Forts, fortifications, arsenals in the Rhône-Alpes

Fortification of 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.

Barrier of the 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.

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.