In Saint-Hilaire, funicular railway history, films about flying and outdoor trails come together. For planning, it is worth distinguishing between the different options: you can choose a moderate day hike with a specified distance and elevation gain, several easy walking trails, or flying activities with varying conditions.
Funicular Railway and Flying-Related Attractions
The Funiculaire de Saint Hilaire du Touvet was built between 1920 and 1924 to serve the health resorts on the Plateau des Petites Roches. It began operating on 19 July 1924. The Laboratoire d'Icare focuses on air, flight and gravity; as an educational and playful museographic space, it brings these themes together in its own way. Together, the funicular railway and the Laboratoire offer two different ways to explore the history of flight: one through a historic structure, the other through a playful, educational look at the underlying themes.
The Icare du Cinéma film festival is also part of this theme. It began in 1983 and now welcomes nearly 5,000 spectators. Each year, it features around 100 film productions from around the world; the programme may vary from one edition to the next. Another facet of the Coupe Icare is Icarnaval, which has been considered its emblem by the general public since 1983. More than 100 paragliding and hang-gliding pilots from around the world take part in the Coupe Icare competition; participation varies by edition.
Hiking and Getting Outdoors
The “Randonnée et histoire du Plateau” hike leads around the village of Saint-Hilaire and through local history: from the Neolithic period to medieval village life with its castle and mills, and on to the more recent history of the funicular railway, sanatoriums, ski resort and free flight. This moderate day hike is about 8 kilometres long and involves around 500 metres of ascent. Its distance, elevation gain and difficulty give you a clear idea of the route’s profile.
Separate from this is a choice of several easy trails for walks starting from the upper station of the Funiculaire de Saint Hilaire du Touvet. Before setting out, check the status of the trails you intend to use: the Sentier du Pal de Fer is closed by municipal order, and it is not possible to descend on foot there. All via ferratas at the Funiculaire de Saint Hilaire du Touvet are closed until further notice.
Another way to explore the area is the “Saint Hilaire du Touvet - Parcours d’orientation Patrimoine” orienteering course. It follows the Dioux loop. The markers are near noteworthy sites, and each stop offers a chance to discover information about the surrounding area. For a flight with a stronger connection to the landscape, there are also five paragliding take-off sites in St Hilaire du Touvet. They all offer exceptional views of the Belledonne range; flying conditions are weather-dependent.
Getting There and Finding Accommodation
You can reach the Plateau des Petites Roches from Grenoble and Chambéry via the A41 and the Le Touvet exit; from there, follow the signs towards Saint-Hilaire du Touvet. There is also a direct bus from Grenoble to Saint-Hilaire du Touvet. Check road and bus connections before travelling. If you are looking for a hotel in Saint-Hilaire, first decide whether your stay will focus more on cultural history and the film festival or on hiking and flying activities. If you plan to spend time outdoors, also take the closures mentioned above and the weather-dependent nature of flying into account.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Charette, Saint-Martin-De-La-Cluze, Susville, Saint-Christophe-Sur-Guiers, MorĂŞtel-de-Mailles, Montseveroux, Velanne, Montferrat.
For the regional travel overview: Isere.
