The train of the Mont-Blanc valleys
History and engineering of Mont-Blanc Express

From Vallorcine to le Châtelard-Frontière

Saint-Gervais-Les Bains – Le FayetCheddeServozLes HouchesLes BossonsChamonix-Mont-BlancLes TinesArgentièreMontroc-le-PlanetVallorcineLe Châtelard-FrontièreFinhautLe TrétienLes MarécottesSalvanVernayaz MCMartignyLes Montets tunnelRack section🇨🇭🇫🇷05101520253035051015Third-rail electrificationOverhead electrification

Shortly after Vallorcine, the track is confronted with a steep 70 mm/m downwards gradient. The railway and the highway are parallel at the bottom of the valley. The track crosses a rocky spur in the tunnel of Belle-Combe, then it crosses the Eau Noire on a stone bridge, which marks the border.

In winter, Z 800 train #1 from Le Châtelard is arriving in Vallorcine.
In winter, Z 800 train #1 from Le Châtelard is arriving in Vallorcine.
A Z 850 train is photographed in the ramps of the Vallorcine - Le Châtelard segment.
A Z 850 train is photographed in the ramps of the Vallorcine - Le Châtelard segment.
A Z 870 EMU is exiting Belle-Combe tunnel in direction to Vallorcine. This tunnel is 127 m long.
A Z 870 EMU is exiting Belle-Combe tunnel in direction to Vallorcine. This tunnel is 127 m long.
In 1997, the Z 801/802 train is about to enter the Belle-Combe tunnel.
In 1997, the Z 801/802 train is about to enter the Belle-Combe tunnel. We notice the pantographs on the roof, here in lowered position.
The Eau-Noire marks the border between France and Switzerland.
The Eau-Noire marks the border between France and Switzerland. The railway crosses the track a bit upstream the MC station of Châtelard-Frontière, near the hydroelectric plant that is powered by the waters of the Émosson dam.
This photograph shows (from the Swiss side) the limit between the Saint-Gervais-Vallorcine and the Martigny-Châtelard lines, denoted by an interruption in the third rail.
This photograph shows (from the Swiss side) the limit between the Saint-Gervais-Vallorcine and the Martigny-Châtelard lines, denoted by an interruption in the third rail.
The Z 800 No 22 train is entering Le Châtelard station.
The Z 800 No 22 train is entering Le Châtelard station.
Last update: 12 August 2023. © Christophe Jacquet, 2000-2023. Legal and terms of use. ✍ Contact. Site map.
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