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Fortress of Mont-Dauphin

Place Vauban, Mont-Dauphin, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

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.

Meta review

The fort / village is little known despite its UNESCO WHS listing but those who happened to have taken the guided visit (highly recommended) are extremely complimentary about the quality of the guide and how he/she brings the Vauban designed complex to life. Plenty to see and learn apparently.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Timing of the guided visits. Also take place on Tue/Thu/Fri from Jan to May

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Jun, 01

Season 1 / Period 1

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

Season 1 / Period 2

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

Season 2 / Period 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY14:30 - 16:30

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY -

SATURDAY14:30 - 16:30

SUNDAY14:30 - 16:30

Season 2 / Period 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY -

SATURDAY -

SUNDAY -

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€7
Adult
18 - 64
€7
Child
3 - 17
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Free for EU nationals and French residents under 26yrs old

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