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.
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.
More information:
One 60-seat meeting room. Fast food on site with regional products. Refreshment bar.
Opening
From 17/06 to 17/09/2023
Opening hours daily between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.
Rates
| Rate | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Full price (from 03/06/2023 to 11/06/2023) | 6€ | |
| Reduced price (from 03/06/2023 to 11/06/2023) | 4,50€ | |
| Group adults (from 03/06/2023 to 11/06/2023) | 5,50€ | |
| Group children (from 03/06/2023 to 11/06/2023) | 4€ | |
| Full price (from 17/06/2023 to 17/09/2023) | 6€ | |
| Reduced price (from 17/06/2023 to 17/09/2023) | 4,50€ | |
| Group adults (from 17/06/2023 to 17/09/2023) | 5,50€ | |
| Group children (from 17/06/2023 to 17/09/2023) | 4€ |
- Check
- Bank/credit card
- Cash
Services
Facilities
- Lift
- Car park
- Public WC
- Coach parking
- Parking
- Meeting room
- Bar
- Picnic area
- Exhibition space
- Toilets
Services
- Coach access
- Shop
- Tourist brochures
- Tourist information
- Guided tours
Adapted tourism
- Accessible for wheelchairs with assistance
- Accessible for self-propelled wheelchairs
- 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
Host language(s)
- English
- French
Services
- Group reception from 20 to 40 persons
