Train Touristique du Centre-Var
Discover the countryside of Provence on board the tourist train from Central Var
Discover the rhythm of the central Var, situated between the Verdon and the Sainte-Victoire (painted by Cezanne) in the north and the beaches of the coast in the south, this is a truly beautiful region.
The villages of this are have retained their typical Provencal character with narrow streets, fountains and weekly markets. This journey will take you aboard a railcar 50s (Picasso), 60 (Caravelle) or 80 (X 2200). Commentary is provided that will give you local and historical information, as well as tourist tips and cultural facts.
Not counting the stop-overs the ride takes about 1 hour from Carnoules to Brignoles and 2 hours to St-Maximin.
Located halfway between Carnoules and Brignoles, the St. Anastasia station was renovated by the town hall. All of the trains stop here at lunch time. At this station you will find a souvenir shop with T-shirt, caps and postcards, plus Provençal products whose producers are installed along the line: Besse on Issole wines, jams of St. Anastasia and honey from Camps la Source (subject to availability!). You will be able to picnic along the Issole, or if you prefer the restaurant, the Bar des Amis is located just 300m away.
These tourist trains operate between April and October, although dates and times may vary so please check with them in advance to avoid disappointment.
What to see
Sights in Provence
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Train Touristique du Centre-Var
Discover the rhythm of the central Var, situated between the Verdon and the Sainte-Victoire (painted by Cezanne) in the north and the beaches of the coast in the south, this is a truly beautiful region.
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Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Graces, Cotignac
Located 14.6 km away
This chapel was originally built after a local woodsman saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary in the clouds above the site in 1519. The first stone for the building was laid a month after the vision.
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Troglodyte Caves & Rocks, Cotignac
Located 15.6 km away
Towering an incredible 80 metres above ground this rock face is home to numerous crevices and cave dwellings.
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Basilica Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, St Maximin la St Baume
Located 16.3 km away
The building of the church and the adjacent convent began in 1295. It is now the only large Gothic church in Provence.
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Commanderie de Peyrassol, Flassans sur Issole
Located 17.1 km away
Acquired in 2001 the Commanderie de Peyrassol, an old Knights Templar staging post, is now one of the outstanding vineyards of Provence. Its reds, whites and rosés are to be found in the finest dining establishments in France and throughout the world.
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Abbaye du Thoronet
Located 17.7 km away
One of the famous Cistercian abbeys, the Abbaye du Thoronet was built in the late 12th century. This is a magical place, set in beautiful countryside of the Var. The abbey is wonderfully tranquil, surrounded as it is by woods and small streams.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
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L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located in Avignon
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
How to book
Booking is not required for the regular trainis throughout the summer months, however it is mandatory for the themed trains such as the Easter or St Patricks day ones.
If you wish to travel as part of a large group then you should enquire about availability in advance by calling or emailing them directly.
How to get passes
You can purchase tickets directly on the train, however, should you wish to purchase them in advance you can do so at the tourist offices of Provence and Toulon. Please note that debit/credit cards are not accepted on the train.
