The Montmartre Funicular – Paris’s unusual railway!

There is so much to see and do in Paris it’s hard to know where to start but for me the area of Montmartre is a must – especially the part that’s perched on a hill, the Butte de Montmartre, at the highest spot in Paris with outstanding views over the city, arty – Renoir lived here as did many other artists. There is spectacular architecture including the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur, and plenty of great bars and restaurants. And – you can reach this perched spot by taking the Montmartre funicular.

It’s one of the most unusual ways to travel in the city.

The Montmartre Funicular

The building of it was commissioned in 1891 to aid attendees heading to Sacre Coeur. And it was put into service on 13 July, 1900. It worked by using an incredible water counterweight system with a tank of water placed in each cabin. They were filled or emptied depending on the passenger load and gravity allowed them to descend when full, ascend when empty.

Now the funicular runs by electricity. Where the water tanks used to be is an electronic scale which calculates the weight of passengers and sets the speed of travel. The average is 3.5 metres per second but when the carriage is full in peak season, the speed is slower!

It’s estimated around 2 million passengers travel on the funicular each year. You can use your metro ticket or pass since this is included as part of Metro line 2, even though it’s not directly connected. The Montmartre funicular is open 7 days a week, from 6 am until 12:45 am.

You can also reach the top of Montmartre via Rue Foyatier, one of the most unusual streets in Paris, opened in 1867. At 100 metres long and 12 metres wide, rue Foyatier is named after Parisian sculptor Denis Foyatier (1793-1863). It begins at the foot of the butte Montmartre at rue André Barsacq and ends at the top of the hill at rue Saint-Éluthère and includes 222 steps. The staircase runs alongside the funicular.

The Montmartre funicular may not be fast or exciting, but it is so Paris, it’s a must!

What to see and do in Montmartre

Janine Marsh is the author of several internationally best-selling books about France. Her latest book How to be French – a celebration of the French lifestyle and art de vivre, is out now – a look at the French way of life.