Nestled at an altitude of 1150m in the heart of the village of Les Rousses and the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park. Henry Martin's Fort occupies a prominent place as the second largest fortress in France.
Built starting in 1800 under the initiative of Napoleonwho saw its strategic military importance in the face of a European threat. This impressive fortified complex required 70 years of construction to take shape over an area of more than 21 hectares. Featuring vast vaulted cellars, underground galleries, and an imposing interior esplanade, Fort Henry Martin was designed to accommodate a large garrison and its equipment.
His history is marked by various events, notably its use as a military base during the conflicts of the 19th and 20th centuries. After serving as commando training center until 1997. It was converted into maturing cellars in 1998, thus adding a new chapter to its rich and eventful history.
Comté Juraflore ripening cellars
Between its sturdy walls and solid rocks, the Fort des Rousses shelters nearly 200 millstones of Comté, giving this place an atmosphere like no other. The stone vaults of the cellar provide an ideal environment for aging the cheese. It is this unique atmosphere that infuses the Comté du fort with its unparalleled aromas. The Lacuzon gallery, carved into the Jura mountains, also benefits from an exceptional microclimate, providing freshness and humidity to the cheese wheels all year round. Enthusiasts can go to the discovery of the secrets of refining during tasting tours in this picturesque setting.
Juraflore Comtés, symbols of the unique alliance between unspoiled nature and exceptional craftsmanship in the Jura massif, are made from the generous milk of Montbéliarde cows. Each Comté, meticulously refined by master cheesemakers with passion and expertise, is a true work of gastronomic art. Fromageries Arnaud, guarantors of this centuries-old tradition, have been awarded more than 200 distinctions at the Paris General Agricultural Competition, affirming their excellence in the world of Comté cheese. Guided tour by online reservation only.
- Visit to the Comté Juraflore maturing cellars (Guided tour all year round, duration 1 hours)
- The Nocturnes of Fort des Rousses (Unique guided tour at nightfall, duration 1 hour 45 minutes)
- Manufacturer and Refiner (A half-day including a visit to the Fruitière du Haut-Jura and a visit to the Fort des Rousses ripening cellars, duration 4 hours)
All activities around the fort
Baliséor, orienteering course around the fort
To practice in sneakers or on snowshoesFor those wishing to learn or improve their orienteering skills, BaliséOr is open all yearThe various trails take place outside the ramparts of the magnificent and imposing Fort des Rousses. Accessible to young and old, BaliséOr offers you 5 courses of varying difficulty levels different.
Theme trails
As you stroll around Fort des Rousses, you'll have the opportunity to see explanatory panels about the fort and its history. The 2 km themed trail is perfect for families or friends, whatever the season.
Bike Park
Three fun and well-equipped courses for practicing Cross-Country mountain biking around Fort des Rousses.
