Fort l'Écluse, fortified military structure

This strategic stronghold for France since the Middle Ages seems to be rising out of the cliffs. If you’re a lover of history and military engineering, you’ll find something to suit your tastes. Sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and culture buffs won’t be disappointed by their visit, as Fort l’Écluse also offers activities to suit all tastes.

Impressive military structure

The incredible fortress of Fort l’Écluse, built into the side of a cliff, overlooks the landscape. Massive, with its two levels, the fortress impresses.

This complex architecture is the fruit of a history marked by conflict. Each era has brought its own improvements to this defensive structure: redoubts, casemates, loopholes, watchtowers, ammunition chambers, artillery batteries, living quarters, a false slab and troop quarters. All in all, a veritable labyrinth.

I really enjoyed the view from the fort over the Rhône and its green setting. An added bonus is bat-watching (although not all year round). You approach them with specially adapted cameras that move with a joystick.

The new life of Fort l'Ecluse

Today, the fort offers so much more: between its permanent exhibitions, son et lumières, jazz festival and Halloween evenings, Fort l’Ecluse has found a new vocation, making it a must-see in the Ain region. A day at Fort l’Ecluse is always full of surprises! It’s a place where you can learn while having fun.

Nature is not to be outdone: the bats of Fort l’Ecluse have much to reveal, while the fort’s natural environment invites discovery. If you’re a thrill-seeker, you can take your visit to a whole new level by choosing the via ferrata and adventure course. You’ll be able to fully appreciate the dizzying heights and breathtaking views from the cliffside!

1 800hectares

Site area in classified zone

1 165markets

Stairs between the two forts

6euros

Tour price

GOOD TO KNOW

The Pas de la Cluse, strategic challenge and guardian of France

Caesar identified the Pas de la Cluse defile as a strategic site in 58 BC! History would confirm his talent as a visionary strategist. As a crossing point between the Rhone valley and the Helvetic plateau, Fort l’Ecluse was an ideal place for the transit of goods: from 1720 to 1933, the road even passed through the middle of the fort between the gates of France and Geneva, an essential tollgate between France and Switzerland.

Fort-L’Ecluse played a major role on several occasions in French history:

In 1225, the monks who owned the village of La Cluse granted it to the Comte de Gex, who built a fortified house to collect tolls. Sold in 1293 to the Count of Savoy, Fort L’Écluse was at the heart of the war between Dauphiné and Savoy, then between France and Savoy.
1601: it passed into French hands with the signing of the Treaty of Lyon, while the Fort Sainte Victoire opposite it was destroyed.
1814-15: the Napoleonic Wars restore Fort l’Ecluse to its former strategic importance. It was occupied and almost destroyed by Austrian troops. Immediately rebuilt, the original fort was overhung by new fortifications to provide better protection against attacks from the Alps. But when Savoy rejoined France in 1860, the fort no longer seemed to have much strategic use.
1940 – 1945: the fort was once again part of the Maginot Line. The garrison of Fort l’Écluse opposes the German army before being taken prisoner. Fort l’Écluse became a battleground between the German army and the Resistance, who fought hard to retake it during the Liberation.

The end of a military history, the beginning of a career in tourism…

Fort l'Écluse

Elevation : 500m

Longeray, 01200 Léaz