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Fort Portalet: A Fortress Carved into History

Explore a historic French fortress in the Pyrenees, once a military stronghold and prison for notable political figures.

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Fort Portalet, a 19th-century fortress in the French Pyrenees, stands guard over the Aspe Valley. Built into a cliff face, it has served as a military stronghold and a political prison, housing notable figures during World War II. Today, it's a historic monument open for guided tours.

A brief summary to Fort Portalet

Local tips

  • Book your guided tour in advance through the Bedous tourist office, especially during peak season.
  • Wear sturdy shoes as the site involves walking on uneven terrain and climbing many stone steps.
  • Be prepared for a 20-minute uphill walk from the parking area to the fort entrance.
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Getting There

  • Car

    To reach Fort Portalet by car, set your GPS to Etsaut, 64490, France. From Etsaut, follow signs towards Spain/Col du Somport. Take the third entrance on the left, leading to the Chemin de la Mâture. Continue to the Pont de Cebers parking area, then follow the small road to the Passette parking. From there, follow the signs for the Sescoué footbridge. Parking is available at Parking Passette. Expect a 20-minute walk to the fort entrance. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Fort Portalet via public transport, take the bus line from Oloron-Canfranc and get off near the fort. From the bus stop, follow the directions for reaching the fort by car, which includes walking to the fort entrance. Bus fare is approximately €2-€5.

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Discover more about Fort Portalet

Perched dramatically on a cliffside in the Aspe Valley, the Fort Portalet is a testament to both military engineering and French history. Constructed between 1842 and 1870 under the order of King Louis-Philippe, the fort was strategically built to guard the border with Spain and protect access to the Col du Somport. Its location, overlooking the Gave d'Aspe river and facing the challenging Chemin de la Mâture, made it a formidable defensive position. Originally designed to house up to 400 men, the fort served as a depot and barracks for the 18th Regiment of Infantry for many years. However, its role evolved significantly during the Second World War when the Vichy regime transformed it into a political prison. High-profile prisoners such as Léon Blum, Édouard Daladier, Paul Reynaud, Georges Mandel, and Maurice Gamelin were incarcerated within its walls. Even Philippe Pétain, the head of the Vichy government, was imprisoned here after the war. Abandoned by the government, the fort was purchased by local authorities in 1999 and is currently undergoing restoration. Today, visitors can explore this imposing structure through guided tours, discovering its fascinating history and enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding Pyrenees. The fort is accessible via the Sescoué footbridge, with a walk through the forest and across a new 35-meter footbridge.

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