Allières-Les avants 

Despite the route's dangers and sometimes questionable condition, this path had two big advantages: it was the shortest route between the Pays-d’Enhaut, the Gruyères, and Léman (Lake Geneva), and it was passable almost year-round. It was also an important gateway for the inhabitants of the high valleys who couldn’t live in complete autarky. In the 19th century, however, the route’s roll changed. Tourists in awe of the panorama (and the echo off the Dent de Jaman) replaced cheese-makers little by little. Tour guides of the time often cited Lord Byron: “This view is as beautiful as a dream!” The pass, impassable by car and still closed to automobile traffic today, can be crossed (other than by foot) thanks to a tunnel built on the MOB (Montreux-Oberland bernois) railway line in 1904. This line remains the main public transportation axis between the Pays-dEnhaut, the Intyamon, and the Lake Geneva region.

Les Avants developed a notable hotel industry starting the middle of the 19th century with the arrival of public transportation. The village has a unique regional architecture. In Sonloup, the funicular (built in 1911), with its distinctive red cars, was recently restored.

On July 8th, 1910 the idea for the funicular was born. Working at a frantic pace, civil workers completed the funicular in just 5 months. The track runs for 531 meters at an impressive slope of 54.5%. To make all this possible three works of art were constructed: a brick viaduct with eleven arches, two steel bridges to cross the Sonloup road, and a small culvert arch over the bobsled run. From the beginning, electric traction was chosen for the funicular and on December 14th, 1910, the first passengers took their seats in the 50 person capacity cars. With an hourly capacity of 500 people in each direction, the red funicular soon became an integral part of life in Les Avants. Renovated in 2012, the funicular is now an iconic symbol for the entire region.