Concerts, festivals, events and exhibitions, enjoyed by thousands of visitors, make Fort l'Ecluse an unmissable place to discover and enjoy… Well beyond the borders of Pays de Gex.
Perched high above the Rhône, Fort l'Ecluse dominates the horizon. Over 700 years old, it has many stories to tell. Come and discover them on guided or self-guided tours, through the fascinating scenography of the “Au cœur de la Cluse” exhibition and the spectacular sound and light show “Fort l'Ecluse: 20,000 years of history”. Something for everyone! Thanks to its immersive exhibitions, plunge “Into the heart of the storm” and “Discover the little rhinolophes”, the bats of the Fort. This year, 2 new temporary exhibitions: “Intimité sauvage”, fantastic animal photos by Adrien Favre and “Gendarmes résistants dans l'Ain, le choix de l'impossible” by the association Mémoires de l'Ain 1939 – 1945. Summer events include the 12th edition of the Jazz in Fort l'Ecluse festival, classical concerts by the Soloist Academy, Nuit des étoiles, historical re-enactments… And for those who want to get active, there are a number of sporting activities: an adventure course with a breathtaking view at the upper Fort, a free-access via ferrata and hiking trails. And let's not forget the challenge of obtaining the famous staircase diploma: climbing the 830 steps of the underground gallery linking the Lower Fort to the Upper Fort.
Additional Information :
One 60-seat meeting room. Fast food on site with regional products. Refreshment bar.
In Video
Themes
Location details
On the RN 206, at the exit of Bellegarde-sur-Valserine take direction of the Pays de Gex and Geneva.
- Riverside
- Waterside
Visit
Customers
Tour languages
French
Services for individual visits
- Unguided individual tours available permanently
- Guided individual tours on request
Services for group visits
- Unguided group tours on request
- Guided group tours on request
Opening
Prices
Pricing | Min. | Max. |
---|---|---|
Full price | 6 € | Not communicated |
Reduced price | 4,50 € | Not communicated |
Group adults | 5,50 € | Not communicated |
Group children | 4 € | Not communicated |
Free with proof of age: children under 6, RSA recipients.
Family rate (2 adults and 2 children): €17
Full-fare annual pass: €10
* The annual pass also gives access to the five departmental museums (Bresse, Bonnet silk, Resistance and Deportation, Revermont and Bugey-Valromey museums).
– Combined ticket Fort l’Ecluse / Château de Voltaire: €12
– Pass’Découvertes de l’Ain, a digital pass allowing you to visit 3 sites at a smart price!
3 sites of your choice, excluding Parc des Oiseaux: €19
3 sites to choose from + the Park: €31
** A full-price ticket entitles the holder to reduced-price admission to the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de l’Ain.
Family rate (2 adults and 2 children): €17
Full-fare annual pass: €10
* The annual pass also gives access to the five departmental museums (Bresse, Bonnet silk, Resistance and Deportation, Revermont and Bugey-Valromey museums).
– Combined ticket Fort l’Ecluse / Château de Voltaire: €12
– Pass’Découvertes de l’Ain, a digital pass allowing you to visit 3 sites at a smart price!
3 sites of your choice, excluding Parc des Oiseaux: €19
3 sites to choose from + the Park: €31
** A full-price ticket entitles the holder to reduced-price admission to the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de l’Ain.
Payment options
Services
Equipment
Services
On-site activities
- Activity
- Children's entertainment
- Temporary exhibition
- Entertainment evenings
- Shows
- Theatre
Animals welcome
Adapted tourism
Motor disability
Main courtyard on one level. Gravelled upper courtyard. This courtyard leads to the historical exhibition ‘Au cœur de la Cluse’ and to the panoramic terrace. The exhibitions ‘Au cœur de l'orage’ and ‘A la découverte des petits rhinolophes’ are not wheelchair accessible, access by stairs.
Concerts and events are usually held in the main courtyard.
Concerts and events are usually held in the main courtyard.
Visual disability
Stairs leading to the upper courtyard with contrasting risers. Stairs leading to the exhibitions, terrace and upper fort without contrasting treads. We recommend using the lifts.