From Nice to Haute Provence, from olive trees to chestnut trees, the gentle rhythm of the train and hiking transports you on a timeless adventure. In 1911, the railway link between Nice and Digne became a reality after half a century of planning! The line experienced prosperity, the First World War, the demographic decline of the mountains... and many episodes that threatened to close it down... Fortunately, its defenders created the Groupe d'Etude pour les Chemins de fer de Provence (GECP). Since 1980, this association of volunteers has been operating the Train des Pignes à Vapeur on the line, which has now been modernised and is also operated by the Sud - Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur Region.
This gentle journey takes you from Entrevaux, an exceptional medieval town, to Saint-André-les-Alpes, a commune in the Verdon Regional Natural Park, via the stunning natural site of the Grès d'Annot. Six hikes starting from villages with varied charms and atmospheres.
DEPARTURES AND PRICES
En 2026, departures available from May to October, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays ;
835€ per person in comfortable hotel accommodation, based on 2 people.
The price includes:
- Accommodation in half board from the night of the 1st day to breakfast on the last day;
- Road book: description and maps (1 road book per registration pack);
- Tourist taxes;
- Organisational and booking fees ;
- the train tickets mentioned in the route ;
- Luggage transport between Annot and St André les Alpes.
The price does not include:
- Picnic lunches;
- Drinks, visits, etc. ;
- The journey from your home to the venue and back;
- The luggage transportation on day 4 ;
- Guiding: your are responsible for your own safety;
- Cancellation assistance insurance ;
The price applies from departure to end point.
Departure at 8 a.m. or 12:20 p.m. from Nice CFP station
ENTREVAUX – SA CITADELLE – LES LACS
The train takes you from the French Riviera to the Var Valley. The medieval village of Entrevaux is the first stop on the journey, and the afternoon will be spent on an initial hike to explore the heights of the town. Overnight stay in a hotel in Entrevaux.
3 hour walk / Elevation : +650m ; -450m / 9km
LES GRES D’ANNOT
New train journey to Annot! The sandstone cliffs overlooking the village are home to sculptures and legends that have been created over the centuries. It is also a fantastic playground for climbers from all over France. Check in at your hotel in Annot for two nights.
4 hour walk / Elevation : +750m ; -750m / 10km
MEAILLES – CRÊTE DU COUGNAS
The small Méailles plateau has many gems to discover during this hike: its railway station, its hilltop village, its cliffs, its "roubines", its caves and its ridges. But be careful: on the return journey, the train only stops on request, so you'll have to wave your arms vigorously to avoid being left behind on the platform! Second night in Annot.
6.5 hour walk / Elevation : +950m ; -950m / 15km
PEYRESQ – COLLE SAINT MICHEL
This time, the train stops in the middle of the forest, with no roads or buildings, just a small shelter. Departure for the village of Peyresq and its turbulent history through the upper Vaïre valley. The most resilient will continue on to Plan du Rieu before finishing at La Colle, a historic crossing point between the Verdon and Var regions. Overnight stay in a hostel in La Colle Saint Michel without luggage.
4.5 hour walk / Elevation : +950m ; -550m / 10km
2.5 hours of additional walking and 550m additional elevation by le plan du Rieu
PUY DE RENT – SAINT ANDRE LES ALPES
The day begins on a wide ridge and panoramic summit. The view stretches from the surrounding Mercantour mountains to the sea. A long descent takes you to the train that will take you back to St André. At the end of the afternoon, there is the option of a short hike above Lake Castillon. Accommodation for 2 nights in a hotel.
5 hour walk / Elevation : +750m ; -1200m / 14km
COURCHONS – CRÊTE DU LOUP
After passing through numerous villages during the week that narrowly escaped extinction, here is one that has definitely fallen into ruin. It is easy to imagine how hard life must have been up here, and a few elements remind us of this: the church, the cemetery, the oven, the wash house... Some will follow the canal back to its source and then on to the Crête du Loup, while the most resilient will go as far as the summit of the Aup and its landscape of isolated steppes. Last night in St André.
5.5 hour walk / Elevation : +750m ; -750m / 18km
1.5 hours of additional walking and 350m additional elevation to the Aup summit.
TRAIN DES PIGNES / PINE CONE TRAIN
The last day is devoted to the return journey, allowing you to enjoy the entire line from Saint André to Nice.
2.30 hour of train
End of the tour during the day in Nice
The programme has been drawn up on the basis of the latest information available at the time of writing; imponderables are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter its course.
Elevation: +/- 700m -1000m approximately per day.
Walking time: 4 to 6 hours per day.
Type of trek: mountain hike on trails including gravel paths.
You have to be in a general good fitness level. Please practice regurlarly a cardio sport such as hiking, running, cycling or another sport.
Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty
The roadbook provides sufficient information on the itinerary of your hike. However, it is essential to be able to read an IGN 1:25,000 map and to be sufficiently autonomous in the mountains to be able to tackle the itinerary with confidence, whatever the weather (fog, snow, etc.). Guiding is not included in the self-guided package.
You will be crossing areas with no telephone network. For your own safety, you may wish to bring along a radio or the latest generation telephone with a satellite connection.
Before departure, we send you a travel folder containing:
- Maps IGN TOP 25 with the route highlighted.
- 1 road-book containing all the necessary information for the trek.
- 1 waterproof map holder.
- Accommodation list.
In France, the hiking trails are signposted, with regular panels pointing the way.
It is preferable to be able to read a topographic map 1/25000.
You are responsible for transporting your luggage between the different accommodations, except between Annot and St André les Alpes (Our taxi partner will take care of transferring your luggage).
5 nights in a hotel in a room for 2 people
1 night half-board in a dormitory in a hostel.
All accommodation offers hot showers.
Breakfast is provided in each accommodation.
Dinners are not included (except on day 4) and can be taken in the various outlets or restaurants.
Picnics are not included and can be ordered the day before in some accommodation.
You can buy supplies in local shops.
Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking.
We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
IGN Top 25 - 3541OT Annot & 3641 Moyen Var
Departure from Nice or Digne-les-Bains (please specify when registering).
BY TRAIN / BUS
Inbound: departure from Paris-Gare de Lyon the day before : www.oui.sncf
By request we can book a bedroom for you before and/or after your tour.
In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Under no circumstances, we can replace your personal civil liability.
The repatriation insurance EUROP ASSISTANCE that we offer is dedicated to French speaking people living in Europe. If it is not your case, we advise you to subscribe to another travel insurance which will cover you in case of injury and repatriation during your trek.
If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.
Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Clothing
Other Equipment
Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity documents) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag, with all your possessions inside, of 10kg maximum per person. Your baggage will be transported daily between accommodation by our logistics vehicle.
Baggage which is too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, please think of their backs!
For the night 4, when you don't have your luggage at your accommodation, here are a few tips on what to add to your backpack (around 2 kg is enough!):
- a small toiletries bag
- your sleeping bag liner
- a change of clothes (just the bare essentials!) and comfortable shoes/clothes for the evening