Unusual experience: The Mont Blanc tramway

A unique ascent near Annecy and Geneva

The Mont Blanc tramway is one of the must-do experiences if you're planning a holiday between Annecy and Geneva, in Haute-Savoie.

This unusual activity aboard a cogwheel train offers an extraordinary journey, where you'll have the chance to admire a wide range of landscapes, from valleys to mountains, and from lush green landscapes to majestic white peaks.

Are you convinced? The Tramway du Mont-Blanc is waiting for you!

What is the Tramway du Mont-Blanc?

The first ideas for its creation date back to 1835. The idea was simple: to find a way of getting closer to Mont-Blanc. Work on the first tramway began in 1906, and the tramway saw the light of day in 1957.

Good to know: It is now the highest railway in France! The railway track stretches for 12.5 km, pulled by the cogwheel chain that you can feel and hear being tightened as you cross.

The crossing rises to an altitude of 2,372 metres and has a vertical drop of 1,792 metres.

This railway is also the starting point for the Mont-Blanc hike, as well as other trails.

What are the stages of the Tramway du Mont-Blanc?

📍 1st stage

The journey begins at Le Fayet station, in the commune of Saint Gervais - Le Fayet. This is the first stop point. You will find yourself at an altitude of 580 metres.

📍 2nd stage

Head for Saint-Gervais station for the second stop. It's a little further away but still in the commune of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.

📍 3rd stage

We then head for Motivon. Here, you'll get some height... you'll be at an altitude of 1,368 metres. Ideal for admiring the superb snow-covered passes.

📍 4th stage

Next stop is the Col de Voza, which stands at an altitude of 1,635 metres. From this pass, there are numerous hiking trails perfect for enjoying the wonderful scenery without taking you too far up towards Mont Blanc.

📍 5th stage - last stage in winter

Hold on tight for the next stage, which takes in the summit of Bellevue, which is also the last stop during the winter season. This summit lies at an altitude of 1,794 metres. One thing's for sure, you're in for a real treat!

📍 6th stage - last stop in summer

In summer, the Tramway du Mont-Blanc takes you to an altitude of 2,372 metres!
During the summer season, the journey continues even after the Bellevue summit to make a final stop at the Nid d'Aigle.

How long does the journey on the Tramway du Mont-Blanc last?

All in all, if you want to do the whole of the Mont-Blanc crossing on board this cogwheel train, you should allow 1 hour 15 minutes.

Book your hotel near Annecy

Make the most of your stay between Annecy and Geneva by staying at our Hotel The Originals Rey du Mont Sion, located in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois Sud just outside Geneva and a 40-minute drive from Annecy.

You can also easily get to Le Fayet train station from our hotel, located around 50 minutes from the starting point! 📍🚗

Our 30 contemporary, comfortable and spacious rooms offered by our establishment will allow you to rest in peace between two visits to the region.

The Hotel has an indoor swimming pool (open from April to October) a tennis court, and many other services that will delight you!

Book now Direct and benefit from the best rates!