Forts en Lumière : une première édition qui a fait briller l’Esseillon

Chaque été, les forts de l’Esseillon deviennent le décor d’un événement inédit et gratuit en Haute Maurienne Vanoise. Installations lumineuses, créations sonores, spectacles immersifs, mapping, musique et performances artistiques investissent ce patrimoine monumental entre Aussois, Avrieux et La Norma. Rendez-vous en 2027 pour la 2ème édition !

4 jours de festival, 1 500 spectateurs et une autre façon de découvrir les forts

Faire chanter la pierre et danser la lumière

Du 2 au 5 juillet 2026, la première édition de Forts en Lumière a transformé les Forts de l’Esseillon en un immense terrain de création artistique. Pendant quatre jours, 1 500 festivaliers ont découvert ce patrimoine exceptionnel d’Aussois et d’Avrieux à travers la lumière, la musique, le mouvement et des installations immersives.

Une première édition rendue possible grâce à l’implication des artistes, des équipes organisatrices et d’une vingtaine de bénévoles.

Papilio Invisibilis by Alex Bourgeois

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Immersive Installations by Damien Traversaz

Light Painting Workshop by Jean-Luc Viart

A Fresh Look at the Forts of the Esseillon

With "Forts en Lumière," the forts become much more than just a historic site.

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.

1280x855-HMV-Aussois Summer 2020 © APernet-HMV

The Esseillon forts

A natural rock barrier, the Esseillon Glacial Barrier served as the site for these fortresses, which were built to protect the region from enemies. Although this military stronghold was never the scene of any battles, it is nonetheless steeped in history and was designated a “Historic Monument” in 1983.

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The Devil's Via Ferrata

The Via Ferrata du Diable consists of seven separate sections suitable for all skill levels (from easy to very difficult). It is one of the longest via ferratas in the Alps, offering spectacular views of the Gorges de l’Arc. Professional guidance is recommended.

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Culture and heritage in Haute Maurienne Vanoise

Discover the culture and heritage of Haute Maurienne Vanoise. The region boasts a wealth of natural, historical and architectural treasures: rocks engraved 2,000 years ago, sumptuous Baroque churches, finely restored traditional housing, a former bunker transformed into a museum... There's something for every taste and every age.

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