Funiculaire de Saint-Paul - Fourviere, Historical funicular in Vieux Lyon, France
The Saint-Paul Fourviere funicular was an underground cable railway in Lyon that stretched 514 meters from Saint-Paul station up to Fourviere hill. The system used tunnels to bridge the height difference between the old town and the upper plateau.
The railway opened in December 1900 and operated until December 1937, primarily transporting funeral processions to Loyasse Cemetery. Service continued for about 37 years before closing.
The funicular formed part of Lyon's transportation network, connecting the historic Saint-Paul district with religious sites on Fourviere hill.
The lower station remains visible near Saint-Paul station, while the upper station has largely disappeared except for tunnel vault remnants. The remaining structures require caution when exploring and are accessible via streets in the old town.
The tunnel system splits into two separate paths at both ends and still contains metal wheels, rivets, and wooden crossties from the original construction. These technical details offer insight into early railroad engineering used in the city.
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