Expérience

History of Mont-Blanc express

1890

For the first time, an application to build a railway linking Vernayaz to Châtelard, by Salvan and Finhaut, is filed with the Swiss Federal Department of Posts and Railways. Other requests will follow, with alternative routes, notably from Martigny to Châtelard via the Forclaz pass.

1901

Following the filing of an application in 1899, the Swiss Federal Parliament grants a concession for the building of a railway line between Martigny and Châtelard, via Vernayaz, Salvan and Finhaut. That same year, the Paris to Lyon and the Mediterranean Railway Company (PLM) begins operations on the French side of the border, from St-Gervais/Le Fayet – Chamonix.

1902

In charge of the concession, the Martigny au Châtelard Railways (operating the Valais to Chamonix line) starts operations on 10 June. Construction begins on 24 November.

1906

Construction is completed. Trains begin running on 20 August. In the summer of the same year, the second French section was inaugurated – between Chamonix and Argentière.

1908

On 1 July, the Swiss rail lines are joined to the French, following the completion of the final stretch of 9.6 km between Argentiere-Vallorcine-Le Chatelard-Frontier.

1935

Following the construction of avalanche protection galleries and the installation of tracks, quays, and railway equipment (snow plows), the line begins running throughout the winter.