Funicular and Icarus’ laboratory

20-minute climb

and time stands still

Originally built as a means of transporting building materials up to the “petites roches” health center, the funicular still carries tourists after 95 years. It is used by paragliders who take off from the Saint Hilaire plateau (notably during the Coupe Icare) or by people who simply want to take a walk on the Chartreuse plateau and enjoy a magnificent view over the Grésivaudan valley.

Activities at the summit

After a gentle 20-minute ascent, activities at the top station await you to complete your excursion:

Machinery tour
Audio and walking tour of Les Dioux
A fun and educational area with the Icare laboratory, a museum entirely dedicated to gravity, air and flight.
A panoramic restaurant with one of the finest views of the valley.

The Icarus Laboratory museographic space will fascinate young and old alike. Come and experience sensational experiments and discover the work of the greatest masters of gravity: Archimedes, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo – they all shared Icarus’ dream.

This 2-level space offers a wide range of fun activities, from exploring the Chartreuse countryside to learning about the history of the funicular railway, from scientific experiments to short films.