The Montmartre Funicular at a glance
In service since the early 20th century, the Montmartre Funicular connects the famous hill to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, making the climb in just 90 seconds. While the distance is short, the 35-meter (115-foot) elevation gain can make the 220 steps a challenge for some, particularly seniors or families with small children.
Originally powered by an ingenious water-based system, it switched to electricity 35 years later before undergoing a major renovation in the 1990s. Currently managed by the RATP (Parisian Transit Authority), it carries nearly 3.5 million passengers annually. While tourists and pilgrims make up the bulk of the crowd, it is also a regular transit option for locals and regulars headed to the Place du Tertre to soak in its signature atmosphere.
Equipped with two independent tracks, the cabins can hold 60 passengers each. Their modern design by Roger Tallon, the industrial designer behind the TGV Atlantique, focuses on visibility with windows extending into the ceiling. During peak hours, both tracks often run in the upward direction, as demand for the descent is typically lower. The system operates like an elevator using independent winches and cables. It is fully automated, utilizing an electronic weight-balancing system to determine when to trigger the departure, ensuring an optimal flow of passengers.
You should take it at least for the ride up (the walk down the stairs is really nice), it's a bit crowded like any subway, but it's iconic for Montmartre.
A good, quick, and fun way for kids to get up to the Sacre-Coeur and wander around Montmartre.