The fortress is located at the former border of the Kingdom of France and the Duchy of Savoy. Positioned at the foot of a dizzying cliff, it overlooks the high Estéron valley. It is considered the largest troglodyte fortress in France (80 m long including the ledge).
The fortress features a beautiful curtain wall and has several unique elements such as a barbican (advanced defense post) and a 50-meter-long ledge (narrow protruding projection). Stones from the curtain walls continue to fall as the mortar is severely degraded. One of the enclosure towers is on the verge of collapsing permanently.
The Aiglun fortress deserves a secure access and consolidation of its remarkable elements, which offer a breathtaking view of the most beautiful site in France, according to Edouard-Alfred Martel, the father of French geology.
The work will focus on clearing the site, then purging and securing the cliff (creation of steps, reinforcement, and remodeling of the access path). Finally, the remains will be stabilized (underpinning, restructuring), and guard rails and markings will be installed.
The municipality wishes to stop the degradation of the fortress and allow visits in complete safety.
The assistance from Mission Bern will facilitate the completion of the restoration project, but the cost of the work (more than €400,000) is enormous for the small commune of Aiglun, which deserves encouragement.
A fundraising campaign has been launched by the Heritage Foundation on the website:
www.fondation-patrimoine.org/forteresse-troglodyte-daiglun
