What if a simple mountain house hid an entire military fort? In Vallorbe, the Fort de Pré-Giroud disguises itself as a chalet to better conceal its underground galleries. A captivating dive into the Switzerland of 1939-1945, perfect for children curious about history.
A fake chalet that hid a whole fort
From the outside, all you see is a mountain chalet, quiet above Vallorbe. In reality, this trompe-l'oeil facade concealed an entire military fort, carved into the rock to watch over the border during the Second World War. Inside, hundreds of metres of underground galleries connect the dormitories, the kitchen, the infirmary and the combat posts. Nearly 80 uniformed mannequins recreate the life of the soldiers between 1939 and 1945. For children, it is a real time machine: you go in through a chalet and come out with a thousand images of an era not so long ago.
What your children will discover
Your children will understand, in a very concrete way, how soldiers hidden underground lived more than eighty years ago. They will discover the secret of the chalet camouflage, walk through long, cool galleries, and see the dormitories, the kitchen, the infirmary and the weapons rooms recreated with life-size mannequins. It is a fine gateway to 20th-century Swiss history, told through objects and places rather than books.
What you do there and the atmosphere on site
The discovery takes place on a guided tour: a guide brings the daily life of the fort back to life, which helps children follow the thread and ask their questions. You make your way through dimly lit galleries; the atmosphere is immersive and a little mysterious, with a constant coolness under the rock. The route has many staircases: it takes a bit of energy, but rewards you with striking scenes. Ask about the exact duration of the tour when booking.
Before you go
- Recommended age: from about 8 years, up to adolescence (the subject and the staircases suit older children better)
- Duration: guided tour; ask about the exact duration on the official website
- Booking and price: online ticketing on the official website; expect about CHF 17 per adult and CHF 10 per child (to be confirmed on the official website)
- Pushchair accessibility: not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs, the fort has many staircases
- Transport: Vallorbe CFF station or Le Day station, then a walk; free parking on site
- What to bring: a jacket, it is cool in the galleries, and good shoes for the staircases
- Best season: from May to October, when the fort is open
Tips from parents
- Bring a jacket, even in the height of summer: the temperature stays cool under the rock.
- Book your tickets online and check the departure time of the guided tour (usually 10am, 1pm and 3pm, to be confirmed).
- Closed shoes make going up and down the many staircases easier.
- As the place is not suitable for pushchairs, bring a baby carrier if you come with a toddler, or save the tour for older children.
- Prepare your children by briefly explaining the context of the war: they will get more out of the explanations.
Useful information
- Address: Fort de Pré-Giroud, 1337 Vallorbe (canton of Vaud)
- Official website: https://www.pre-giroud.ch
- Opening hours: open from May to October; guided tours at fixed times (usually 10am, 1pm and 3pm) depending on weekends, public holidays and the summer period; check the calendar on the official website
- Access: Vallorbe CFF station or Le Day station, then a walk; free parking (cars and coaches)
Why we recommend it
Few museums offer such a concrete immersion: a decoy chalet, secret galleries and recreated scenes that bring history to life. For children from 8 years, it is a striking way to get a real feel for the Switzerland of the war years, in a natural setting above Vallorbe.
In a nutshell
A military fort camouflaged as a chalet, with underground galleries and recreated scenes, for a lively dive into history from 8 years.
Frequently asked questions
What is the entry price for the Fort de Pré-Giroud?
From what age is the tour suitable?
Is the fort accessible by pushchair or wheelchair?
Do you need to book your visit?
Is it cold inside the fort?
How do you get there by public transport?
When is the fort open?
Michael @ Kidora
Kid Adventure Planner
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