Discover the Funiculaire de Saint Hilaire du Touvet, a veritable historical treasure of the Chartreuse Massif. Built between 1920 and 1924 to serve the Cure Establishments on the Plateau des Petites Roches, this unique funicular takes you up a 1,480m railroad line, climbing from 260m to 1,000m above sea level. Its vertiginous gradient reaches 83%, making it the steepest passenger transport system in the world.
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Le Funiculaire du Touveta tourist railway with a unique panorama
Vertiginous ascent
Brake systems: guaranteeing your safety
Safety is paramount. Two braking systems ensure your peace of mind. The engine room has an automatic brake that stops the cars instantly, while each car is equipped with automatic grab brakes. These measures guarantee a safe stop in the event of unforeseen circumstances, as demonstrated every year in spectacular tests.
Scenic journey at 83% inclination
Travel with friends or family at 1.25 m per second, controlled by an electric system, during a 20-minute ascent from Montfort station. Enjoy the landscape as it slowly unfolds, offering aerial views of the Grésivaudan valley, the Belledonne mountain range and the Oule waterfall, a majestic 100-meter-high cascade.
On arrival, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views: from the Vercors to Mont Blanc, via the majestic Belledonne massif. What’s more, you’ll have the opportunity to admire paragliders soaring through the sky from the southern take-off area.
Centenary history of the Funicular
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Step back in time from 1917 to the present day, and discover the rich history of the Funiculaire du Touvet. From its creation to combat tuberculosis to its vital role during the Second World War, follow its eventful history to its revitalization in the 1970s.
Icarus' laboratorypedagogical exploration
On arrival, explore the “Icarus Laboratory”, a captivating museum space. Meet brilliant minds such as Archimedes, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo and Newton, delve into the history of the funicular and discover how it works. Explore the filmography of the Coupe Icare, fly over the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park and test your knowledge with the great Icare quiz.
Temporary closure: a challenge to overcome
Unfortunately, the Touvet Funicular had to close temporarily in 2022 due to exceptional natural phenomena. Rockslides and torrential floods damaged the lower station and cabin, necessitating considerable restoration efforts.
Keep up to date with progress as our teams work hard to reopen the station.
