Forts, fortifications, arsenals in the Rhône-Alpes

Patrimoine défensif
01200 Léaz

The fort l'Écluse, built in the 13th century in Léaz (Ain), is a strategic military ensemble controlling the Rhône parade, redesigned in the 16th–12th centuries. A listed site, it combines medieval remains and modern architectures.

Barrière de l'Esseillon
73500 Aussois

Fort Marie-Christine, built in the 19th century in Aussois en Savoie, is part of the Esseillon barrier, a fortified Sardinian complex protecting the Maurienne valley. Today, it is classified as a historic monument and houses a gîte and restaurant.

Motte castrale
01500 Ambronay

The bastide of Gironville, or Fort Sarrazin, is a 14th century fortified house located in Ambronay (Ain), in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, classified as a historical monument. It was built to bar the Ain plain during conflicts between Savoy and Dauphiné.

Patrimoine défensif
38610 Gières

The Fort du Mûrier, built in the 19th century at Gières (Isère), is a Séré de Rivières fortification integrated with the Grenoble defensive belt, culminating at 420 metres above sea level.

Barrière de l'Esseillon
73500 Aussois

Fort Charles-Félix, built in the 19th century in Aussois en Savoie, is part of the Esseillon barrier, a fortified Sardinian complex designed to defend the Maurienne valley against French invasions.

73700 Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Fort de la Platte, also known as Fort 2000, is an alpine military structure from the last quarter of the 19th century, located at an altitude of 2000 m near Bourg-Saint-Maurice en Savoie, designed to monitor the upper Taraise.

Fortification de Vauban
38530 Barraux

The Fort Barraux, built at the end of the 16th century in Barraux en Isère, is a rare example of a strong alpine bastion, rebuilt by Vauban and marked by its military and prison role until the 20th century.

Fortin
69730 Genay

The fort of Rancé is a medieval castle from the 13th and 14th centuries located in Genay, in the Rhone, inscribed with historical monuments since 1947.