Esseillon forts

Four forts and a redoubt protecting Savoie: a treat for lovers of fortified heritage.
Listed as Historic Monuments, the forts are named after the royal family of Piedmont-Sardinia.

Description

Erected between 1817 and 1834 against the possible aims of France, the barrier of Esseillon is composed of 5 forts spread over the communes of Aussois and Avrieux.
The barrier of Esseillon includes 4 forts and a redoubt which bear the names of members of the Savoy family. They are built on the model of Montalembert which, contrary to Vauban's model, is based on the principle of perpendicular fortifications and cannon towers:
- Fort Victor-Emmanuel (Grand Site du Département and Site of Regional Interest, this building has been the subject of a major restoration programme.
- Fort Charles-Albert (only two small garrison buildings and the base of a tower remain of this building)
- Fort Charles-Felix (destroyed on the orders of Napoleon III, when Savoy became part of France in 1860. Visiting the building is not recommended as it is dangerous. Romantic, the fort is nevertheless admirable from the road).
- Fort Marie-Christine (Cultural Centre, gîte d'étape, restaurant, and gateway to the Vanoise National Park, places to visit and occasional activities).
- Marie-Thérèse Redoubt (Interpretation Centre of the Fortified Heritage)

Additional welcome

Guided tours by prior arrangement with the Aussois Tourist Office or FACIM.

Services

• Room hire
• Shop
• Restaurant
• Guided tours

Environments

• Mountain location
• Village - 2 km away

Rates

Free access.

Good plans

Developed site: Waymarked path, via ferrata.

Opening period

Open daily, year-round.
Group tours available upon request.

Spoken languages

• English
• French
• Italian

Labels

• Classified
• Towns and Regions of Art and History

Location

By car, the forts are accessible year-round via the RD1006, 5 km from Modane: parking is available in front of the Marie-Thérèse Redoubt. From there, you can walk down to the “Pont du diable” and then back up to Fort Victor-Emmanuel.
⦁ Also accessible via Aussois: Fort Marie-Christine Charles-Albert, Fort Charles-Félix, and Fort Victor-Emmanuel, via the old fort road (note: in winter, only Fort Marie-Christine is accessible by car).
⦁ Access via Avrieux and the Saint-Benoît Waterfall: the old Fort Road between Avrieux and Aussois (note: the road is closed in winter).

Documents

• Pop Barrière de l'Esseillon sheet (pdf)

Animals

Pets allowed : No

Pets on a lead

Tips

• Developed site: Waymarked path, via ferrata.

• A natural rock barrier, the Esseillon glacial lock was used for the establishment of fortresses whose purpose was to protect the country from the enemy. This military square was not the site of fighting, but it is nonetheless steeped in history and is classified as "Historical Monuments." Still being restored, the forts can be visited (free or guided tours).