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Niolon Battery (high), L'EstaqueNiolon Battery (high), L'Estaque

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Explo writer
Aug's picture
Aug
33035 pts.
  • Off the path Explo
    96 %
    Off the path Explo rate
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    4.8 / 5
    Comments
    This fort is almost unknown! Nice spot Aug!
  • Article Quality
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    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Very nice information and tips Aug!
    • Score
      3 / 5
      Comments
      Yes, but a plan would be useful!
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      No pic...
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes!
    • Score
      5 / 5
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      Yes!
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The battery is impressive: situated on the top of a hill overlooking the village of Niolon, it dominates all the natural harbour of Marseille. Sight is worth to be seen! The site is nowadays abandoned and isolated, surrounded with bushland often swept by the mistral wind. Guaranteed atmosphere.

My experience, Explo description: 

The fort consists of a high battery and a secondary battery. It was built between 1881 and 1884. Its objective was to cross fire with the forts Ratonneau islands.

The 240mm artillery guns encuvements.

Buildings are still in a good shape, very interesting to visit for those who like military architecture.

Of the fort, you can see down the hill the ancient low battery (strengthened by Germans) located in the in the village of Niolon. It is now used as a vacation centre.

Check out the annex battery ruins 100m east from the fort.

My personal recommendations: 

Good place to visit while a mountain bike trip in neighbouring hills and the Figuerolles battery (2km NE). If you are there for lunch or at night, go to restaurants at Niolon village (nice little port).

How getting there: 

By car, 20mn from Marseille. You need to park on the Niolon road, not really far from the crossroad with the D5 road. From there, plan a 30 minutes walk to the fort.

A tip to sleep: 

You can stay in Marseille.

Useful information: 
Open hours: 

Free

Visit duration: 

40 minutes

Entry fees: 

Free. The place is abandoned.