Fortress of Mont-Dauphin
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Fortress of Mont-Dauphin - by Philippe Humbert on Google
Description
The Fortress of Mont-Dauphin is located in the Hautes-Alpes department of the French Southern Alps. It is part of the network of defensive structures designed by military engineer Vauban that are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in the area (Briançon being the epicentre). It includes a surrounding defensive wall, ravelins ("demi-lune - a triangular fortification placed outside a castle and opposite a fortification curtain) and a military barrack. The stronghold was never besieged as the Italian border was pushed back in 1713, only a few years after the defensive aspects of the fort were upgraded.
Access & Transport
Address: Place Vauban, Mont-Dauphin There is a train station next to the village: Montdauphin-Guillestre which is on the line between Briançon and Marseille. By car, it is 30km from Briançon, 55km from Gap and 230km from Marseille
Instructions & Recommendations
The guided visits are in French only, timing as follows: 14h30 year-round + 10h00 from June to Sept + 15h30 in July & August. There are quite a few additional attractions in the area: the town of Briançon in the north, the lake of Serre-Ponçon in the south and the Queyras National Park + Queyras Fort towards the east.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. Tourism helps preserve the region's architectural heritage and bring some economic activity to the village
Conclusion
The fortress and village of Mont-Dauphin are one of several visit-worthy strongholds designed by Vauban in the area. They might not warrant a dedicated drive of over 1h30, but for those already in the area, the attraction is a good candidate.
Key positive
Not overly touristic and excellent guided tours
An excellent example of fortifications with Vauban-design imprint
Key negative
Quiet out of season and time consuming to get to
Suitability
The fortress is accessible by car, but the tour route isn't easily accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Suitable for all ages.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 15m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Start of Season 1:Jun, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 12:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 12:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 12:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 12:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 12:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 12:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 12:00
MONDAY14:30 - 16:30
TUESDAY14:30 - 16:30
WEDNESDAY14:30 - 16:30
THURSDAY14:30 - 16:30
FRIDAY14:30 - 16:30
SATURDAY14:30 - 16:30
SUNDAY14:30 - 16:30
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY -
TUESDAY -
WEDNESDAY14:30 - 16:30
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FRIDAY -
SATURDAY14:30 - 16:30
SUNDAY14:30 - 16:30
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