Historic site and monument
in Léaz

Fort l'Écluse

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.
We speak : English, French

In Video

Themes

  • Historic patrimony
  • Military Patrimony
  • Fort

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

Average length of individual visit : 90 min.
Average length of group visit : 90 min.
Minimum group size : 20 people
Maximum group size : 40 people

Customers

Suitable for : Groups

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

Opening hours from 07 June to 29 June 2025
SaturdayOpen from 10:30 am to 06:30 pm
SundayOpen from 10:30 am to 06:30 pm
Opening hours from 30 June to 31 August 2025
MondayOpen from 10:30 am to 06:30 pm
TuesdayOpen from 10:30 am to 06:30 pm
WednesdayOpen from 10:30 am to 06:30 pm
ThursdayOpen from 10:30 am to 06:30 pm
FridayOpen from 10:30 am to 06:30 pm
SaturdayOpen from 10:30 am to 06:30 pm
SundayOpen from 10:30 am to 06:30 pm
Opening hours from 06 September to 21 September 2025
SaturdayOpen from 10:30 am to 06:30 pm
SundayOpen from 10:30 am to 06:30 pm

Prices

PricingMin.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.

Payment options

  • Bank/credit card
  • Check
  • Cash

Services

Equipment

  • Picnic area
  • Lift
  • Bar
  • Toilets
  • Public WC
  • Exhibition space
  • Car park
  • Meeting room
  • Parking nearby
  • Coach parking

Services

  • Coach access
  • Shop
  • Tourist brochures
  • Tourist information
  • Guided tours

On-site activities

  • Activity
  • Children's entertainment
  • Temporary exhibition
  • Entertainment evenings
  • Shows
  • Theatre

Animals welcome

Pets are not allowed

Adapted tourism

Adapted service : Accessible for wheelchairs with assistance, Reserved space 330 cm wide < 100 m from the site, Minimum aisle width of 90 cm, Doors >=77 cm wide, Lift (80 x 130 cm) and door >= 77 cm, Reception desk between 70-80 cm high, WC + grab handle + adequate space to move, Incline >5% but reasonable, Visual alarm with flash light, Reception staff sensitized to the reception of people with disabilities

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.

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.

Address

Longeray
01200 Léaz
How do I get there?
9 / 10
Average over 565 reviews posted on various review sites

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