ESSEILLON BARRIER

A LITTLE HISTORY...

The Esseillon barrier was built in Haute-Maurienne in the at the very beginning of the nineteenth century by the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia to to protect from France, then the main enemy.
It is made up of five forts spread across the width of the valley: the Fort Charles-Albert, Fort Marie-Christine, Fort Charles-Félix and Fort Victor-Emmanuel are located between the villages of Aussois and Avrieux.
The whole blocked access to the main passage between France and the Piedmont, thus controlling the royal road to Mont Cenis.

ARCHITECTURE

The fortified complex of the Esseillon is attached to the conceptions of the Marquis de Montalembert (1714-1800) whose theories are opposed to those of Vauban. The various works are given the name of one of the members of the Royal Family. Marie-Christine, Marie-Thérèse, Victor-Emmanuel, Charles-Albert and Charles-Félix, but none of these forts had to endure the trial by fire. It was in 1860, during the annexation of Savoy to France, that they have become national heritage. Three of these forts are restored to this day, one of which houses a restaurant and the other the centre of the fortified heritage.

VISIT WEBSITE

Today , three routes allow Discover the site freely.

• The Builders' Trail: offers to go on a tour of the Discovery of the fortified barrier for a period of 4 hours thanks to educational terminals.
• Walk Savoyarde de Découverte : a fun and family walk that invites you to follow the legend of the young Sardinian artilleryman who haunts the fort.
• Visit guided tour of the forts : Discover the Esseillon and their history with a guide in mountain.

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