Forts, fortifications, arsenals in the Rhône-Alpes

Fortification of Vauban
38100 Grenoble

The Fort de la Bastille, built in the 19th century in Grenoble, is a military structure that dominates the city of 264 metres, offering an exceptional panorama of the Alps and a rich historical heritage.

Defensive heritage
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.

Barrier of the 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.

Barrier of the Esseillon
73500 Aussois

Fort Victor-Emmanuel, built in the 19th century in Aussois en Savoie, is a Sardinian fortification of the Esseillon barrier, classified as a historical monument. It protected the Maurienne valley and could accommodate 1,500 soldiers.

Barrier of the Esseillon
73500 Avrieux

The Marie-Thérèse dread, built in the 19th century in Avrieux en Savoie, is a Sardinian fortification in the form of a horse-drawn iron forming part of the barrier of the Esseillon, designed to protect the Kingdom of Sardinia.

Barred spur
38118 Annoisin-Chatelans

The barred spur of Hières-sur-Amby, also called Larina, is a 21-hectare archaeological site located in Annoisin-Chatelans (Isère), occupied by the Bronze Age in the early Middle Ages, dominated by a 950-m rampart and classified as a historical monument since 1983.

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.

Castral motte
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.