Fortification Villa Rose

From 1933 to 1945, the Swiss Army erected a line of defence complete with anti-tank obstacles and bunkers running from the peaks of the Jura hills (La Dunanche, an observation post over the Lake Leman and the Alps) to Prangins/Gland on the borders of Lake Leman. The Villa Rose, a small fortress camouflaged as a place of residence, is one of these strongholds that barred access to the Route Suisse, which until 1964 was the main point of access to enter Switzerland from Geneva. It contains all the weapons that were to be found in 1940 such as anti-tank cannon and machine guns. A soldier’s mess room has been reconstructed on the upper floor and is available for meetings and conferences. A collection of Swiss newsreels from 1939 to 1945 is also available for viewing.