 |
| One of the funicular cars ascending Montmartre in July 2008 |
It’s not the Alps so you might be surprised to find a funicular railway in Paris.
If you intend to visit Montmartre and have already purchased a day ticket for use on the Metro, RER or Buses in Paris, then you will be pleased to know your ticket is also valid on the Montmartre Funicular ( Funiculaire de Montmartre). This useful transport facility will give your feet a welcome rest from the 300 or so steps on the way up to Sacre Coeur.
The funicular was first opened in 1900 and was rebuilt in 1935 and 1991. The track is 354 feet (108m) long and climbs 118 feet (36m). The journey time is around 90 seconds.
Nearest Metro stations are Anvers on line 2 and Abbesses on line 12. From Anvers, cross the busy road outside the Metro station and head straight up Rue de Steinkerque. From Abbesses, head east along Rue Yvonne Le Tac and Rue Tardieu.
Nearest Metro stations are Anvers on line 2 and Abbesses on line 12. From Anvers, cross the busy road outside the Metro station and head straight up Rue de Steinkerque. From Abbesses, head east along Rue Yvonne Le Tac and Rue Tardieu.
The funicular is in RATP Ticket Zone 1
 |
| The white stone of Sacre Coeur looks warmer in the late July evening sunlight. |
 |
| The journey up to Sacre Coeur is well worth the effort. The reasonably low level build of central Paris is apparent from this view across the city. The train shed roof of the Gare du Nord can be seen towards the left. |
The following picture is a 1906 postcard view of the funicular showing the lengthy climb up to Sacre Coeur.
Here is a video of the funicular:
http://youtu.be/9eY7-eLadEc