Pignes Train

Legendary railway line between Nice and Digne-les-Bains

An original way to connect the 151 km from Nice to Digne-les-Bains or vice versa is to take the famous Train des Pignes, from the Chemins de Fer de Provence. This legendary railway line celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2023. The Digne-les-Bains engineer Alphonse Beau de Rochas, also the inventor of the four-stroke engine, imagined in 1861 connecting Nice to Grenoble via the Var Valley, Digne, and Gap. The project was finally authorized in 1882. After years of work and 1000 engineering structures, the link between Nice and Digne was inaugurated on July 3, 1911.

The route of the Pignes Train

It runs on a narrow (1 m wide) single track and crosses around thirty municipalities. Around fifteen stops at stations are planned. However, you can take advantage of the thirty or so stops indicated by a sign at the side of the track to stop and continue your walk.
Bridges and viaducts, tunnels, rockfalls, stations and rest areas punctuate the route. You will also enjoy spectacular viewpoints.The line culminates at almost 1000 meters above sea level.

Three round trips are provided every day between Nice and Digne-les-Bains, passing through breathtaking landscapes! The train takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes to reach its destination. It travels at an average speed of 60 km/h.

Where to take the Little Pignes Train?

Around fifty stops are possible along the line, some are fixed and others optional.
From Nice, the fixed stops are:

  • Nice
  • La Madeleine
  • Lingostière
  • Colomars – La Manda
  • Saint-Martin du Var
  • Map of Var – Vésubie
  • Villars-sur-Var
  • Puget-théniers
  • Entrevaux
  • Annot
  • Thorame Haute
  • Saint-Andre-les-Alpes
  • Barrême
  • Digne-les-Bains

The St-André-les-Alpes / Digne-les-Bains route is operated by coach due to rehabilitation work on the Moriez tunnel.

Did you know?

Why this name Train des Pignes? Two hypotheses are given:

  • the speed of the train was slow enough for passengers to have time to get off, pick pine cones (the Frenchified Provençal name for pine cones, pine fruits) along the track and get back on…,
  • When the locomotive ran out of coal, the drivers used pine cones as fuel.

What is certain is that the line passes through large pine forests!

The Routard Pignes Train

To help you in your travels along the Train des Pignes, do not hesitate to consult the Routard Train des Pignes, from Nice to Digne-les-Bains, published in July 2017.

It should be noted that this 96-page guide gives you the keys to taking the Train des Pignes and exploring the superb region crossed, between the Mediterranean and the Alps, from Nice to Digne-les-Bains.

You will find the Train des Pignes Backpacker's Guide in all bookstores in France, but also in tourist offices and train stations from Nice to Digne-les-Bains.

Go back in time with the steam train

Discover authentic heritage aboard a real steam train with old-world charm, including wooden benches.
A unique trip aboard the “Train des Pignes”, between Puget-Théniers, Entrevaux, Annot and Le Fugeret, a 1 hour 20 minute journey over approximately 20 km. The valiant "Portuguese" E211 locomotive will take you on a journey through the past! You'll also find a souvenir shop in the specially designed carriage!

Note that the volunteers of the Study Group for the Railways of Provence (GECP) ensure the restoration and operation of the train.
You can combine your journey with a regular train departing from all stations and stops on the line and a historic steam train.

The Historic Steam Train des Pignes generally runs on Sundays from May to the end of October, and on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays in summer..

Historic Train of the Pines

Tourist trains

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Answers to your questions

Some steps along the way