Forts en Lumière: the new arts festival in L’Esseillon
An arts festival in the heart of the Esseillon Forts
Built in the 19th century to defend the French-Italian border, the Esseillon forts are transformed into a vast canvas for artistic expression during the festival.
In Aussois and Avrieux, the Redoute Marie-Thérèse and Fort Victor-Emmanuel (two of the five forts of the Esseillon) are hosting contemporary installations, light shows, sound installations, and immersive performances.
A unique way to explore this iconic site in the Haute Maurienne Vanoise, combining history, culture, and a touch of magic.
“Developing a cross-border arts program centered on the forts”
The program
Forts en Lumière 2026
Thursday, July 2
in Avrieux7:00 p.m.
► Redoute Marie-Thérèse
• DIRTY DOCTORS
The group from Maurienne brings Alpine traditions to life through songs in Italian inspired by mountain culture.
9:00 p.m.
► Redoute Marie-Thérèse
• Compagnie Déo – The Dream Navigator
A poetic and luminous performance blending juggling and the supernatural, centered on a shepherd who tends the clouds…
10:00 p.m.
► Redoute Marie-Thérèse
• Luminorga – Cosmophoria
At dusk, the façade of the Redoute Marie-Thérèse comes alive with a monumental and original light show created by Luminorga.
Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5
in Aussois► Fort Victor Emmanuel
• Damien Traversaz’s immersive installations
The Savoyard artist presents several interactive works combining stone, wood, light, and sound: Âma, Pyéra, and Pulsio. These sensory creations invite visitors to touch, listen, feel, and interact with the region’s natural materials.
🛈 Guided tours and activities several times a day.
► Fort Victor-Emmanuel
• Papilio Invisibilis by Alex Bourgeois
This immersive installation transports visitors into a mysterious cabinet of curiosities centered on light. Blending science and poetry, visitors of all ages follow the research of a fictional professor in an intimate, interactive experience.
Friday, July 3, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 5, at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
► Fort Victor Emmanuel
• Jean-Luc Viart – Light Painting Exhibition and Workshop
The photographer from Modane is exhibiting his light-based creations, created using the light painting technique, and is also offering workshops to introduce people to this artistic practice.
🛈 Registration required
Saturday, July 4
in Aussois9:00 p.m.
► Fort Victor Emmanuel
• Déo Company – Uzumaki
A musical and luminous journey combining juggling and piano performances.
Sunday, July 5
8:00 p.m.
► Avrieux Church
• The Barocoeurs
The band from Maurienne brings brass instruments to life with their fresh takes on pop-rock tunes.
9:00 p.m.
► Fort Victor Emmanuel
• Compagnie Déo – The Dream Navigator
A poetic and luminous performance blending juggling and the supernatural, centered on a shepherd who tends the clouds…
A Fresh Look at the Forts of the Esseillon
The festival marks a new chapter in the cultural life of Aussois and Avrieux, transforming these historic sites into spaces for creativity and artistic experiences.
This inaugural edition is part of the European Interreg Alcotra TransiT project, carried out in collaboration with Fort Bard in Italy, with the aim of developing a cross-border artistic program centered on the forts.
The Esseillon forts
The Devil's Via Ferrata
