We’re a slightly transport obsessed family and my boys love anything that moves, particularly if it’s a little bit different. We’ll frequently visit somewhere and only purchase a day pass for their transport network. My boys would rather do that over many other things (which is great because it usually works out way cheaper than visiting tourist attractions). One of the selling points for Chamonix was that as well as having cable cars and gondolas to ride (which my boys love), you can also ride the train for free in the town, and even ride trains that go right up the mountains. Well, that piqued our interest. We blooming love trains. And if it’s scenic, even better. Well, the three trains that we rode during our holiday in Chamonix were all incredible and really easy, enjoyable entertainment for all of us. I don’t think there was a dull view the entire time!
Mont-Blanc Express
One of the best things about staying in Chamonix is that you get to ride the Mont-Blanc Express train for free between Servoz and Vallorcine with your Carte d’Hote. This awesome little card is given to you by your host or hotel to use for the duration of your stay. You simply show it on board the train to the very smartly dressed conductor whenever you travel.
And it’s not just any ordinary train, the panoramic windows make sure you don’t miss a dot of the stunning mountains as you travel through the valley. It’s the type of train where you really do sit back, relax and watch the world go by, while keeping your eyes peeled for the various wildlife. There’s something so wonderfully relaxing just gazing at the mountains. Even the boys loved gazing out the windows and seeing what they could see.
We used the train to hop between Aiguille du Midi station and Chamonix station, and also out to La Praz when we moved apartments mid-holiday. The train also gives you lots of options for hiking, gentle walks, exploring pretty villages like Argentiere or using it to access accommodation that might be a little further out of Chamonix. I was particularly grateful for it the day we took a slight detour hiking from the top of Flegere and ended up further along the valley than we’d intended. How we had anything left in our legs to run for that train, I will never know.
Train de Montenvers
The Train de Montenvers was my favourite of all the trains we rode in Chamonix. Included in our seven day Chamonix Multipass, this beautiful red two carriage train stands out amongst the mountain scenery and has a slightly more traditional look to it than the others. The journey along the rack and pinion railway is so beautiful, climbing steeply out of Chamonix, up past the mountain coaster through a tunnel and then further up the mountain side giving you incredible views down through the valley and up to the glaciers.
The journey only takes twenty minutes to get to 1,913m and comes to a stop amongst some truly stunning scenery. As you approach the top station you’ll see Les Drus on your left – mountains so wonderfully rugged and unique to look at. Once you leave the train you can access loads of hiking trails or head over to the gondola which will take you down to the Mer de Glace. The gondola ride and access to the Mer de Glace are included in the Chamonix Multipass. You can just buy the train ticket if you just fancy the train ride.
We rode the train twice, the second time being later on in the day, simply because we wanted to ride the train one last time before the end of our holiday. Heading up around 4pm meant a lovely quiet train and a chance to sit behind the driver. The boys loved this and spent the twenty minutes to the top pretending to drive. Really easy, fun entertainment.
Mont Blanc Tramway
The Mont Blanc Tramway is one of the steepest train rides I’ve ever been on, particularly the last section up to the Nid d’Aigle. And it was incredible, such a unique experience. The train starts in the pretty town of Le Fayet, just below the town of St Gervais. The full journey from Le Fayet up to Nid d’Aigle at 2,412m takes just over the hour. There are lots of stops along the way if you want to get on in the pretty town of St Gervais or perhaps hike further up. It’s handy having the option to get off earlier on the way back down as you can hop off at Bellevue to take the cable car down into Les Houches for a quicker return to Chamonix.
We had opted for the 11:00 departure from Le Fayet and we got there early to queue to board. I’m so glad we did as it got busy very quickly with a lot of people having to stand for the full journey. We rode it again later on in the week and got on the 13:00 departure which was super quiet. This meant we could sit right behind the driver which was very exciting. The boys loved seeing all the buttons and being able to see the track which alternated between a regular track and then the rack and pinion. It was fascinating!
Getting to the Mont Blanc Tramway
The Carte d’Hote doesn’t cover the train journey on the Mont-Blanc Express from Chamonix to St Gervais-Le Fayet. If you have a Chamonix Multipass the journey is included but you need to visit the ticket office in Chamonix station to get a separate train ticket to show alongside your Multipass before you board. You could also join the Mont Blanc Tramway at Bellevue if you only want to ride the tramway for a short distance. Take the bus (included in your Multipass) to Les Houches and ride the Bellevue cable car up. If you have the time I’d recommend riding the train the full journey up the mountain as the views really were incredible. Certainly one of the most stunning journeys I’ve taken.
Riding the trains give you such a unique viewpoint on the mountains and valleys in and around Chamonix. And if, like me, you’re not a massive fan of gondolas and cable cars, it gives you the chance to enjoy the views while being on the move, but with your feet firmly on the ground.
