Ouvrage Gondran
Ouvrage Gondran is a lesser work ("petit ouvrage") of the Maginot Line's Alpine extension, the Alpine Line. The ouvrage consists of one entry block, one infantry block and one observation block. Gondran was commenced in June 1933, and was intended to cover the gap between Janus and Les Aittes. The site is close to two older forts, designated Gondran C and Gondran D. The Maginot fortification became known as Gondran E. The fortified area is near the Les Gondrans portion of the Montgenèvre ski area. Description. The "ouvrage" was never completed. As the emergency exit was on  the same level as the main portion it was used during peacetime as the main entrance. It is sometimes called "Gondran E." Fort Gondran. Fort Gondran is the center of a series of high-altitude fortifications in the area of Montgenevre, built between 1885 and 1910. The positions were anchored by the main fort, also known as Gondran C , with smaller positions designated Gondran A, B and D, extending in a line roughly long. The positions were occupied by 800 men, and were known as the "Gondran line." Action. On 18 June 1940 the "ouvrage" was fired upon by the  Italian Fort Chaberton. Present condition. Gondran is managed by the "Association de Vauban à Maginot", which opens it a few days each year, including Bastille Day.