Briançon - Mont-Dauphin (UNESCO)

As the King’s engineer, Vauban aged 34, was responsible for supervising works to fortify the kingdom. Thus, three of the 160 forts that he had built or restored, are in the Hautes-Alpes. Château-Queyras, Mont-Dauphin and Briançon. The latter two were classed as World Heritage by UNESCO in 2008.

Due to the natural terrain in Briançon, Vauban was unable to follow any existing pattern.  He designed vertical, staggered urban defences and suggested creating a belt of forts to increase defence of the town.  

In Mont-Dauphin, the fortifications, which are remarkably conserved, were built from scatch directly on a plateau.

Visiting these major sites enables us to understand part of Vauban’s genius, which is particularly spectacular in such mountain sites. 

It is also an opportunity to visit the towns of Briançon and Mont-Dauphin, which are particularly attractive and lively.

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Allow yourself to be carried away by the beautiful images of the Hautes-Alpes.

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