Fort l’Ecluse
Concerts, festivals, events and exhibitions, enjoyed by thousands of visitors, make Fort l'Ecluse an unmissable place to discover and enjoy... Well beyond the borders of Pays de Gex.
Perched high above the Rhône, Fort l'Ecluse dominates the horizon. Over 700 years old, it has many stories to tell. Come and discover them on guided or self-guided tours, through the fascinating scenography of the “Au cœur de la Cluse” exhibition and the spectacular sound and light show “Fort l'Ecluse: 20,000 years of history”. Something for everyone! Thanks to its immersive exhibitions, plunge “Into the heart of the storm” and “Discover the little rhinolophes”, the bats of the Fort. This year, 2 new temporary exhibitions: “Intimité sauvage”, fantastic animal photos by Adrien Favre and “Gendarmes résistants dans l'Ain, le choix de l'impossible” by the association Mémoires de l'Ain 1939 - 1945. Summer events include the 12th edition of the Jazz in Fort l'Ecluse festival, classical concerts by the Soloist Academy, Nuit des étoiles, historical re-enactments... And for those who want to get active, there are a number of sporting activities: an adventure course with a breathtaking view at the upper Fort, a free-access via ferrata and hiking trails. And let's not forget the challenge of obtaining the famous staircase diploma: climbing the 830 steps of the underground gallery linking the Lower Fort to the Upper Fort.
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Practical information
Opening hours
From 07/06 to 29/06/2025, every Saturday and Sunday between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.
From 30/06 to 31/08/2025, daily between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.
From 06/09 to 21/09/2025, every Saturday and Sunday between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.
From 30/06 to 31/08/2025, daily between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.
From 06/09 to 21/09/2025, every Saturday and Sunday between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.
Accès
On the RN 206, at the exit of Bellegarde-sur-Valserine take direction of the Pays de Gex and Geneva.