Fort-les-Bancs

Fort-les-Bancs stands at 492 meters altitude above the village of Virignin, featuring limestone construction and strategic defensive positions overlooking the Rhône valley.

Construction of the fortification took place between 1840 and 1849, designed to protect the passage connecting Chambéry to Belley and Lyon alongside Fort Pierre-Châtel.

The fortress represents a significant example of 19th-century French military architecture, with its design reflecting the defensive strategies of pre-rifled artillery periods.

Visitors can explore the surroundings through a 7.2-kilometer walking circuit starting at 146 Rue de l'Eglise in Virignin, with an elevation gain of 487 meters.

The fortress derives its name from the horizontal layers of limestone in the massif that form natural stone benches in the surrounding landscape.

Location: Virignin

GPS coordinates: 45.71449,5.72366

Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:51