European Heritage Days: Fort de Castillon Opens Its Doors to Visitors

An opportunity to step inside one of the fortifications of the Maginot Line in the Alpes-Maritimes and learn more about the history of the defence of the French border. As part of the European Heritage Days (Journées Européennes du Patrimoine), the Maginot ouvrage of Castillon will exceptionally open its doors to the public on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September.

For two days, visitors will have the opportunity to discover the fortification’s rooms and structures, learn about its history and explore the exhibition spaces set up inside the site.

Free Visits to Fort de Castillon

Visits will take place on both days from 10 am to 4.30 pm, with departures scheduled at 10 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm.

Admission is free, but advance booking is mandatory. The event offers an opportunity to discover the area’s historical and military heritage and learn more about one of the fortified structures built in the Alpes-Maritimes.

During the tour, visitors will be able to explore the rooms of the Maginot ouvrage of Castillon and see some of the features that characterise the structure.

Among these is the 75 mm Model 1929 cannon, one of the fortification’s points of interest. Visitors will also be able to see an exhibition dedicated to the site’s heritage and history.

How to Get to Fort de Castillon

A free car park is available at Col de Castillon.

From there, visitors can use a free shuttle service to reach the Maginot ouvrage directly.

This allows visitors to leave their cars in the designated parking area and continue to the fort using the shuttle service provided by the organisers.

The History of the Maginot Ouvrage of Castillon

The Ouvrage de Castillon is part of the complex system of fortifications known as the Maginot Line, built from the 1930s onwards to strengthen the defence of France’s borders.

According to the Inventaire Général du Patrimoine Culturel of the French Ministry of Culture, the main construction work on the ouvrage was carried out between 1931 and 1934.

The fortification also played a role during the Italian offensive of June 1940, when Italian forces attacked French territory in the context of the Second World War.

The visit during the European Heritage Days therefore offers an opportunity to discover not only a military structure, but also part of the history of the area and the events that shaped the Franco-Italian border.

An Opportunity to Rediscover the Heritage of the Alpes-Maritimes

The special opening of Fort de Castillon is part of the programme of the European Heritage Days, an initiative dedicated to discovering and promoting cultural heritage.

For one weekend, the Maginot ouvrage will give visitors the opportunity to enter a site normally associated with military history and explore its architecture, structures and historical remains.

The event may be particularly interesting for anyone wishing to learn more about the history of the Maginot Line in the Alpes-Maritimes and discover one of the fortified sites located in the Castillon area.

Information, Opening Hours and Bookings

Maginot Ouvrage of Castillon
📍 430 Route Stratégique, Castillon

Dates: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September
Tour departure times: 10 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm
Admission: free
Booking: mandatory
Parking: free at Col de Castillon
Shuttle: free from the car park to the fort

For information and bookings, contact the organisers on 06 59 77 91 12 or email infofortcastillon@gmail.com.