The Montenvers rack train

The Montenvers rack railway, in Chamonix

The Montenvers rack railway is a historic little train that climbs from Chamonix to the belvedere of the Mer de Glace. The Chamonix audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this mythical journey, through the forest and the mountain, towards the great glacier.

The historic little train towards the Mer de Glace

The Montenvers train is one of the most emblematic ways to discover the high mountain in Chamonix. Put into service at the beginning of the twentieth century, this little rack railway climbs from the centre of the town to the site of Montenvers, perched at nearly 1,900 metres of altitude, facing the Mer de Glace. The journey, short but spectacular, crosses the forest and offers more and more beautiful views over the valley and the summits, at the quiet rhythm of the rack that allows the train to climb the steep slopes. On arrival, the grandiose panorama over the largest glacier of France is revealed. A witness of the history of mountain tourism, the Montenvers train is a must-see and picturesque experience of Chamonix.

What to see

Here you board the historic little rack railway of the beginning of the twentieth century, which climbs from Chamonix through the forest to the site of Montenvers at nearly 1,900 metres, offering more and more beautiful views then the grandiose panorama over the Mer de Glace. The Montenvers train is a picturesque experience of Chamonix. It is a must-see stop, to be experienced by train.

Practical information

The Montenvers rack railway leaves from a station in the centre of Chamonix and leads to the belvedere over the Mer de Glace. It follows its own hours and conditions, which vary with the season. The altitude of arrival requires good clothing. It is best to check the hours and the opening before coming.

Where does the Montenvers rack railway lead to in Chamonix?

From the centre of Chamonix to the site of Montenvers, perched at nearly 1,900 metres of altitude, facing the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier of France; this little rack railway was put into service at the beginning of the twentieth century.

Where is the Montenvers rack railway?

Departing from the centre of Chamonix, towards the site of Montenvers, in France.