This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Train des Pignes in Cote d'Azur Montagnes - where the Alps meet the Mediterranean.

Since July 3, 1911, the Chemins de Fer de Provence transport company has provided regular service between Nice and Puget-Théniers in a traditional railcar.

The train allows visitors to discover the Alps and Mediterranean coastline of the French Riviera. The 150-kilometre journey takes passengers across 16 viaducts, 15 metal bridges, and through 25 tunnels. There are 15 regular stops on the line as well as 17 stops for hiking trails (available on request).

In order to board the train at Puget-Théniers, passengers can take the shuttle service from Annot which comes in the form of a recently refurbished steam engine from 1909 (a listed historic monument). This service takes approximately an hour (20 kilometres).

The Train des Pignes (pinecone railway) was finally inaugurated in 1911 after numerous obstacles, most notably the weather, finances, and war. Ever since then, it has offered regular year-round transport from the Mediterranean Sea to the Alps.

The railway stretches through two regions: Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Chemins de Fer de Provence (CFSF) also runs steam engine excursions for groups or individals. 

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