The Funiculaire de Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet
It may seem surprising to come across one of the oldest funicular railways in France for tourists in this remote part of Isère between Grenoble and Chambéry.
The Funiculaire de Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet – a chapter of French mechanical history !
It may seem surprising to come across one of the oldest funicular railways in France for tourists in this remote part of Isère between Grenoble and Chambéry. Nonetheless the Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet funicular runs up the south-west face of the Chartreuse Massif at Grésivaudan. It is an absolute must to understand the natural and cultural secrets of this range of mountains and its famous monastery, La Grande Chartreuse, Mother House of the Carthusian enclosed order of monks. A scientific as well as a cultural attraction, the funicular railway is very popular with families and couples, and rightly so as, with its magnificent panorama of the Valley of Gésivaudan and its technical achievements, it is a romantic and educational outing ! Come and enjoy the fresh mountain air and go for a walk on the steep slopes of the Chartreuse mountains. With a gradient of 83%, the Funiculaire de Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet has the steepest incline in France, making for a most spectacular ascent !
An easy way to climb the mountain from Lumbin to Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet
The funicular railway between Lumbin and Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet is an unusual way of visiting the mountains. Ever since its construction in 1924, it has travelled tirelessly 1,480m through forests and a tunnel, across a plateau to the upper station at 967m altitude. Once you reach the top, there are several different places to see. Apart from the funicular shop and panoramic restaurant, you can tour the machinery room and go behind the scenes of this unusual railway. The « Laboratoire d’Icare » is a museum dedicated to experiments by Da Vinci, Newton and Galileo with games for younger visitors involving air and physical forces (gravity, flight, etc.). Plenty of outdoor activities await you here at the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional de Chartreuse.
Funiculaire de Saint Hilaire du Touvet
Enjoy the pure Vercors air
However, the « Laboratoire d’Icare » and the machinery room are not the only attractions at the summit of the funicular. Here nature provides a wonderful playground with several walks starting from the site. After a break to get your strength up in the Pré Lacour park with picnic tables and play equipment, set off in the direction of Les Dioux and Moulin de Porte-Traine through lush vegetation of meadows and woodland. If you prefer spectacular views, like those experienced during your ascent, then choose the walk to the orientation table at Bec Margain and marvel at the magnificent wide open spaces. There are mountain bike tracks on the Plateau des Petites Roches and the most seasoned riders can have a go at the famous Col du Coq.
Useful information
Access and Transport
Via A41/E712 from Chambéry towards Grenoble, exit 23 Le Touvet. After toll-booth turn left onto D1090 towards Grenoble, go through La Terrasse, Lumbin and Crolles to the bottom of the funicular.
Via A41/E712 from Grenoble towards Chambéry, exit 24 Crolles, then D1090 towards Chambéry. Turn left in Montfort to the bottom of the funicular.
Prices
Adults : 16.90€ Return trip
Children : 9.50€ Return trip
Family ticket : 20% reduction for 2 adults and 2 children
Group adults : 13.50€ Return trip
Group children : 7.60€ Return trip
Under 5s : free
Address and contact details
38920 Lumbin
Tél : 04 76 08 00 02
www.funiculaire.fr
Discover other Gîtes de France destinations in Isère : The Grotte de Choranche and Alpe d'Huez en Isère."
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