Operated by SNCF Voyageurs, the historic line, inaugurated in 1928, connects the Mediterranean coast to the Alpine foothills in under 90 minutes, crossing gorges, viaducts and picturesque villages in the Roya Valley.

The route had been closed since September 2024 and has now reopened following a €74 million renovation programme.

Departing from Nice-Ville, the train gradually leaves the coastline behind and climbs inland through Sospel, Breil-sur-Roya, Saorge, La Brigue and Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende before reaching Tende.

Services are frequent, with up to 12 return journeys per day and increased frequency between Nice and Breil during peak times.

Guided journeys and winter escapes

To enrich the experience, guided commentary in French and English will be offered free of charge on the 9.32 am departure from Nice between 14 February and 1 March 2026.

In winter, the line also provides access to the Castérino resort, where visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and Nordic walks from January to mid-March via a combined train-and-shuttle ticket.

Seasonal schedules and summer adventures

From April to early November 2026, the Train des Merveilles will run at weekends and public holidays in spring and autumn, and daily throughout the summer season, an ideal time to explore the Vallée des Merveilles.

Travellers can extend the experience with a visit to the Train Museum in Breil-sur-Roya, which traces the story of the line through archives and scale models.

Tickets are available at stations, online via SNCF Connect and TER ZOU!, with day passes and group discounts also available.