Fort de Saint-Ours Haut

Carved out of the rock and built of reinforced concrete and steel, this structure is completely underground, protecting both equipment and personnel. Only the combat blocks, consisting of embrasures and armoured bells, are visible.

Inside, galleries house the living quarters: barracks, stores and power station. The Ubaye Maginot Line distinguished itself during the Italian offensive of June 1940.

With their effective crossfire and particularly deadly eclipse turret, the Saint-Ours-Haut and Roche-la-Croix works halted the advance of invading troops over the border ridge, inflicting heavy losses on the Italians.

It is a mixed artillery and infantry structure, with 5 combat blocks, 5 armored bells, 4 mortars, 5 twin machine-gun battlements and a crew of around 240 men. It comprises an entrance block and two fighting blocks visible from the outside.

Its network of underground galleries and "living zone" make it the largest Maginot structure in the valley actually completed.

Length of visit: around 2 hours, including 1 hour in the cold, damp underground galleries (around 10-12°C). Bring warm clothing and suitable footwear. There are around 50 steps to climb and descend.