A Trip Aboard the Train des Pignes
The Verdon Gorge is the ideal vacation spot for water sports enthusiasts. But what people sometimes forget is that this region is home to an equally entertaining “land-based” attraction: the famous Train des Pignes. One of its rail lines is located just a few kilometers from the L’Oasis du Verdon campground. Hop aboard this century-old steam locomotive and experience a one-of-a-kind adventure!
The History of the Pignes Steam Train
Although the idea of a railroad connecting Digne to Nice was first conceived in 1861, the first section of the Provence Railroad was completed 30 years later. It was not until 1911 that the line was fully completed.
Despite numerous interruptions to this train’s service due to damage sustained during World War II, it has always managed to bounce back and retain its place in the hearts of the people of Provence. As a result, it has been making the 150-kilometer journey daily, connecting the Mediterranean to the Alps, for 110 years!
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Many myths surround the name of this century-old train. Some believe the name comes from the fact that it was so slow at first that some passengers took the opportunity to get off and pick up pinecones (pigne in Provençal). Others recount a legend according to which, one evening, the locomotive—having run out of coal—was able to start up again thanks to the pinecones that had reportedly fallen into the tender. The more pragmatic will say that the name simply comes from the type of trees that line the railroad tracks.
A lovely journey with a variety of themes on this one-of-a-kind train trip
So, boarding this locomotive is a true journey through time. But it’s also a journey through space! In fact, among the many villages along the route, you’ll find:
Finally, keep in mind that you’ll rarely get bored on this trip, since various themes are featured along the way, depending on the season and our partnerships. For example, you can ride the music train, the olive train, or even the Halloween train.
- Puget-Théniers: This rural town offers a variety of sports activities (tennis, via ferrata, etc.). Here, you can visit a 13th-century Romanesque church and see the statue by Maillol.
- Entrevaux: Guided tours of this beautiful fortified town immerse you in the military atmosphere of World War I.
- Note: An architectural and natural treasure, this welcoming city is the hub of numerous festivities, including the Folklore Festival.
- Le Fugeret: The railroad line near this village, known for its chestnuts, features numerous elevation changes and curves.
Practical Information
The L’Oasis du Verdon campground is located 14 minutes from the Train des Pignes railway.
The slow train makes four round trips a day between Nice and Digne-les-Bains. In addition to these two stations, it stops at the following stations: Plan du Var, Puget-Théniers, Entrevaux, Annot, Thorame-Haute, and St-André-les-Alpes.
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The departure times from Digne-les-Bains to Nice are as follows: 7:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 2:25 p.m., and 5:35 p.m. In the opposite direction, departures are at approximately 6:55 a.m., 9:25 a.m., 1:05 p.m., and 5:15 p.m.
Fares vary, of course, depending on the route. But please note that there are special rates for families and groups. In addition, children under 4 ride for free. However, they must sit on the lap of the accompanying adult.
