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At the dawn of the third millennium, this hundred-year-old train still has sparkling vitality. With over a million passengers each year, it is one of the valley’s great attractions. Without it, Chamonix would not be Chamonix.
From the centre of the resort, in 20 minutes it takes you to the margins of the Mer de Glace, with fascinating peaks overhanging it. |
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The epic history of the little red train The construction of the line required 118,000 m3 of earthwork, including 33,000m3 of rock and 32,220m3 of brickwork. 35 mules each day carried between 80 and 150 kg of materials. 1909 : Inauguration of the line. The journey takes 55 minutes |
Some figures about the train Length of line : 5141 m Departure altitude : 1042 m Arrival altitude : 1913 m Difference in height : 871 m Number of trains :6 electric self-propelling railcars and 3 diesel locomotives Speed : 14 to 20 kph A 152 m viaduct A line gradient varying from 11 to 22 % |