It's impossible to walk past this giant rock without imagining the stories it holds. Built between 1872 and 1878, the Fort de Vancia is part of Lyon's second fortified belt, conceived after the 1870 war as part of the defensive system known as Séré de Rivières. At that time, the goal was clear: to protect access to Lyon from the Dombes with an impressive fortress capable of housing up to 800 soldiers and nearly 60 pieces of artillery.
Today, this 18-hectare monument is on the brink of a true renaissance. The City of Rillieux-la-Pape, the Friends of Fort de Vancia association, and the Heritage Foundation have launched a vast restoration program aimed at sustainably preserving this exceptional site.
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Several million euros to save this Lyon heritage
The rehabilitation project represents a colossal investment, estimated between 5 and 6 million euros. To finance this operation, a large national fundraising campaign has been launched to engage individuals, businesses, and heritage lovers. The initial work has already begun. Specialized companies are working on the waterproofing of the Parados barracks, an essential step to stop the gradual deterioration of the historic buildings. The goal is to securely restore the fort so that, eventually, it can be reopened to the public on a broader scale.
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Even though most of the fort remains inaccessible outside of a few guided tours, the site is far from dormant. For several years now, Fort Vancia has been hosting various unique activities that breathe new life into its impressive casemates. Thrill-seekers are particularly drawn to Vanciaventure, a treetop adventure park and underground exploration venue located at the heart of the fort. Even more surprisingly, some of the galleries now house a mushroom farm specializing in oyster mushrooms, as well as a pigment factory dedicated to making natural colors. This unexpected yet ingenious transformation proves that heritage and innovation can beautifully coexist.
A site marked by a history that is as fascinating as it is tragic
Behind its thick ramparts lies a darker memory. During World War II, Fort Vancia served.in the place of detention under the Vichy regime in 1942, reminding us that this impressive military building has witnessed some of the most painful chapters in French history.
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This project is also particularly important for preserving this memory. By restoring this iconic monument at the gates of Lyon, the communities aim to pass on a unique heritage to future generations while offering visitors a new place to discover.
Hey, where history, nature, and leisure will keep meeting.Address: 69140 Rillieux-la-Pape, France