Fort l'Écluse
Léaz
At the gateway to the Pays de Gex, Fort l'Ecluse is one of three examples of mountain fortifications in France during the first half of the XIXth century. A staircase hewn into the rock (1,165 steps) links the lower and upper forts. Interactive multimedia stations and historical and art exhibitions during the summer. A unique and unforgettable site!
During the summer season, this historical and cultural site is open for visits, exhibits and animations. Built on a hillside, the lower fort was equipped in the 17th and 18th centuries with an enclosure, reinforced by a round tower (the Porte de France) and a parade ground leading to another gate (the Porte de Genève).
At the top of the Porte de France, the terrace overlooks the Rhone Valley from an exceptional viewpoint. The the upper fort buildings were erected in the middle of the 19th century, high up, in order to protect the fort from an attack from the mountains and to increase its housing capacity. 1165 steps carved into the rock form the underground staircase linking the two forts. Several artillery casemates and battery terraces supplement the fortifications.
Classified site, Fort l'Ecluse presents today the remains of several centuries of military architecture: towers, watchtowers, loopholes, watchtowers, casemates, ammunition chambers.
Visiting Fort l'Ecluse is the opportunity to discover the way of life of the 150 men who composed the garrison, and also the importance and diversity of the defence and troop withdrawal system.
From 03/06 to 11/06/2023
Opening hours on Saturday and Sunday between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.
From 17/06 to 17/09/2023
Opening hours daily between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.
From 03/06 to 11/06/2023
Full price: 6 €
Reduced price: 4.50 €
Group adults: 5.50 €
Group children: 4 €.
From 17/06 to 17/09/2023
Full price: 6 €
Reduced price: 4.50 €
Group adults: 5.50 €
Group children: 4 €.
Group rate available for > 20 people.
01200 Léaz
Ain (1)
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