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Fort de Ronce at the Lac du Mont-Cenis
Description
From 1861, the priorities of the Kingdom of Italy were unity and territorial defense. It therefore equipped Mont-Cenis with several forts, including the Ronce fort at 2286 m altitude, a breathtaking vantage point overlooking Lake Mont-Cenis.
At the end of the 19th century, the young Italy wanted to secure control over Mont-Cenis, the ancient transalpine route. Against a backdrop of diplomatic tensions with France, Italy fortified Mont-Cenis with several forts.
Fort de Ronce, which dominates the entire pass, was built between 1877 and 1880 on a circular plan with two stages of fire adapted to the new capabilities of rifled artillery.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Date and time
- From 10/05/2026 to 10/11/2026
Additional information
Updated by
Fondation Facim - 11/06/2025
www.fondation-facim.fr
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Price(s)
Free access.
Open period
From 10/05 to 10/11, daily. Opening date dependent on that of the Col du Mont Cenis road.
Contact
Phone : 04 79 05 91 57
Email : info@fondation-facim.fr
Website : https://www.fondation-facim.fr
Tips
From the fort, it is possible to take the path facing due east that will lead you to the Clear Lake, or you can also join the path that rises in a north-eastern direction towards the Plan des Cavales, in order to have a view of the slightly overhanging Fort de Ronce.
Location complements
Access 1/2h walk. From the parking lot on the shores of Lac du Mont-Cenis, about 1.5 km after crossing the pass, cross the main road to take the path that rises in a north-easterly direction. An alternative way to enjoy the superb panorama is to park at the pass parking lot and take the Deux-mille balcony path, which follows the contour line.
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