From November 1, the Montenvers Train will be under the management of the Haute-Savoie Department.
This is a first in 127 years: the Montenvers Train returns to the departmental management of Haute-Savoie. And to allow everyone to rediscover this unique heritage, the Department has a surprise in store for you this weekend. Explanations with ODS radio.
Three free days to discover the Mer de Glace
To celebrate this recovery, the Train du Montenvers is offering three free days, on November 1, 2 and 3, 2024, in the heart of the All Saints' Day holidays. This period usually dedicated to annual maintenance work will therefore be open to visitors.
Heritage returned to departmental management
The Montenvers Train, known for its route to the Mer de Glace, has belonged to the Haute-Savoie Departmental Council since 1897. He then signed the first concession contract. After 127 years of public service delegation, management returns to the Department. A decision which follows a re-evaluation in 2021 by the departmental executive, keen to restore direct management to Montenvers, in line with the values and projects to preserve local heritage. “We thank the employees who made a technological jewel of French tourism work, and we are happy that the majority have decided to continue this adventure with the departmental management”specified Martial Saddier, President of the Montenvers Train authority.
Towards new perspectives
With more than 740,000 visitors annually, the Montenvers Train remains a tourist jewel of the Mont-Blanc region. This site offers a spectacular view of the Mer de Glace, but also a striking insight into the impacts of global warming. Visitors will therefore be able to closely observe the accelerated melting of the glacier for free this weekend. An alarming phenomenon which reminds us of the urgency of climate action. With this takeover, the Departmental Council therefore intends to make this site a symbol of tourist and environmental excellence. Awareness initiatives are also planned to inform the public about the importance of preserving glaciers and the biodiversity of the Mont-Blanc massif. The coming years could also see the arrival of new environmentally friendly installations.
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