Le funiculaire

ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS

Description

This electrically powered funicular—which does not use a rack-and-pinion system—was built in several sections between 1907 and 1913 by the Lausanne-based engineer Koller for a subsidiary of the Société des eaux minérales. It transported tourists from the quays (the port, the spa, and the casino) to the grand hotels (Splendide, Royal, and Ermitage), passing by the Buvette Cachat along the way. It was nicknamed “the little Evian metro” because it served six stations and its stations were lined with beveled earthenware tiles. The 750-meter line, 140 meters of which runs underground, was then served by two five-compartment cars. Closed in 1969, the funicular resumed operations in the summer of 2002 after six years of restoration. It is owned by the City of Evian and is listed as a Historic Monument. The funicular is a rare example of European railway heritage and is one of only three surviving classified funiculars from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The lower station is located on Rue du Port, behind the Palais Lumière.
The upper station is located at the Grange au Lac.
Departures: every 20 minutes from both stations.
Three intermediate stations: Sources – Mateirons – Hôtel Royal.

A snack bar is open at the funicular’s upper station from late June through mid-September, nonstop from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., except in case of rain.
Homestyle cuisine available all day: croque-monsieur, house-made salad, daily special, savory and sweet crêpes, ice cream, lemonade…