I come from a railway family, so a love of the railway is in my DNA. How many times have I ridden on trains and wandered through stations? I still get a thrill when a train bound for Moscow is waiting at Amsterdam Central Station. How cool would it be to just hop on! For now, the Italian train company The Train of Wonder is offering a special train journey in the South of France, taking you past locations you can never reach by car.
Summer is the perfect season for exploring popular tourism activities along the Côte d’Azur and in the Roya Valley, where the Mediterranean meets the Alps in a blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. This region, part of the French Riviera and extending into Italy, attracts millions with its diverse offerings.
One standout experience embodies slow travel: the historic train journey from Ventimiglia to Tende, operated by Fondazione FS Italiane as the “Train of Wonders.”
This summer escapade invites travelers to board a vintage Italian train, chartered for a nostalgic ride along the legendary Cuneo-Ventimiglia line, dubbed the “Railway of Wonders” for its engineering marvels and breathtaking scenery.
Slow travel experience with the Train of Wonders
Departing Ventimiglia at 9:55 AM and arriving in Tende by 11:40 AM, the train chugs through the Roya Valley at nearly 1,000 meters altitude, stopping at picturesque villages like Breil-sur-Roya, Fontan-Saorge, Saint-Dalmas de Tende, and La Brigue.
Composed of 1930s and 1940s “Centoporte” carriages pulled by a diesel locomotive in retro livery, it offers a timeless interlude, evoking the golden age of rail travel. The program celebrates living heritage: passengers marvel at magnificent landscapes of narrow valleys, helical tunnels, and soaring bridges spanning the Maritime Alps and Mercantour Park.
Villages appear suspended in time, with opportunities during stops to visit the Musée départemental des Merveilles in Tende or the Sainte-Marie en l’Assomption church in Breil.
This slow & vintage journey connects past and future, blending nature’s wonders—lush forests, cascading rivers—with cultural gems like ancient architecture and local traditions.
Upcoming dates in 2025 include August 3, 10, 17, 31, and September 6, with return trips departing Tende at 4:30 PM.
Tickets start at €20 for adults round-trip, bookable via info@fstrenituristici.it or +39 337 1481776. It’s accessible, with provisions for reduced mobility and pet-friendly policies.
This unique experience stands out in a fast-paced world, fostering emotions of wonder and sustainability. While beaches and hikes energize, the Train of Wonders rejuvenates the soul, making it a must for mindful tourists seeking authentic Côte d’Azur magic.
What else to do on the Côte d’Azur
If you’re not so into trains, then there are a million other things to do (well, maybe less than a million). Beach lovers flock to azure waters for swimming, sailing, and sunbathing in spots like Nice or Menton. Adventure seekers thrive on outdoor pursuits: hiking trails in Mercantour National Park lead to Mount Bego’s ancient rock engravings, while mountain biking and horse riding offer thrilling ways to navigate rugged terrains.
Water sports are hugely popular, with canyoning through limestone cliffs at Le Trou des Corneilles, inflatable kayaking down the Roya River, and rafting in crystal-clear basins near Breil-sur-Roya.
For the more daring, via ferrata climbing, paragliding, and tree climbing provide adrenaline rushes amid stunning vistas.
Cultural enthusiasts explore authentic villages like Saorge or La Brigue, with their medieval chapels, ecomuseums, and lakeside strolls, immersing in Provençal heritage. Eco-tourism is on the rise, emphasizing sustainable fishing, river tours, and nature walks that highlight the valley’s biodiversity. Contact the Côte d’Azur Tourism website for all information.
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