The funicular reaches a maximum incline of 83%, making it one of the steepest passenger railways in Europe.
Construction was completed in 1924 specifically to reach medical facilities perched on the cliffside.
The line operates using a balanced counterweight system where the descent of one car pulls the other upward.
The track runs parallel to the cliff face, utilizing narrow tunnels carved directly into the limestone.
It acts as a primary logistical link for the annual Icare Cup, a massive paragliding festival held in September.
The Funicular of Saint Hilaire du Touvet is a historic mountain railway connecting the Isère Valley floor in Lumbin to the Saint-Hilaire plateau. Originally constructed in 1924, it serves as one of the steepest funiculars in Europe, climbing a vertical gain of 699 meters. The rail line was initially built to transport materials and patients to the Plateau des Petites Roches sanatoriums. Today, it operates primarily as a tourist attraction, offering direct access to paragliding departure zones and hiking trails in the Chartreuse Massif. The track spans 1,480 meters with a maximum gradient reaching 83%. It features historic wooden carriages that have been restored to maintain their early 20th-century aesthetic. The journey traverses through forest tunnels and rock cuttings, providing views of the Belledonne mountain range. The funicular remains a central hub for the Icare Cup, the world's largest free-flight festival.
The front-facing glass window of the carriage during the ascent for a view of the track incline.
Bring a windbreaker or light jacket as temperatures at the top plateau are significantly cooler than in the valley.
Check the weather forecast for the Chartreuse peaks, as low cloud cover can obstruct visibility.
Combine your trip with a short hike to the Dent de Crolles trails accessible from the top station.
Assuming it operates year-round; the funicular shuts down completely during the winter season.
Closed during the winter months; operates seasonally from spring through autumn.
