The Emosson hydroelectric dam is situated in a spectacular setting above the little swiss village of Chatelard 19km from Chamonix.
To get there from Chamonix take the Mont Blanc express towards Martigny and get off at Chatelard. Or go by car over the Col de Montets through Vallorcine and over the border into Switzerland.
Le Petit train panoramique links the Chateau d'Eau with the base of the Emosson Dam. The scenic train ride negotiates rocky terrain and dense forests.
The views of the Mount Blanc range and the Bouqui canyons are fantastic.
The 1,650m long railway (gauge 600mm) was constructed by Trains Touristiques d'Emosson. It started operating on the same day as the Chatelard Funicular opened for the Public in 1975.
The train is pulled by electrical locomotives that are recharged every night.
The Mini Funic links the end station of the Panoramic train with the Emosson lake. It climbs 140m of vertical height in 2 minutes. From the top visitors can walk along the dam and the sides of the lake. There are several good hikes in the area.
Dinosaur footprints can be seen at Vieux-Emosson (2,400m) after the snow is melted. Access is by foot from the top station of the Mini Func. count on 5-6 hours return.
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