European Heritage Days: Guided Tour of Fort Sainte Agnès

The guided tour of the Maginot Line Fort in Sainte-Agnès takes you deep into the heart of a historic military structure built between 1932 and 1938, perched on a strategic rocky outcrop on the French-Italian border. A veritable underground city carved into the rock, this fort was one of the last defensive bastions of the famous Maginot Line, featuring underground tunnels and chambers totaling more than 2,000 m² and state-of-the-art facilities for its time (electricity, heating, ventilation, and a hospital). During the guided tour, you’ll discover how the fort could accommodate up to 350 men in complete self-sufficiency, with a kitchen, power plant, telephone and rail networks, as well as a powerful artillery system that played a defensive role during the battles of June 1940. This immersive experience sheds light on the soldiers’ daily lives, military engineering, and the region’s history, while offering a vivid testament to the 20th century right beneath your feet. Practical Information We recommend that you arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the tour begins. For your comfort, we suggest bringing a sweater or jacket, even in the summer, as it can get chilly inside the fort. Accessibility for People with Limited Mobility: The tour is accessible to people with limited mobility. Please let us know in advance so we can open the main gate by calling 04 93 35 84 58.