Ouvrage Les Aittes

Ouvrage Les Aittes is a lesser work (petit ouvrage) of the Maginot Line's Alpine extension, the Alpine Line. The ouvrage consists of one entry block, three infantry blocks and one observation block, about two kilometers east of Cervières, Hautes-Alpes at an altitude of 2029 m..

Description

 * See Fortified Sector of the Dauphiné for a broader discussion of the Dauphiné sector of the Alpine Line.

Construction of Les Aittes started in 1932, with work continuing until 1937, under the direction of the Main d'Ouevre Militaire (MOM). The ouvrage was excavated directly from the rock, with no concreted galleries, the longest extending 215 m from the entrance to Block 2.
 * Block 1 (entry): one machine gun embrasure.
 * Block 2 (infantry): one machine gun embrasure.
 * Block 3 (infantry): one heavy twin machine gun embrasure.
 * Block 4 (infantry): one heavy twin machine gun embrasure.

In June 1940 the position was commanded by Lieutenant Renon, with 92 men.

Les Aittes is presently owned by the commune of Cervières, and may be visited by arrangement.