Description

At the gateway to the Pays de Gex, Fort l'Ecluse is one of three examples of mountain fortifications in France during the first half of the XIXth century. A staircase hewn into the rock (1,165 steps) links the lower and upper forts. Interactive multimedia stations and historical and art exhibitions during the summer. A unique and unforgettable site!
During the summer season, this historical and cultural site is open for visits, exhibits and animations. Built on a hillside, the lower fort was equipped in the 17th and 18th centuries with an enclosure, reinforced by a round tower (the Porte de France) and a parade ground leading to another gate (the Porte de Genève).

At the top of the Porte de France, the terrace overlooks the Rhone Valley from an exceptional viewpoint. The the upper fort buildings were erected in the middle of the 19th century, high up, in order to protect the fort from an attack from the mountains and to increase its housing capacity. 1165 steps carved into the rock form the underground staircase linking the two forts. Several artillery casemates and battery terraces supplement the fortifications.

Classified site, Fort l'Ecluse presents today the remains of several centuries of military architecture: towers, watchtowers, loopholes, watchtowers, casemates, ammunition chambers.
Visiting Fort l'Ecluse is the opportunity to discover the way of life of the 150 men who composed the garrison, and also the importance and diversity of the defence and troop withdrawal system.

Fast food on site with regional products. Refreshment bar.

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.

Complément accueil

One 60-seat meeting room. Fast food on site with regional products. Refreshment bar.

Services

Coach access
Shop
Tourist brochures
Tourist information
Guided tours

Environnements

Waterside
Riverside

Tarifs

From 03/06 to 11/06/2023
Full price: 6 €
Reduced price: 4.50 €
Group adults: 5.50 €
Group children: 4 €.

From 17/06 to 17/09/2023
Full price: 6 €
Reduced price: 4.50 €
Group adults: 5.50 €
Group children: 4 €.

Group rate available for > 20 people.