The Forts of Esseillon

Four forts and a redoubt protecting Savoy: 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 distributed on 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 Montalembert model which, contrary to the Vauban model, is based on a principle of perpendicular fortifications and towers with cannons:
- Fort Victor-Emmanuel (Great Site of the Department and Site of Regional Interest, this building has been the subject of a major restoration program.
- Fort Charles-Albert (only two small garrison buildings and the base of a tower remain from this building)
- fort Charles-Félix (destroyed by order of Napoleon III, at the time of the attachment of Savoy to France in 1860. The visit of the building is not recommended because it is dangerous. Romantic, the fort remains however admirable from the road).
- Fort Marie-Christine (cultural center, lodge, restaurant, and gateway to the Vanoise National Park, places to visit and occasional activities)
- Redoute Marie-Thérèse (Center of Interpretation of the Fortified Heritage)

Complementary welcome

Guided tours on reservation at the Aussois Tourist Office or at the FACIM.

Services

• Animals accepted
• Room rental
• Store
• Catering
• Guided tours

Environments

• In the mountains
• Village at -2 km

Rates

Free access.

Good plans

Developed site: Marked path, via ferrata.

Opening period

Toute l'année, tous les jours.
Visites groupes sur demande.

Spoken languages

• English
• French
• Italian

Location

The access road is closed to traffic during the winter. Access is however possible for hikers (on foot or with snowshoes). Ask for the access conditions at the Tourist Office in Aussois.

Documents

• Fiche Pop Barrière de l'Esseillon

Animals

Animals accepted : Yes

Animals accepted with supplement : No

Held on a leash

Tips and suggestions

• Developed site: Marked path, via ferrata.

• A natural rock barrier, the Esseillon glacial lock was used as a fortress to protect the country from the enemy. Although this military site was not the scene of any fighting, it is nonetheless steeped in history and is listed as a "Monument Historique" (Historical Monument).