Fort l'Écluse

At the Pays de Gex gateway, Fort l'Ecluse, a formerly military site, is one of three examples of mountain fortifications in France during the first half of the XIXth century.
The fort now welcomes the public and offers a rich and varied cultural season from June to September.
In a fascinating, centuries-old, listed fortified site built into the mountainside, walls, round towers and casemates welcome you for moments full of surprises. 1165 steps carved into the rock form the underground staircase linking the two forts, making this visit alone well worth the detour. A terrace and bar welcome you for a relaxing break.

Summer 2024? An exceptional exhibition "Une clameur" (A clamor) is a great visual art journey, a thud, a rumble... To be discovered at Château de Voltaire and Fort l'Ecluse from June 29. For all ages.

Admire the spectacular staging of the 13-minute night-time show during the "Fort l'Ecluse: 20,000 years of history" sound and light show.

Discover bats. Many species, including some of the rarest, have made their home or pass through the Fort l'Écluse area: permanent exhibition and state-of-the-art technology for observing little rhinolophs.

And above all: an impressive via ferrata, a joyful jazz festival of growing renown, a series of classical concerts, a weekend of stars, an electro festival... You won't know where to turn this summer at Fort l'Ecluse!

On-site catering is also available, featuring local and regional products. Refreshment bar and a brand-new boutique.