Old military site, the fort now welcomes the public and offers a rich and diversified cultural season from June to September.
Historical and cultural site open during the summer season : visits, exhibitions, events. Built on the mountainside, the lower fort was equipped with an enclosure during the 17th and 18th centuries, strengthened with a round tower (« la Porte de France ») and a false braie (« Place d’arme ») which leads to another access (« la Porte de Genève »). The terrace, located at the top of the « Porte de France », offers an exceptional point of view over the Rhône valley. The buildings of the upper fort were erected in the middle of the 19th century, in eight, in order to protect the fort from a mountain’s attack and increase its housing capacity. 1 165 steps carved into the rock form the underground staircase that connects the two forts. Several artillery pillboxes and battery terraces complete the defenses.
In its classified site, « Fort l’Ecluse » now offers the remnants from many centuries of military architecture : towers, fire towers, loopholes, watchtowers, pillboxes, ammunition chambers.
Your visit to « Fort l’écluse » will be an opportunity to discover the way of life of the 150 men who composed the garnison, the importance and diversity of the troop defense and the withdrawal system.
This summer, come and discover the Fort’s history in a sound and light show projected on the monument’s facade !