Montmartre Funicular

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This is a small funicular in Montmartre that transports passengers to the summit of the butte Montmartre and back down again. A funicular is simply a kind of inclined railway, with cars that are winched upwards or lowered downwards on a cable. This funicular is practically brand-new; it replaced an older funicular at the same location a few years ago. It worries me a bit that only a single cable hoists and supports each car, but hopefully the engineers knew what they were doing.

The funicular is operated by the Paris Independent Transport Authority (the RATP). You can pay for it with the same Métro tickets you use elsewhere in the Paris public transport system. It is a welcome alternative to the rather daunting stairway that you must otherwise climb to reach the summit (I have a picture of it, if you are interested).

This picture was taken from just below the top and on the west side of the funicular. At the base of the funicular, you can just make out the place Suzanne Valladon and the place Saint Pierre.

Photographed on May 8, 1998.