Fort de la Croix-de-Bretagne

Fort de la Croix-de-Bretagne is a military fortress positioned on a sloping ridge at 2,016 meters elevation. It features compact square towers, a two-level casemate barracks, stables, and a bakery connected by an interior winding road that moves through the structure.

Construction took place between 1876 and 1879 as part of a larger French Alpine defense system. It was designed to protect the valleys below from potential Italian military threats during that period.

The fort demonstrates how French military architecture adapted to Alpine conditions by using the steep terrain as a defensive advantage. Walking through it, you can see how buildings integrate into the mountainside rather than standing apart from it.

The elevated location demands reasonable fitness for exploring all areas due to uneven paths and stairs throughout the structure. Weather conditions can change quickly at this altitude, so visitors should come prepared for wind and potential fog.

The fort housed a substantial artillery collection totaling 24 guns of various sizes positioned across the ridge for overlapping fire zones. The largest pieces, including 155mm cannons, were strategically placed to command views across multiple valleys simultaneously.