Fort de Pré-Giroud

About the museum

The Fort de Pré-Giroud was built between 1937 and 1939 above Vallorbe in the Vaud Jura. It was intended to block the Jougne pass and defend the national border in the Second World War. The entrance is camouflaged as a chalet, and from the outside the combat structures look like rocks, fir trees or a house. The complex includes several independent infantry bunkers, six casemates with cannons or machine guns, underground passages, observation posts and ammunition stores, as well as a protected zone at a depth of around 50 metres in which about 130 men could be accommodated.

The installation was used from 1939 to 1985. For tactical reasons, because of its position at the front, it was decommissioned afterwards. In 1988 it passed to the municipality of Vallorbe; the museum is run by the Fondation du Fort de Pré-Giroud, supported by a friends' association. The fortress is regarded as the first Swiss military installation to be opened to the public.

During the tours, visitors experience the life of soldiers during the mobilisation of 1939 to 1945. Weapons, period equipment and around 80 mannequins are on display. A large scene recalls events at the Vallorbe border crossing, including the withdrawal of French troops, the arrival of German units and the liberation of the Doubs in September 1944. An audio guide is available at the kiosk.

Highlights

• Entrance of an artillery fortress of 1937–1939 camouflaged as a chalet
• Tours through passages, casemates and troop quarters in the rock
• Around 80 mannequins and weapons from the mobilisation period 1939–1945
• Audio guide in five languages
• First military installation in Switzerland opened to the public

Permanent exhibition

• Fort 39-45: Leben der Soldaten bei der Mobilmachung – Guided tour through the artillery fortress with weapons, equipment, mannequins and a scene on the events at the border from 1940 to 1944.

Operated by

Fondation du Fort de Pré-Giroud

Admission & discounts

Prices in CHF; tickets sold online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The historic structure is not suitable for wheelchair users. For safety reasons, pets are not permitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The fortress describes itself as an experience for young and old and for the whole family.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

Kiosk at the entrance

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Corporate outings with a guided tour, working session and drinks reception several dozen metres underground (tours for groups of up to 30 people)

Plan your visit