After the terrible episode of storm Alex, the line between Breil and Tende was cut in numerous places. The Region and the SNCF have deployed significant resources to restore service, which has been done in stages despite other inconveniences incurred.*
“This reopening today is not an end in itself. It is a step towards the definitive safeguarding of this line as part of a Plan to safeguard the fine service lines across the territory. 580 million euros will be dedicated to it until 2032, including 70 million euros for Nice-Breil and 176 million euros between Breil and Tende,” stated Renaud Muselier, president of the Region and chief financier of this project, during the symbolic first journey, in the presence of other officials.
Improved service for users
In 2019 and 2020, between Breil and Tende, two round trips by TER were scheduled in the low season, and three round trips in the high season. For this reopening, the offer has been enhanced with six round trips per day between Breil and Tende, including two round trips by Trenitalia towards Cuneo.
Finally, in order to maintain a supportive service and support the resumption of tourist activities, the REOPENING Pass will replace the Weather Pass and offer free travel on the line between Tende and Nice.
A bit of history:
This railway line serves as a true link between two countries but also between the coast and the hinterland. It allows thousands of tourists to discover the Valley of Wonders while connecting the villages of Tende, La Brigue, Saorge, Fontan, and Breil to the Côte d’Azur.
Initiated at the end of the 19th century, the line was inaugurated in 1928. It was operated until the Second World War and its partial destruction by bombings. Its reconstruction began in 1947 and the French section, from Vievola to Piene, was restored in 1979. It embodies the genius of both France and Italy in the construction of remarkable infrastructure.
