Monte Chaberton Commemoration — Battle of the Alps
Two days of remembrance between Cesana Torinese and the summit of Chaberton, home to the highest fortified battery in Europe
About Battle of the Alps — Chaberton
Remembering the Battle of the Alps on Mount Chaberton
In the heart of the Upper Susa Valley, in the town of Cesana Torinese (Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont), one of the most evocative historical commemorations in the Western Alps takes place every year. The Monte Chaberton Commemoration honors the Battle of the Alps of June 1940, when the 515th Frontier Guard Battery faced the French Armée des Alpes from what is still remembered today as the highest fortified battery in Europe, at an altitude of 3,131 meters.
A fortress in the clouds
The Chaberton Fort, built at the turn of the 20th century on the summit of the same name on the Italian-French border, is a unique military structure: eight artillery towers overlooking the valleys. On June 21, 1940, French shelling struck the towers, marking a decisive episode in the brief but intense conflict in the Western Alps. The event was created to preserve this memory and to honor both Italian artillerymen and French soldiers in a spirit of peace and brotherhood between nations.
Two days between the village and the summit
The commemoration spans two days. It begins in Cesana Torinese with a parade from Piazza Vittorio Amedeo, in front of the Town Hall, followed by a military ceremony at the Chaberton War Memorial, attended by civil and military authorities. In the afternoon, the event moves to Bardonecchia, where the Palazzo delle Feste hosts the permanent historical exhibition War in the Alps, from Chaberton to the Alpine Wall, featuring free access to memorabilia, documents, original uniforms, and vintage photographs.
The second day is dedicated to the ascent to the summit: a delegation of Italian and French re-enactors departs early in the morning from the Claviere border to reach the peak, where the flag-raising ceremony, honors to the fallen, a field Mass with the Artilleryman's Prayer, and the laying of wreaths take place, accompanied by Alpine songs and music.
Distinguished patronage
Organized by the Monte Chaberton — 515th G.a.F. Battery Association, the event is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Defence, the Piedmont Region, and the Metropolitan City of Turin, with the collaboration of local administrations. It is an appointment that speaks to everyone: military history enthusiasts, hikers, and those wishing to discover the deepest identity of this part of the Alpine Piedmont.
Battle of the Alps — Chaberton — edition 2026
La tredicesima edizione della Commemorazione Monte Chaberton si svolge sabato 20 e domenica 21 giugno 2026 nel territorio di Cesana Torinese e del Monte Chaberton, in Alta Val di Susa. Organizzata dall'Associazione Monte Chaberton — 515ª Batteria G.a.F. con il patrocinio del Ministero della Difesa, della Regione Piemonte e della Città Metropolitana di Torino, la manifestazione rinnova il ricordo della Battaglia delle Alpi del giugno 1940.
La prima giornata si apre a Cesana Torinese con la sfilata e la cerimonia militare al Monumento ai Caduti dello Chaberton, seguita dalle visite guidate alla mostra di Bardonecchia. La domenica è dedicata all'ascesa alla vetta, con l'alzabandiera, la Messa al campo e la deposizione delle corone in cima.
Programme Battle of the Alps — Chaberton 2026
Sabato 20 giugno — Cesana Torinese e Bardonecchia
- Ore 10:30 — Sfilata da Piazza Vittorio Amedeo, davanti al Municipio di Cesana Torinese, per le vie del paese
- A seguire — Cerimonia militare al Monumento ai Caduti dello Chaberton, alla presenza delle autorità civili e militari
- Commemorazione dei Caduti presso la porzione militare del cimitero
- Dalle ore 14:00 — Visite guidate alla mostra storica permanente Guerra sulle Alpi, dallo Chaberton al Vallo Alpino al Palazzo delle Feste di Bardonecchia, Piazza Valle Stretta 1 (ingresso libero)
Domenica 21 giugno — Vetta del Monte Chaberton (3.131 m)
- Ore 7:00 — Ritrovo dei rievocatori italiani e francesi alla frontiera di Claviere e inizio dell'ascesa guidata verso la vetta
- Ore 11:30 circa, in vetta — Alzabandiera e onori ai Caduti, Messa al campo con la Preghiera dell'Artigliere, deposizione delle corone
- Concerto di brani e canti alpini e militari
La salita alla vetta è un'escursione impegnativa di circa quattro ore e richiede attrezzatura alpina adeguata; in caso di neve in quota o condizioni di sicurezza non idonee il programma della domenica può essere modificato o annullato (aggiornamenti sul sito ufficiale e sui canali social dell'associazione).
Highlights Battle of the Alps — Chaberton 2026
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Practical information — Battle of the Alps — Chaberton
Getting there
Cesana Torinese can be reached via the A32 Turin–Bardonecchia motorway (Oulx exit), continuing along the SS24 towards Montgenèvre. The parade and ceremony start at Piazza Vittorio Amedeo, in front of the Town Hall.
The ascent to the summit
The climb to Mount Chaberton (3,131 m) starts from the Italian-French border of Claviere and is a demanding four-hour hike: mountain boots, layered clothing, a hat, gloves, and a windbreaker are essential. The ascent may be cancelled or modified in case of snow at high altitude or unsuitable safety conditions: always check for updates on the official website and the association's social media channels before setting off.
The exhibition in Bardonecchia
The permanent exhibition War in the Alps is located at the Palazzo delle Feste in Bardonecchia, at Piazza Valle Stretta 1, with free admission.
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Where does it take place — Battle of the Alps — Chaberton
Monumento ai Caduti dello Chaberton — Monte Chaberton (3.131 m)
Piazza Vittorio Amedeo, 10054 Cesana Torinese