restaurant in either Entrevaux or Annot during the tour.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

Yes, good physical condition is required due to uphill walks (especially to castles) and optional hikes; not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Which villages do you visit on this mountain train tour?

The main stops are Entrevaux or Annot plus another alpine village depending on season and weather conditions.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup; meeting point is at Gare des Chemins de Fer de Provence in Nice.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide may be multilingual; tours can be operated by guides who speak several languages including English and French.

Is public transport available near the meeting point?

Yes, it’s close to Tramway line 1 stop “Libération” in Nice; easy access by public transport.

Are children allowed on this Alps day trip?

Children are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult; physical fitness is required due to hiking/uphill walks.

What’s included

Your day includes live commentary from your local guide throughout both train rides into the Alps and back, entry to medieval villages such as Entrevaux or Annot (with stories behind every stone), all fuel surcharges and taxes covered, plus a hearty lunch at one of the best restaurants in the valley before returning by bus or train depending on season—no hotel pickup needed but everything else is taken care of once you meet at the station.