Built by Vauban in 1681 and fortified by Napoleon III, the Libéria fortress dominates the city with its ramparts, counterscarp galleries, bastions, chapel, archaeology and caving museum and a 734 steps underground staircase.

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Founded: 1681
Category: Castles and fortifications in France

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4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Pavel Škorpil (15 months ago)
Great fort. You can take a free 4x4 jeep ride from the village to the fort and that will be the great enjoyment for you. Fort itself is really big. And thousand steps" down to the village will test your legs. Absolutely perfect.
Craig Taylor (16 months ago)
If your into walking and quiet fit then I would recommend walking up the mountain side up to the fort,the view's are outstanding and there are resting places in the shade,once at the top there is a coffee and food bar for refreshments before you start your tour of the fort,once complete you can then take the underground passageway that takes you down 794 steps with resting areas now and then and also a view point of villefranch which is the wall village where you will end up once you reach the door at the bottom of the steps....the village itself is well worth a visit ......you can also get an off road tour that will take you up to the fort and back again if you don't fancy the walk up or the steps down.....all in all a very very good day out......also remember that this is France so the restaurants in the village don't open while 18:00.
Chance Cooper (17 months ago)
Awesome place to visit. Well worth it.
Dave Chapman (18 months ago)
Very interesting fortress complex above Villefrenche. It's a short but strenuous hike from town, but there are vans that take folks up at a reasonable cost. The fortress has very interesting history and the self guided tour is well laid out to appreciate the pertinent aspects. The fort is privately owned, but the owners have done a good job of not overcommercializing the site. The staff in the ticket office and bar were really nice. If you visit, go back to town via the subterranean tunnel - it is spectacular!
Anselmo Simões (2 years ago)
After visiting you will want to rest, because there's a lot to clim, but worth it!
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