• The forts of Lyon constitute an architectural and military heritage built in the 19th century, parts of which usually remain closed to the public.

  • Among them, the forts of Vaise, Saint-Just, Feyzin and Montcorin offer unique tours for the 38th European Heritage Days.

  • The courses are accessible free of charge by reservation, Saturday and Sunday, and intended for all audiences.

Imposing, even intimidating, Lyon's forts fascinate with their architectural presence and their little-known history.

At the end of the 19th century, the metropolis of Lyon had 33 forts: it was necessary to protect the city and the region from enemy invasions… Until military progress made these stone fortresses obsolete, several of which were destroyed.

The forts that remain have been converted into places of culture or education, and four of them welcome the public for the first time this weekend, by reservation, the time of the 38th European Heritage Days.

Fort de Vaise (Lyon 9)

Built between 1830 and 1834, Fort de Vaise controlled the northern entrance to Lyon.

In 1994, it became the headquarters of the Renaud Foundation, which conserves the old parts by adding a modern wing to host exhibitions and accommodation for artists.

The 8,000 works of art of the Foundation overlook another treasure, which we will be able to discover for the first time: the underground passages of the fort, cleared and enhanced in 2006 by the OCRA (Organization for the knowledge and restoration of 'below ground).

In addition to the visit, the OCRA offers a conference on the obscure history of Lyon undergrounds.

Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Fort of Saint-Just (Lyon 5)

Built in the 19th century, the bastion of Saint-Just is located on the heights of the Fourvière hill, where it adjoins the Jardin des Curiosités.

The fort now houses artistic residences managed by the Gamut association: each artist has an individual workspace and collective storage space there, in exchange for his one-off investment in the life of the building.

A guided tour will present the artists and collectives in residence who coexist in the freshness of its walls.

Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Fort of Feyzin

Closed and closed to the public in the 20th century, this military fort was acquired by the city of Feyzin in 2003, which launched a major rehabilitation project of its 22,500 m².

At the heart of a wood sheltering a botanical route, the fort is one of the best examples of the “Séré de Rivières” style: a single entrance accessible by a bridge over a ditch, with a pentagonal structure open towards the city to be defended.

New spaces will be open to visitors, including the Caponnière and the renovated Cavalier rooms 6 and 8, seminar rooms, lighted tunnels, and a vintage rail car.

Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fort of Montcorin (Irigny)

In Irigny, south of Lyon, the Fort de Montcorin was built from 1877 to 1879. It was part of the second defense belt of Lyon.

Its visit is free, including a signposted and commented route with a game booklet.

Information points explain the functioning of the building and the life of the fort, from the barracks to the powder magazine through the caponier, and a barracks room exhibits photographs of the city of Irigny.

For families, a game will allow children to wander through the labyrinthine corners of the fort.

Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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