Lake Champex, Switzerland

I'm about 10 miles from the Swiss/Italian border and I'm cycling up to the mountain village of Lake Champex (population 600). 
 

Entering the village of Lake Champex.

Whoa, rounding the bend after the welcome sign in the previous photo I see military equipment parked on the side of the road.

It seems I've come upon Lake Champex Artillery Fort.

Built between 1940-1943, the fort was designed to guard the Great St. Bernard Pass against invasion by Italy during World War II. 

We aren't talking about a rinky-dink fort. Tunnels totaling almost a half-mile zig-zag inside the steep mountain side.  The place could accommodate 300 soldiers.  Two 75 mm guns and eight 105 mm guns were pointed towards the mountain pass.

The fort was decommissioned in 1998. Tours are given but, it's not open today and you need an appointment. I've visited several decommissioned WWII mountain forts in Switzerland and they are fantastic! 

I'm standing on the patio deck of a hotel directly above the artillery fort. In the distance is the Great St. Bernard Pass---which is where the artillery is pointed. 

Unfortunately the mountain face is sheer and there's no way to hike down and catch a peek at the gun placements.  

This is a view from the hotel patio toward another road through the mountains but, doesn't go to Italy. 

Lake Champex.

The water coming out of the fountain is ice cold!

Another view of Lake Champex

Main drag through Lake Champex.

Village has one bakery and take a pass as nothing looks good. 

Colorful exterior of restaurant .

So, I cycled up to Lake Champex and now will be heading down the backside of the mountain. 

Coming down the backside I pass probably more than 50 cyclists coming up. Why so many coming up this way? A heatwave has been hitting Europe the past week with temperatures everyday hitting 100 plus. Turns out the backside road is in the shade. Wish a local would have clued me in. 

The town of Bovernier has a giant bee(?) alongside the busy road. Don't know if that gets tourists to make a beeline to the exit and check out the town.