Fort-les-Bancs

Fort-les-Bancs is a military fortification perched at 492 meters above the village of Virignin, constructed entirely from limestone blocks. The structure commands views over the Rhône valley and forms part of a larger defensive network built across the region.

Construction took place between 1840 and 1849 as part of a broader defensive strategy responding to regional tensions. The fort was designed to protect passage routes connecting major cities and worked in coordination with nearby fortifications.

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

The fort is accessible via a walking trail that begins from the village of Virignin and involves a steady uphill climb. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and allow several hours to reach the site and explore the surroundings.

The fort's name comes from the natural horizontal layers of limestone that resemble stone benches scattered across the landscape. This distinctive geological formation shapes the entire surrounding massif and makes the location instantly recognizable.