Écomusée du Train des Merveilles

About the museum

The Écomusée opened in summer 1989 in the former locomotive depot of Breil-sur-Roya station, built in 1927. It grew out of a private initiative and is run by volunteers within a non-profit association.

The museum pays tribute to the people who designed, built and operated the Franco-Italian railway line that runs through the Roya and Vermenagna valleys. It displays locomotives and trams lent by SNCF, associations and private individuals. The first vehicles were a tram motor car from Marseille and a large 120-tonne steam locomotive.

Over time, the collections have expanded to cover local industrial heritage: hydroelectric power, transport, and a large HO-scale model railway that reproduces sites on the Col de Tende line. Visitors can also see railcars, electric locomotives, a sleeping car, mail vans and about thirty road vehicles.

The exhibition spaces were renovated in 2026 ahead of the centenary of the Nice–Ventimiglia–Cuneo line (1928–2028). A screening room presents the history of the railway in fifteen minutes, and upstairs a model shows notable points along the line.

Highlights

• Steam locomotive 141 R 1108 and other rail vehicles
• Trams, railcars and sleeping car
• Large HO-scale model of the Col de Tende line
• Screening room on the history of the line (15-minute film)
• Train driving simulator

Permanent exhibitions

• Locomotives, autorails et tramways – Historic vehicles displayed in the former depot and outdoors, including a steam locomotive and trams from Marseille.
• Maquette HO et salle de projection – Large model of the Col de Tende line upstairs and a 15-minute film on the history of the railway.

Founded

1989

Operated by

Association à but non lucratif (bénévoles)

Admission & discounts

The driving simulator is included for about 10 minutes; to use it for an hour, a €5 contribution is requested (booking on the website).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to a tourism portal, accessible by wheelchair with assistance. Part of the collections is outdoors and under a shed.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The driving simulator and the models may interest children.

Getting there & parking

The museum is north of the station forecourt at Breil-sur-Roya. It is reached via the level crossing along the RD 6204 road.

Amenities & dining

Pets are welcome.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit