Tramway du Mont Blanc

Vital Statistics

Departure: 590m | Top of area: 2380m
Activities: mountain biking, walking, alpinism (mountaineering)
Number of stops: 2 (Bellevue & Nid d’Aigle)

This traditional rack railway was originally intended to reach the summit of Mont Blanc when it opened in 1913 and now provides access for many mountaineers starting their ascents to the ‘rooftop of Europe’. Non-alpinists – on foot or with bikes – can still take the train for unrivalled views of the Chamonix Aiguilles and Dômes de Miage, alighting at the first stop at Bellevue for walks in the pastures of Les Houches or continuing to the Nid d’Aigle (‘Eagle’s Nest’).

You can take a leisurely trail from the Nid d’Aigle for splendid views of the Bionnassay glacier or follow a path along the side of the glacier to return to the Bellevue plateau.

The starting point of the tramway is in Le Fayet at the bottom of the Chamonix valley. You can take the Mont Blanc Express train and may want to tie in your trip with a visit to the medicinal thermal spa waters of Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais.

Local tips

See the Tramway du Mont Blanc map.

Did you know? the 3 train engines are named Anne, Jeanne and Marie after the owner’s daughters.

Lift passes

The Tramway du Mont Blanc is included on the Mont Blanc Multipass.