Tuesday, February 3, 2026

A visit to Switzerland

I've read two or three Agatha Christie books, and of course they were ok. But I absolutely loved the tv series Poirot, based on her books. My favourite episode was called The Labours of Hercules, which I believe is the name of a work of art.

The scenery, Series 13 Episode 04 was lavish. The hotel where it was filmed was lavish. The story line was excellent, the acting faultless and I haven't finished watching it yet. But oh the scenery, and a funicular, and my long time readers will know I do like a good funicular. 

If you are still reading my blog, thanks to the person who pointed out Daily Motion to me to find older films and tv series, and there I found a not so good copy of the episode. I am not paying, so I cannot complain. The stills I took are far from illustrating the lavishness of the series, but you'll get your idea. The name of the uploader is oddly called Deaddogsdam.

Ok, here we go. A bit of research work will be needed.

The journey to the resort begins with the funicular. To appraise those who don't know, funiculars are rail vehicles that can climb steep hills by the weight of a connected descending car. Power is still needed but not much.

Ready to board below the mountain resort.  

 

A passing loop, before the car enters a tunnel. Spoiler alert, there is an avalanche whereby the tunnel is filled with snow, making the funicular inoperable. 

 

The view from the car looking upwards. The interior of the vehicle is a prop built in Pinewood Studios, London. Hey, and aren't we worried about AI?

The car creaked, squeaked and groaned as it carried its passengers to the ascent destination.

Perfectly safe.


Here's the hotel on the horizon.


Exiting the funicular. 

The hotel was for very swank guests. 

What wondrous views. 




The denouement: While the setting was Switzerland, it wasn't actually. Le funiculaire de Saint-Hilaire du Touvet is in France and was built to service a sanatorium, which is used as the hotel. Who knows where the hotel interior scenes were filmed. 

5 comments:

  1. Love the old series and movies. Did love the Poirot series. As to funiculars I was one a few. The last one I remember clearly was in Quebec city. I took the grandgirl, I think she was around 9. She was awestruck. I say more funiculars please.
    XO
    WWW

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  2. Dailymotion is where I find a lot of stuff. The library also provides lots of different series and movies through their Hoopla app, available with a library card.

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  3. Funiculars make me nervous but the scenery is usually worth it. The one we went on in Montreux last April took us to a gorgeous view over Lake Geneva.
    I did keep thinking about the cables etc though 🥺

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  4. Classy hotels were always for swank guests. But I wonder if potential guests were checked at the front door for "suitability" or if money did the talking.

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A visit to Switzerland

I've read two or three Agatha Christie books, and of course they were ok. But I absolutely loved the tv series Poirot, based on her book...