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ROUTE 1

Via Ferrata Fort l’Ecluse

Location	Léaz, Ain (GPS: Lat. 46º 7’ 11.92” N Long. 5º 53’ 24.78" E)
Length	400m
Ascent/Descent	170m
Route grading	technical grade: 2; exposure: 2; seriousness: A
Total time	1hr 30mins (approach: 10mins; route: 1hr; return: 20mins)
Highest altitude	590m
Map	3330OT
Technical notes	direction: SW; escape points: 0
When to visit	March to November
Useful website	www.cc-pays-de-gex.fr/fortlecluse

Strategically located overlooking the River Rhone at a point where it forces a path through the tail-end of the Jura Massif, the Fort de L’Ecluse guards a major approach route to Geneva. The eponymous via ferrata, which scales bluffs running between the lower and upper bastions of the fort, involves a pleasant and straightforward ascent offering fine views of the river and the Genevois Plain. South facing and situated at low altitude, the route can be visited for much of the year and is suitable for beginners. A visit to the fort, which has been the site of military conflicts from Roman times until the 1940s, is recommended. The fortress is open to visitors from mid-June to mid-September, 1000 to 1830 (entry €5). In 2013 an additional via ferrata/ropes course was added to the internal walls of the Upper Fort (€25 fee); see www.varappe-evolution.com.

Access

From Bellegarde-sur-Valserine drive 10km to the east on the D1206. Just prior to entering a tunnel, which passes under the fort, turn right and park. If coming from Geneva, take the D884 and D984 to reach the D1206 just prior to its passage through the tunnel. Turn left at the exit of the tunnel and park.

Approach

From the car park, head towards the Lower Fort and turn left up a signposted path, which leads directly to the start of the route.

Route

The initially direct climb soon turns into a long rising traverse to the left. Any strenuous moments are brief and well spaced out and there are plenty of opportunities to rest. Once the walls of the Upper Fort are reached, cross a balance beam and two-wire bridge, both of which are short and unexposed. After the via ferrata ends, continue ascending, ignoring any unmarked descent paths, until the entrance to the Upper Fort is reached.

Crossing the two-wire bridge beneath the Upper Fort

Return

Follow green arrows heading northwest on a metalled track. After 10mins turn left as signposted and descend to the car park.