Fort of Turra

The only fort built by the French on the Mont Cenis plateau, it is ideally situated, perched on its promontory. It offers spectacular views of Lake Mont Cenis, Italy, Val Cenis-Lanslebourg and Haute Maurienne Vanoise.

Description

A little history: with tensions between France and Italy rising at the end of the 19th century, the French decided to build Fort de la Turra to keep watch over the Mont Cenis plateau (the border with Italy) and face the Italian forts of Pattacreuse, Ronce and Malamot.
Fort de la Turra was built between 1893 and 1900. Eventually, tensions eased and the fort remained under civilian guard for a long time. It was not reinvested by the army until the mid-1920s, with the rise of Fascism in Italy. In June 1940, it was attacked by the Italian army. The French resisted and repelled the various attacks.
It was not until July 1, after the armistice, that the French soldiers left Fort de la Turra with arms and baggage. After receiving the honors of their adversaries, they rejoined the French lines.
Mont Cenis was again the scene of fierce fighting in 1944 and 1945.

The site no longer has its warlike vocation, and now offers a superb hiking destination from the Col du Mont Cenis, with a breathtaking view.

Access: from the Col du Mont Cenis, take the path up through the mountain pastures to the Petite Turra. Follow the path to the right as far as the Fort. Retrace your steps and descend via the old military track, then the forest track on the right. Follow the D1006 to the Col du Mont Cenis.

Services

• Animals accepted

Environments

• Mountain view
• In the mountains

Rates

Free access.

Opening period

From 01/06 to 31/10, every day.
Depending on snow conditions. Attention, the fort cannot be visited.

Spoken languages

• French

Location

Access to the fort: presence of a handrail, path not recommended in rainy weather.
From the pass of Mont Cenis, take the path that climbs in the mountain pastures until the small Turra. Take the track on the right until the Fort. Go back on your steps and go down by the old military track then the forest track on your right. Follow the road D1006 until the pass of Mont Cenis.

Animals

Animals accepted : Yes

Animals accepted with supplement : No

Pets on a leash