Ouvrage Col de Restefond, Military fortification in Jausiers, France
The Ouvrage Col de Restefond is a military fortification in the French Alps situated at around 2,680 meters elevation with three interconnected infantry blocks. The blocks are joined by underground passages and formed a defensive position controlling the border area.
Construction of this fortification took place during the interwar period and was completed in 1934, then armed in 1938. It served as part of France's defense line along the Italian border in the Alps.
This fortification demonstrates how France prepared to defend its Alpine borders during the 1930s. The structure reflects the engineering approaches and strategic concerns of that era.
The site sits at high altitude and is accessible only during certain seasons as snow and weather affect the approach. Visitors should prepare for alpine conditions and bring appropriate cold-weather clothing.
Inside the fortification are specially positioned gun ports and observation cloches designed to monitor the mountain passes below. These technical features remain visible and illustrate the military design of that period.
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