Train des Merveilles
Scenic train journey taking you from the coast in Nice into the mountains further north
Merveilles means “marvels” and it’s hard to know whether they named the area for the stunning scenery, the beautiful old medieval villages or the archaeological findings going back 5000 years. The railway carriages are painted with designs inspired by the prehistoric rock carvings that have been discovered in the region.
The train line actually runs all the way to Cuneo in Italy, but most sightseers only go as far as the medieval village of Tende or to Breil-Sur-Roya in the Vallée des Merveilles. To go all the way to Cuneo takes about 3 hours, with Tende being just 2 hours from the beginning of the line in Nice. Some of the services do not go all the way to the end of the line, so be careful when planning your journey or you may find yourself stuck somewhere in the middle!
What to see
Sights in Nice
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Train des Merveilles
Merveilles means “marvels” and it’s hard to know whether they named the area for the stunning scenery, the beautiful old medieval villages or the archaeological findings going back 5000 years. The railway carriages are painted with designs inspired by the prehistoric rock carvings that have been discovered in the region.
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Saint-Nicolas Russian Orthodox Cathedral
The most important orthodox cathedral outside Russia, this is a beautifully ornate building. It was built to serve the large Russian community that had settled in Nice.
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Marc Chagall National Museum
Housing the largest collection of the Russian painter, Marc Chagall, the Chagall museum is one of Nice's top attractions.
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Ferrero Gallery
Founded as a photographic studio in 1958, and opened as a gallery in 1972, Jean Ferrero exhibited works from the School of Nice and the New Realism genre.
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Le Palais de la Mediterranee
Opened to unprecedented acclaim in 1929, Le Palais de la Méditerranée instantly became a showcase of luxury and inter-war celebration.
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Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc Church
This modern church dedicated to Joan of Arc was built in the 1920s in an Art Deco style with a large white central dome surrounded by three smaller domes.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Nice
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Le Chantecler Restaurant
In a Regency-style dining room decorated with magnificent 18th century woodwork, Jean-Denis Rieubland proposes two menus, "Découverte" and "Chantecler".
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Restaurant des Rois, Beaulieu Sur Mer
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
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Le Mesclun Restaurant, Nice Centre
Located a few minutes from Old Nice, the Corniche Fleurie, the Airport and Central Business of Arenas, Le Mesclun, welcomes you in a modern room with a pleasant view of the Promenade des Anglais and the Mediterranean Sea.
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Cafe de Turin Restaurant
This old timer has been open for over a century and serves some of Nice's finest seafood dishes.
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Ma Nolans Restaurant, Vieux Nice
Ma Nolan’s, Vieux Nice has a large inviting terrace, high vaulted ceilings, authentic bar counters and wooden floors.
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Coco & Rico Restaurant, Nice Centre
Small restaurant near Promenade Anglais that has been nicely refitted with a great decor and the open kitchen lets you see the chefs cooking.
What to do
Things To Do in Nice
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Solar Powered Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
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Provence self-guided motorbike tour
A trip for intermediate riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads in Provence.
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
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Sunset Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
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Motorbike hire
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
How to get passes
An unlimited day ticket (Pass ZOU) costs 15€ per person and is valid for all journeys on the Train des Merveilles line. They are available at the main train station in nice or at any stations along the route.
