The Forte dello Chaberton, also known as the ‘Fortress of the Clouds’, stands as one of the most spectacular military testimonies of the Alps. Built at an altitude of 3,131 metres, it dominates the landscape between Italy and France from the summit of Monte Chaberton, but today it must contend with the deterioration of its structures.
The French municipality of Montgenèvre has indeed issued a ban on access and visits inside the fortification, due to the risk of collapses. The measure, enacted by an ordinance dated 19 August 2026, will remain in force until the site is secured. For hikers, however, there is an important clarification: ascent to the summit remains allowed, while entering the fort is prohibited.
Why access was prohibited
The measure targets the most fragile parts of the Forte dello Chaberton, including turrets, galleries, casemates and underground rooms. After more than a century at elevations above three thousand meters, snow, ice, water infiltration and repeated freeze-thaw cycles have progressively compromised the stability of the structures. Added to these conditions are the damage caused by the bombardments of 1940 and the long period of subsequent abandonment.
The ordinance also bans climbing on the walls and any unauthorized exploratory activities. It is also not permitted to remove or relocate stones, metal elements, and artifacts related to the site’s military history. Checks may be carried out by the French Gendarmerie.
The fortification has been protected since 2021 as a French Monument Historique, and the protection extends to the entire complex, not only the eight famous towers that crown the summit. Over the years, proposals had already been made to limit deterioration, including measures to prevent snow and water from seeping through doors, windows and the openings of the turrets.
Monte Chaberton, excursions remain permitted
The fort’s closure does not mean that Monte Chaberton has become inaccessible. Hiking along the trails leading to the summit remains permitted, and even pre-planned excursions can proceed normally, in accordance with the indications posted in the area. Once you reach the summit, however, entering the military structure is not allowed.
Nevertheless, the site’s value remains extraordinary. The fortification’s construction began at the end of the nineteenth century and represented a genuine engineering feat: the mountain peak was lowered by about six metres to create the space needed for the structure. Eight concrete towers originally housed cannons on rotating mounts, while inside were the command center, an infirmary, kitchens, stores, depots and other spaces.
A cable car, completed in 1910, also connected the fort to the valley floor and allowed the transport of men, materials and provisions. Because of its position, Chaberton was regarded as an almost impregnable fortress, but on 21 June 1940 French artillery managed to neutralize six of the eight towers with 280 mm Schneider howitzers.
After the war, with the Paris Treaty of 1947, the summit passed to France. Today the fort remains a historic monument of enormous charm, visible from the outside during the ascent, but temporarily off-limits inside for safety reasons.
