TR3

THE MOUNTAIN TRAIN EXPERIENCE :

 ROYAL VILLAGE, CASTLE & MYSTIC FOREST

TRAIN - CROSSING THE ALPS - SURPRISING HIKE - MEDIEVAL CASTLE - WILD LANDSCAPES - RIVER

A unique experience with a historic trainline from Nice to discover the Alps (nearby Verdon Canyon). A technical feat of French civil engineering from the early 20th century which history will be told on board by our professional and local guide. A great opportunity to visit 2 amazing villages each forged over centuries by a unique history.

The 1st village is a must with its impressive fully fortified village, its medieval drawbridge, its extravagant Baroque Cathedral and its majestic eagle nest Castle overlooking the Var valley. An incredible village with many historical gems and fabulous landscapes to discover (possibility of a pre-return in Nice at 4pm visiting only one village).

The 2nd village, in addition to its medieval beauty, offers the possibility (optional) to go on the most special and beautiful hiking excursion of the Southern Alps: giant sandstone blocks (‘meteor shower’ effect), cave shelters and troglodyte houses, surprising geological sites, the mysterious ‘King's Room and King's Garden’, a multi-centenary chestnut forest and, in a few hours, a diversity of landscapes that create a chain of surprises.

An unforgettable day to enjoy the clean, fresh and invigorating air of the Alps on an excursion full of surprises and hidden treasures: a haven of peace just a stone's throw from the French Riviera.

PS: Be aware, it is a sporty day, a good physical condition is recommended!

THE ALPINE ROUTES BY TRAIN:

NATURE, GEOLOGY & VISIT OF CITADEL

TR3-L

THE LAVENDER MOUNTAIN TRAIN EXPERIENCE

NAPOLEON ROUTE & ROYAL VILLAGE (OR HIKING)

A similar program to the Mountain Train Experience with a longer 30-minute train ride and a scenic bus ride along the Route Napoléon to reach the Lavender Farm. This is an opportunity to stroll through an authentic blooming lavender field, where you'll learn about the history, properties, and various home-made produces of lavenders (and other aromatics).

0,6miles walk through a wonderful natural landscape to the Lavender Farm.

About lavender:

Lavender has been cultivated in Provence for at least 2,500 years and has become a symbol of the region for many reasons:

• Medicinal benefits: Antiseptic, healing, and soothing, lavender has many properties that this tour will introduce you to;
• Gastronomy: First used to flavor salt, lavender is now used in many foods such as honey and olive oil;
• Practical: Lavender is the ideal ally for your home to purify the air and repel insects;
• Romanticism: Associated with love since Cleopatra, spending time in a lavender field is always a special moment.

Typical Lunch at the Farm: Local specialties will be served accompanied by a tasting of Provençal wines.

For the 2nd stop:

• Option 1: A stunning village shaped by a unique history, the most surprising hike in the Southern Alps with giant sandstone blocks creating a "meteor shower" effect, rock shelters, a unique geological site, the "King's Chamber," a forest of centuries-old chestnut trees, and in just a few hours, a diverse landscape that creates a succession of surprises.
• Option 2: The Royal Citadel of Entrevaux, its medieval drawbridge, its majestic citadel overlooking the Var Valley. Many gems to discover and fabulous landscapes.

PROGRAM IN A FEW WORDS:

• 7:30 a.m.: Meet your certified guide at the Nice Chemin de fer de Provence train station. Presentation of local history and 2.5 hours of narrated train ride.
• Stop 1: Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme, and Olive Trees:

French History: A 30-minute bus ride will take you along the famous Route Napoléon.

A walk of 0,6 miles surrounded by nature in a magical setting.

Visit a magnificent and soothing lavender field, nestled in a picturesque Provençal landscape.

A 1-hour presentation by the farm owner, expert in different types of lavender, their properties, and their specific cosmetic uses for your skin. You'll also discover the cultivation of many other Provençal aromatic plants.

• Lunch: Local specialties will be served, accompanied by a tasting of Provençal wines.
• Stop 2: On the way back to Nice :
• * Option 1: Annot, the geological miracle shaped by cliffs and sandstone rocks
• * Option 2: The medieval village of Entrevaux and its citadel overlooking two valleys
• 9 p.m.: Arrival at Nice Chemin de fer de Provence train station

An unforgettable day, soothing for the eyes & the heart...

Warning: A sporty day; good physical condition is strongly recommended!

CROSSING THE ALPS BY TRAIN: SPECIAL LAVENDER FIELDS & NAPOLEON ROUTE

(+ MYSTICAL FOREST OR ROYAL CITY)

HIGHLIGHTS of this special full-day excursion:

"THE LAVENDER MOUNTAIN TRAIN EXPERIENCE & NAPOLEON ROUTE" : 

• A unique historic trainline through the Alps (bridges, valley, tunnels) with onboard commentaries

• The magic of lavender fields in flower, the mysteries of this plant, and a rich presentation of the virtues of the different species (as well as other aromatic medicinal plants typical of Provence)

• The opportunity to purchase exceptional produces

• An authentic and surprising village in the Var Valley

• One of the most surprising hikes in the region, a geological and natural gem, a diversity of landscapes that creates a succession of surprises OR the rich medieval history, a cathedral, exceptional churches, and chapels (depending on day, weather, physical conditions)

• A crossing of the Southern Alps and a passage along the famous Napoléon Route created by the Emperor return

• A typical lunch with Provençal wines

• A local, professional guide expert of those valleys and villages

• Guided tours in small groups for better quality service