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Wissenswertes
The PRO FORTRESS Association is happy to welcome you to Champex-Lake, the underground world of Artillery
Fortress A46.
Artillery Fortress A46, classified a "detence secret" until 1999, was built during the Second World War to defend the main
Grand St-Bernard Pass passage against incursions trom Italy. It is the main part of a far more vast fortification that comprises some fifty components scattered under the Mont-Blanc (alt. 4807 m) and Grand-Combin (alt. 4315 m) ranges.
lt has been constantly modernised and adapted to nuclear warfare and is one of the largest of the rare artillery fortresses open to the public in Switzerland.
Apart from its flawless state of conservation, its main particularity is that it has been entirely dug under the mountain,
making it totally invisible from outside and difficult to attack. The strange atmosphere experienced by the visitor is not
unreminiscent of that of a gigantic "submarine" ensconced in the heart of the mountain, with its 600 m network of
galleries, its airlocks, its anti-blast doors, its machine-room, its ventilation, etc. It was finished at the end of 1942 and was
occupied uninterruptedly by the troops until 1998. Its powerful batteries of 105 mm and 75 mm guns in their pillboxes last
opened fire in 1986. The "Pro Fortress" Association bought the fortress in 1999 and opened it to the public in June of the same year.
TOUR :Duration : approximately 2 h 00.
•The tour is led by a guide. We would ask you in advance to kindly comply with his instructions.
•On the last page, you will find a precise plan of the fortress. It will help you better to understand what you are seeing during the visit and to benefit from a commentary in your mother tongue.
• The various features of the fortress are indicated by white numbers on a black background. These numbers are repeated inside this pamphlet with a comment facing them.
•We hope that you will spend a pleasant time in our company and wish you an excellent stay in Valais and in Switzerland.
ATTENTION ! The fortress contains many potential dangers.
For your safety, IT IS FORMALLY FORBIDDEN TO SMOKE DURING THE VISIT, TO TOUCH THE FORTRESS INSTALLATIONS OR TO LEAVE THE GROUP.
* Adults and others accompanying children are responsible for their safety.
* In case of emergency during the visit, please follow the security markings and comply with the instructions given by the guide. Note the place of the emergency exit on the plan.
*Internal temperature : 12°C. We advise you to bring some warm clothing.
The association declines any liability in the case of accident, injury, damage or soiling due to the non-respect of these safety instructions.
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zu meinem Besuch des Fort d' artillerie de Champex-Lac
