Chemins de Fer de Provence Station Nice
A scenic narrow-gauge railway journey through the heart of Provence, offering breathtaking landscapes and charming villages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Chemins de Fer de Provence Station Nice
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic narrow-gauge railway journey through the heart of Provence, offering breathtaking landscapes and charming villages.
"Absolutely brilliant train service into the hills surrounding Nice and some beautiful villages and epic landscapes."
🎯 Check Schedules Carefully
Works on the upper line may affect service. Always check the official CP Zou website for the latest schedules.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll likely do some walking in the charming villages you visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Journey to Digne-les-Bains
Nice to Digne-les-Bains
Embark on a breathtaking 150km journey through mountains, charming villages, and verdant valleys.
+1
Medieval Village of Annot
Annot
Explore this charming medieval village, with suggested walking itineraries in the surrounding hills.
Vauban Fortifications in Entrevaux
Entrevaux
Discover the historic fortifications of Entrevaux, a gem built by Vauban in the 17th century.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the 'Train des Pignes'
+1Station Location & Ticketing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Schedules Carefully
Works on the upper line may affect service. Always check the official CP Zou website for the latest schedules.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll likely do some walking in the charming villages you visit.
📱 Consider Trainline App
Easier ticket purchase than the Zou app for some travelers.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is spectacular, especially after Colomars-La Mande.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Schedules Carefully
Works on the upper line may affect service. Always check the official CP Zou website for the latest schedules.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll likely do some walking in the charming villages you visit.
📱 Consider Trainline App
Easier ticket purchase than the Zou app for some travelers.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is spectacular, especially after Colomars-La Mande.
🚲 Bike Policy Check
Normal bicycles may not be allowed; inquire about smaller scooters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the beautiful regional railway and its stunning Provençal scenery, calling the journey 'absolutely brilliant' and 'highly recommend[ed]' for seeing another side of the Côte d'Azur. The vintage diesel railcars and friendly staff are also frequently praised. However, some users experience frustration with the Zou app and occasional disruptions, impacting the online ticketing experience.
"Beautyful regional railway by great scenery of Provence. I took a ride from Nice to Colomars-La Mande, continued later to Pan de Var. Nice suburban area stretches as far as Colomars, after begins a real amazing scenery. So it' would be great to Go until Digne-les-Bains If you love a real scenic journey
They have some old Diesel railcars partly some 50 years old. They are nice for Railway Friends and allow the view by drivers cab to the line. Guess, they are mostly used for the shuttles until Plan du Var, while new Diesel trains run until Digne.
Thanks to the real nice and friendly staff!
Two notices:
CP Station is some less than 1 km NW of SNCF Ville station. One stop with No. 1 Tram into direction of Henry Sappia until "Liberation". Take care: Trains do Not depart from the wonderful Historic Süd Station next to the Square, where Tram stops. You have a 5 minute Walk along the old station and you will find the new terminal just behind the Station across the road.
They don't take normal bicycles, or at least you can try to ask the staff. Trains run on narrow gauge and are some smaller than normal trains. The small Mini-zumE-scooters are taken, and I have seen some of them in the trains."
Jochen Ickert
"The station is clean and modern, the train is awesome, even the little ones, and the journey is definitely recommended. However, the Zou app is awful, android works better than apple version. There was confusion on what trains were running and disruptions. The app was not well received on the train back by conductors, after I scanned the qr code on the train, they were perplexed at having to scan my validated ticket. Sort out the app, and the online tickets for less confusion, would be 5*"
Gaz Rees
"A small station with three tracks only. Served local trains. The starting point to explore "another" side of Nice and APAC region. Funny trains go to the mountains- you will enjoy the magnificent views of green hills in summer and snow hats on tops in the winter.
There is an underground parking near the Station, however, the price is quite expensive- 2 hours at 5 euros."
Valentin Vedyakin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The CP station is not the main SNCF station. Take Tram No. 1 from the city center towards Henri Sappia and alight at 'Liberation'. The station is a short walk from there.
From Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), you can take a tram or bus to reach the city center and then connect to Tram No. 1 to get to the CP station at Liberation.
Yes, there are bus services that may operate on certain sections of the line due to ongoing works, particularly between Saint-André-les-Alpes and Digne.
It's the nickname for the Chemins de Fer de Provence railway line, known for its narrow-gauge tracks and scenic routes through Provence.
The full journey from Nice to Digne-les-Bains is approximately 150 km and can take several hours, offering a full day of scenic travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased at the station, or through apps like Trainline. Some users have reported issues with the official Zou app.
Tickets are generally affordable, with prices often under $10 for shorter journeys. Long-distance tickets to Digne will be more.
For popular routes or during peak season, booking in advance is recommended, especially if you want specific seats or are traveling with a group.
Check the official CP Zou website for any available discounts or special offers, particularly for families or groups.
This is a travel card option for Nice's local transport, covering 10 trips on trams and buses within the city, but not for regional trains like the CP.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
They operate narrow-gauge diesel railcars, some dating back to the 1970s, offering a vintage feel. Newer diesel trains also run on longer routes.
The scenery becomes truly amazing after Colomars-La Mande, with magnificent views of green hills and snow-capped peaks in winter.
Normal bicycles may not be permitted. It's best to inquire with the staff beforehand, as they are smaller, narrow-gauge trains.
Yes, the train stops at charming villages like Annot and Entrevaux, which are excellent for exploration.
Wi-Fi availability is not commonly advertised. It's advisable to download any necessary information or entertainment offline.
📸 📸 Photography
The journey offers numerous viewpoints, especially in the mountainous regions past Colomars-La Mande. Annot and Entrevaux also provide picturesque settings.
Some older diesel railcars allow views into the driver's cab, offering a unique perspective for railway enthusiasts.
Spring offers blooming landscapes, summer provides lush greenery, and autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Winter offers snow-capped mountains.
A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both landscapes and village details. A wide-angle lens can be great for sweeping vistas.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of other passengers and local customs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the train's schedule and potential disruptions, as traveling with children requires reliable timing. The narrow gauge and smaller trains mean that bringing large strollers might be challenging, so a carrier or a compact stroller is advisable.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Plan your journey to allow ample time for exploration. The train's schedule will dictate how much time you have in each village, so research trail options in advance.
🚂 Railway Enthusiasts
The presence of older diesel railcars from the 1970s offers a nostalgic glimpse into railway history, and some even provide views into the driver's cab. While newer diesel trains operate on longer routes, the older rolling stock is often used for shorter shuttle services.
It's advisable to check the CP Zou website for information on specific rolling stock operating on different days or routes. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Train des Pignes' Experience
Travelers often praise the vintage diesel railcars, some dating back to the 1970s, which provide a nostalgic journey. The route from Nice to Digne-les-Bains is a highlight, spanning 150 km and showcasing a dramatic transformation of landscapes. Starting from the coastal city, the train winds its way through suburban areas before ascending into the mountains, revealing stunning vistas of green hills, deep valleys, and, in winter, snow-capped peaks.
While the CP line is a beloved attraction, it's important to note that it's not operated by SNCF, the national railway company. This means different ticketing systems and potential service variations. Travelers are advised to check the official CP Zou website for the most up-to-date schedules and information, especially as works on the line can sometimes cause disruptions or require bus replacements on certain segments.
Exploring Charming Provençal Villages
Another must-visit stop is Entrevaux, a fortified town with impressive 17th-century fortifications designed by Vauban.
When planning your trip, remember that these are smaller towns, and public transport within them might be limited. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the villages and their surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit