The Route of the Forts

the Alpes-Maritimes and Piedmont

34 exceptional sites to explore, from the shores of the Mediterranean to the Alpine valleys of Piedmont

From the Alpine peaks to the shores of the Mediterranean, the fortifications of the Alpes-Maritimes and Piedmont tell the story of a strategic region, shaped over the centuries by shifting borders and evolving defence systems.

Through 34 sites spread across the coast, the inland region, the Alpine valleys and Italian territory, set out to discover these places of historical significance. Some are open to visitors, whilst others can be admired whilst out on a hike or along a scenic route. All bear witness to the shared history of this cross-border region.

A region at the heart of European history

From the 16th to the 20th century, the area now comprising the Alpes-Maritimes and Piedmont occupied a strategic position between France, the States of the House of Savoy, and later Italy. Successive shifts in the border led to the construction of numerous defensive structures on both sides of the Alps.

In the 19th century, the citadels and bastioned fortifications were succeeded by the French fortifications of the Séré de Rivières system and the Italian forts protecting the valleys and mountain passes. In the interwar period, the Alpine Maginot Line and the Vallo Alpino were added to this defensive system.

Today, these structures bear witness to a shared history. They constitute a remarkable, yet fragile, cultural and commemorative heritage, which French and Italian stakeholders are committed to preserving, documenting and passing on.

From the shores of the Mediterranean to the forts of the Alps

The new Route des Forts brings together 34 sites and offers visitors the chance to explore the fortified heritage of the Alpes-Maritimes and Piedmont, from the Mediterranean to the Alpine valleys.

Along the coast, it links, in particular, the Fort Royal on Sainte-Marguerite Island, the Fort Carré in Antibes, the Fort du Mont-Alban, the Saint-Elme Citadel, the Fort de la Revère and the Maginot Fort at Cap-Martin.

It continues towards Sainte-Agnès and Sospel, taking in the forts of Saint-Roch, Agaisen and Barbonnet, before offering two routes: one towards the Authion massif and the Crénant barracks at Peïra-Cava, the other through the Roya Valley to the Fort Central at the Col de Tende and the Italian fortifications in the Gesso and Stura valleys. The route also allows visitors to explore the fortifications in the Vésubie and Tinée valleys, including the forts of Gordolon, La Madeleine and La Frassinéa, before reaching the fortifications of the Var valley, from Entrevaux to the Col de Crous.

34 PLACES TO EXPLORE

Gordolon Maginot Fort

This large Maginot structure is part of the defensive system of the Vésubie valley.

Roquebillière

Discover all the forts

COGNITIO-FORT,

a cross-border European project

This new initiative to promote the Route des Forts forms part of COGNITIO-FORT, a cross-border project led by the Alpes-Maritimes Department. It brings together the Mercantour National Park, the Ente di gestione delle Aree Protette delle Alpi Marittime and the Unione Montana Valle Stura.

The project aims to improve understanding and management of the Franco-Italian fortified heritage, to develop a high-quality cultural programme and to create innovative and inclusive outreach tools. It also helps to build networks among stakeholders, to ensure the safety of certain sites and to pass on this heritage to future generations.

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