Fort l'Écluse

Léaz Closed

At the Pays de Gex gateway, Fort l'Ecluse, a formerly military site, is one of three examples of mountain fortifications in France during the first half of the XIXth century.
The fort now welcomes the public and offers a rich and varied cultural season from June to September.

Description

Love jazz ? Our exclusive program presents internationally renowned groups and runs from June to September.
And what’s more, this 13th century fort, rebuilt over the years until the 19th century, is one of the major regional bat protection sites. Here, you can see, hear and observe them in their thousands – a truly thrilling sight ! An exhibition completes the visit, with plenty of surprising facts about this misunderstood animal.
New : the sound and light show immerses you in the fascinating history of Fort l'Ecluse, which takes place in a 13-minute sequence on the front façade. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.fortlecluse.fr

In the heart of the Gex transversal valley, the site of Fort l'Ecluse is a natural, strategic passage between the Jura and the Alps since Roman times.
Constructed at the place of a 13th century fortified dwelling, Fort l'Ecluse has always played the role of a border. When it became French in 1601, the Royal engineers enlarged and reinforced the buildings. At the beginning of the 19th century, the fort dug directly in the rockbed was restructured in 2 phases to accommodate a strengthened fortification.