The Esseillon forts

Description

Erected between 1817 and 1834 against the possible targets of France, the barrier of Esseillon is made up of 5 forts spread over the municipalities of Aussois and Avrieux.
The Esseillon barrier includes 4 forts and a redoubt bearing the names of members of the Savoy family. They are built on the Montalembert model which, unlike Vauban's model, is based on a principle of perpendicular fortifications and cannon towers:
- Fort Victor-Emmanuel (Grand Site of the Department and Site of regional interest, this building has undergone a major restoration program.
- Fort Charles-Albert (only two small garrison buildings and the base of a tower remain of this building)
- Fort Charles-Félix (destroyed on the orders of Napoleon III, at the time of the attachment of Savoy to France in 1860. Visiting the building is not recommended because it is dangerous. Romantic, the fort remains admirable from the road) .
- fort Marie-Christine (cultural center, stopover, restaurant, and gate of the Vanoise National Park, places of visits and occasional activities)
- Redoute Marie-Thérèse (Fortified Heritage Interpretation Center)

Period of opening

All year round, daily.

Equipment & services

• Picnic area
• Public WC
• Car park
• Pets welcome
• Guided individual tours
• Unguided group tours
• Guided group tours
• Themed tour
• Tour free of charge
• Guided tours
• Unguided individual tours
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Prices

Free access.

Languages ​​spoken

• English
• French
• Italian

Animals

Localisation

The access road is closed to traffic during the winter. However, access is possible for hikers (on foot or snowshoes). Information on access conditions can be obtained from the Aussois Tourist Office.