A view taken out the front window of the Montmarte Funicular Railway, run by Paris' RATP, as we descend down the hill to the base station. Operating since 1900, the little cars are pulled up and lowered down by a counter-balance system which operates on an amazing 36% gradient. The system was originally built for the convenience of the multitudes visiting the recently constructed Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the top of Montmarte. Prior to the funicular, 222 steps up the hill was the only way to reach the Basilica.

Photographed by Paul Joyce, June, 1976.
Added to the photo archive by Paul Joyce, June 22, 2006.

Paul Joyce's awards:

» Contact the person who posted this photograph.