Fort du Portalet, Historical fortress in Aspe Valley, France
Fort du Portalet stands at 765 meters elevation on a cliff face, overlooking the Gave d'Aspe river between the municipalities of Etsaut and Borce.
Constructed between 1842 and 1870 under Louis Philippe I orders, this military installation protected the border and controlled access to the Col du Somport passage.
The fortress contains military quarters across two levels, including barracks for troops and separate pavilions designated for officer accommodations.
The fortress reopened to visitors in July 2023, with guided tours available through the Aspe Valley Tourism Office in Bedous.
During World War II, the fort served as a detention center for prominent political figures including Leon Blum, Edouard Daladier, and Marshal Petain.
Location: Etsaut
Location: Borce
Website: http://tourisme-aspe.com/fort-du-portalet.html
GPS coordinates: 42.88639,-0.56278
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:39
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