Two forthcoming railway connections between Italy and southern France
are currently underway: one linking Milan to Nice via Monaco, and
another traversing the Mercantour mountains to Turin. Here are the
preliminary details available:The once-popular Thello train
route, connecting southern France to Milan, met an unfortunate demise
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are plans to revive this
service, with Trenitalia showing eagerness to collaborate with France’s
SNCF network.
By summer, it is anticipated that daily journeys between Milan and
Marseille will resume. While specific stops along the route have yet to
be finalized, both Nice and Monaco will probably be included, along with
Ventimiglia.
Additionally, a picturesque route from Nice to Turin via Breil-sur-Roya
is in development and could commence operations by the summer of 2025.
This service aims to emulate the Ferroviaire del Bernina
express line, renowned for its panoramic carriages offering breathtaking
views of the Alps, running from St. Moritz in Switzerland to Tirano in
Northern Italy.
The reopening of the Milan connection and the introduction of the new
mountain route are endeavors that Italy, Monaco, and France are eager
to support. Recognizing the mutual benefits of cross-border tourism, a
meeting was convened in the Ligurian town of Imperia earlier this month
to establish an alliance.
"Individually, we may not possess the
necessary resources to sustain these rail lines," remarked Christian
Estrosi, longstanding Mayor of Nice, during a press briefing. "However,
by pooling our resources, we can better finance these projects and
adhere to precise timelines."