Trajet du train a vapeur

Pignes steam train

One line, two trains! The Chemins de Fer de Provence take you from Nice to Digne-les-Bains, and the steam Pignes train from Puget-Théniers to Annot (Le Fugeret on certain days).

As the journey unfolds, you’ll see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, with palm trees, olive groves, lavender and mountain scenery. For the more nostalgic, opt for the Pignes steam train, a magical experience from Puget-Théniers to Annot.

Train à theme

The Pignes steam train

Unforgettable!

All aboard for an out-of-the-ordinary journey aboard the mythical steam train des Pignes. Seated in vehicles over a hundred years old, you’ll be rocked to the rhythm of the last century.

Our favorite: themed trains

Train des pignes à vapeur

When it all began

The line between Nice and Digne-les-Bains was built in 1911, with 151 km of track and 1,000 engineering structures. This train is an important part of the collective memory of Provence.

Did you know?

The steam locomotive has only one driver’s cab. To turn it around and go back the other way, the volunteers turn it on a rotating bridge by hand.

Alimentation du train à vapeur avec les pignes de pins
Famille train à vapeur

A name, a story...

We’ve even got two for you:

  • The train’s speed was so slow that passengers had time to get off, pick pine cones (pignes in Provence) and get back on.
  • When the locomotive ran out of coal, the machinists used pine nuts as fuel.

Choose the one you like! What’s certain is that this rather mocking nickname is now affectionate and known the world over!

A captivating journey!

Full steam ahead, windows open, breathe in the scents of the forest or open spaces. You’ll have time to admire olive and chestnut groves. Passing through viaducts and tunnels, the locomotive takes you from Puget-Théniers to Entrevaux, as far as Annot, and sometimes as far as Le Fugeret. A feeling of time travel, taken from a Western film, a magical moment shared with family and friends, sure to delight young and old alike.

3 good reasons to try it

Take a step back in time with the steam locomotive.


Enjoy the scenery, the speed of the train gives you plenty of time to admire it.


An experience for all, that will revive the memories of the oldest and excite the imagination of the youngest.

Further information

Rates

23€ adult for a round trip Puget-Théniers – Annot


Tickets

Where can you buy steam train tickets?
Is booking compulsory? Although you can buy your ticket on board the train, reservations are strongly recommended. It’s the best way to guarantee space.
From Nice station, opt for a combined ticket for Chemins de fer de Provence + Train des Pignes steam train.
You can buy your tickets in our tourist offices(they can also be purchased by telephone).


Parking lots

Where can I park in Puget-Théniers?
There’s free parking in front of the station, and several parking lots 300 m away around the village square.


Traffic days

From May 14, 2023, the Train des Pignes steam train will run every Sunday and some Thursdays and Fridays in July and August.
See all timetables


Animals

Dogs are allowed, please let us know when booking.

A slightly more modern trip...

The steam train is not the only one to travel the line. Today, the cars on the regular line are modern and comfortable. Schoolchildren, workers and travellers in search of nature. The proud, up-to-date red and orange railcar whistles cheerfully at stations along the line from Nice to Digne-les-Bains.