A funicular railway steeped in history
In operation for 95 years now, the Touvet funicular is without doubt the oldest railway train in the Alps. Originally built to carry medical equipment up to the centre des peites roches, it is now a major tourist attraction not far from Allevard-les-Bains. The 83% slope on which it rises from 260 metres in its lower station at Montfort to 1000 metres at Saint-Hilaire du Touvet amazes, impresses and surprises those who take it.
With the traction of the 2 carriages, the funicular railway of Touvet climbs the rock face of the Massif de Chartreuse carrying tourists and gliding enthusiasts in its carriages. Saint-Hilaire du Touvet is one of the top paragliding spots in the Grésivaudan valley. The panorama you can have from the top over the Grésivaudan Valley and over Allevard-les-Bains and the Belledonne massif is well worth suspending time during the 20-minute ascent.
