Historic 1898 funicular, the oldest electric funicular in France still in service.
Opened in 1898, the Funiculaire du Capucin is the oldest electrically powered funicular in France. Its original machinery, in the top station, still runs, and its two cars, classified as historic monuments, have kept their Belle Époque look. In a few minutes, it climbs 175 metres from Le Mont-Dore up to the Salon du Capucin, at 1,245 m: from there you'll find hiking trails, the Sylvatorium, the treetop adventure courses and the via ferrata. The line itself is on the register of Historic Monuments. A retro, effortless way to reach the heights above the spa town.
What you will find
- The oldest electrically powered funicular in France, in service since 1898
- Its two Belle Époque-style cars, classified as historic monuments
- The starting point for hikes and activities on the Capucin plateau (1,245 m)
Local tip
Take the one-way ticket (€8 adult, 2026 price) and walk back down along the trails to enjoy the scenery. In 2026, it runs Wednesday to Sunday from 29 April to 3 July, every day from 4 July to 30 August, then Wednesday to Sunday until 31 October.
Ideal for
- You love period machines that still run
- You're going up as a family: a few minutes' ride, free for under-5s
- You want to reach the Capucin plateau without any effort
Maybe not for
- You're coming in winter: it only runs from spring to autumn
- You're an early riser: the first departure is at 10:00
Good to know
- 2026 timetable: Wednesday to Sunday from 29 April to 3 July (10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:40), every day from 4 July to 30 August (10:00 to 18:40), then Wednesday to Sunday from 2 to 27 September (10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:40), from 30 September to 24 October (10:00 to 12:10 and 14:00 to 17:40) and from 25 to 31 October (10:00 to 12:10 and 14:00 to 16:30).
Practical information
- Booking
- No booking: tickets are bought on site. Take the one-way ticket (€8 in 2026) and walk back down via the Chemin des Artistes or the Chemin des Médecins.
- Public transport
- Departs from the spa town centre of Le Mont-Dore.
- Accessibility
- Partly wheelchair accessible
