Fort Lestal

Fort Lestal is a 19th-century military structure perched at 794 meters on the slopes of the Bauges massif near Albertville. The installation overlooks the valleys leading toward Megève and Faverges, forming a distinct landmark above the village of Marthod.

Built between 1875 and 1881, the structure was designed to defend Alpine passes against potential conflict with Italy. In 1887, War Minister Georges Boulanger briefly renamed it Fort Épernon through an official decree.

The name Lestal refers to the rocky spur where the structure sits, a feature that has marked local geography for generations. Villagers still speak of the fort as a landmark that shaped daily life in the valley, even though it never saw combat.

A hiking trail of roughly 6.4 kilometers (about four miles) begins at the parking area near Marthod church and loops around the structure, taking around two and a half hours. The path climbs through woods and open ground, so sturdy footwear helps on uneven sections.

The installation housed quarters for 603 soldiers and held 21 cannons, while two powder magazines stored up to 70 tons of ammunition. Despite this military capacity, the structure never fired a shot in combat.