Walking in the footsteps of the marabouts

Four forts and a redoubt protecting Savoie: a treat for lovers of fortified heritage. Listed as Historic Monuments, the forts are named after the royal family of Piedmont-Sardinia.Erected between 1817 and 1834 against the possible aims of France, the barrier of Esseillon is composed of 5 forts spread over the communes of Aussois and Avrieux. The barrier of Esseillon includes 4 forts and a redoubt which bear the names of members of the Savoy family. They are built on the model of Montalembert which, contrary to Vauban's model, is based on the principle of perpendicular fortifications and cannon towers: - Fort Victor-Emmanuel (Grand Site du Département and Site of Regional Interest, this building has been the subject of a major restoration programme. - Fort Charles-Albert (only two small garrison buildings and the base of a tower remain of this building) - Fort Charles-Felix (destroyed on the orders of Napoleon III, when Savoy became part of France in 1860. Visiting the building is not recommended as it is dangerous. Romantic, the fort is nevertheless admirable from the road). - Fort Marie-Christine (Cultural Centre, gîte d'étape, restaurant, and gateway to the Vanoise National Park, places to visit and occasional activities). - Marie-Thérèse Redoubt (Interpretation Centre of the Fortified Heritage)

Fort Charles Albert is one of the five Sardinian forts that make up the Esseillon barrier and bear the names of the sovereigns of the Savoy family.These works, built according to the architectural principles of Montalembert, bear witness to an architecture that is unique in France. These stones, raised to repel the enemy, now welcome lovers of strong emotions. Their purpose was to protect the Aussois plateau and the Haute Maurienne. The few barracks still visible can only be admired from the outside. The Esseillon barrier was built at the beginning of the 19th century to protect against French invasions.

Formerly at the heart of the Savoy defensive system, this imposing fort welcomes tourists and foodies.Dominating the Arc valley, Fort Marie-Chrisine is the tallest structure on the Esseillon barrier, made up of five forts. The fort, gateway to the Vanoise National Park, is made up of a gîte and a restaurant. Its free visit allows you to discover a model of the entire site, a very beautiful framework and a presentation of the Vanoise National Park. The barrier of Essseillon is built at the beginning of the XIXth century, to guard against the French invasions. The five Sardinian forts which compose it, bear the names of the sovereigns of the Savoy family. These works, built according to the architectural principles of Montalembert, testify to an architecture unique in France.