The Esseillon forts
Places steeped in history!
The Esseillon forts were built between 1815 and 1830 during the reign of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, to designs by the Marquis de Montalembert.
The Esseillon (Piedmontese for "ladder") glacial lock lent itself perfectly to the architect's concept of mutual defense of each fort by crossfire.
These buildings, named after the sovereigns of the royal family: Victor Emmanuel and Marie-Thérèse, Charles-Félix and Marie-Christine, Charles-Albert, blocked access to the main passage between France and Piedmont, thus controlling the royal road to Mont Cenis.
A little architecture...
Montalembert" fortsThe Esseillon fortified complex is based on the ideas of the Marquis de Montalembert (1714-1800), whose theories opposed those of Vauban.
The various structures are named after members of the royal family. Marie-Christine, Marie-Thérèse, Victor-Emmanuel, Charles-Albert and Charles-Félix, but none of these forts has ever been tested by fire.
They became national heritage sites in 1860, when Savoie was annexed to France. Three of the forts have been restored to date, one of which now houses a self-catering restaurant and the other a fortified heritage interpretation center.
History explained to all
Treasure hunts, escape games, museums... the forts can be visited in a fun wayStill being restored, the forts can be visited all year round (self-guided or guided tours). In winter, access on foot or snowshoes from Aussois (the road is closed from Aussois).
In the largest fort in l'Esseillon (Fort Victor Emmanuel), a treasure hunt offers children and their families a guided tour. Children can put themselves in the shoes of a 19th-century French spy to find out more about this fort built by the Kingdom of Piedmont Sardinia. Clue by clue, game by game, they'll discover the mysteries of l'Esseillon.
To find out even more about the history of the Forts, the Marie-Thérèse Redoubt houses a Fortified Heritage Interpretation Center. This museum tells you all about the origins of the forts, their construction and use... The Redoute also offers treasure hunts and escape games. You can also enjoy a meal at "La Gamelle du Soldat", located in the heart of the Redoubt.
Things to do near the forts
Via-ferrata, tree climbing and zip linesOn the Redoute Marie-Thérèse side (access via the RD 1006, on the La Norma resort side), you can enjoy a large accrobranche course: the Parc du Diable. This site is open all year round (open to all in summer, and to groups in autumn, spring and winter).
Between Redoute Marie-Thérèse and Fort Victor-Emmanuel, the Arc River has cut a deep gorge. The two forts are linked by a footbridge (the Pont du Diable), so it's possible to walk from one to the other (allow 30 minutes). The gorge is also the setting for the magnificent via-ferrata du Diable. 7 routes for all levels. Some via-ferrata even start directly from the cannon "mouths" of Fort Victor-Emmanuel. These via-ferrata are accessible all year round.
How to reach the forts by car
⦁ Also accessible via Aussois: Fort Marie-Christine Charles-Albert, Charles-Félix and Victor-Emmanuel, old route des forts (note that in winter only Fort Marie-Christine is accessible by car).
⦁ Access via Avrieux and the Saint-Benoît waterfall: old fort road between Avrieux and Aussois (caution, road closed in winter).