It's not by chance that the Forts de l'Esseillon were built here! Built on a glacial
lock at the entrance to the vertiginous Arc Gorges, their role is to protect the
border and prevent French troops from passing through.
As you follow the trail that connects the five constructions, you'll be astonished
by the ingenuity of those who designed and built these walls. All along the
path, you'll come across reading tables that explain how such constructions
were built according to the principles of the Marquis de Montalembert.
Structured like a small village, Fort Victor-Emmanuel invites you to stroll
through its labyrinthine alleys. You'll get a glimpse of what it was like to be
a soldier in those days as you explore the various buildings that shaped their
everyday life: chapel, hospital, gunpowder factory, and even... prison and
cemetery! It can't have been fun all the time... But luckily, that's no longer
the case, as there are now a wide range of activities on offer at this fortress,
truly one of a kind in France.
- Sport
Builders' Path
About
Signs
Departmental signposting (PR)
Map references
Map and booklet "Haute Maurienne Vanoise. 103 walks and hikes - 38 trail routes. For all levels" (sold for €10 in Tourist Offices)
Topoguides references
Blue route no. 33
Further informations
Stone, Ground
To guide you in the field, consult the "step-by-step" directional diagram provided in pdf.
Prices
Free access.
Reception
The duration of hiking trails is calculated using reference paces: 300 m/h ascent, 500 m/h descent and 4 km/h on the flat.
As hazards may occur at any time on the routes, the GPX tracks provided are not contractual. They are given for information only. Riders use them at their own risk, depending on their level of technological proficiency and their understanding of the terrain.
Period of practice
All year round.
Subject to favorable weather.
- Parking nearby
- Public WC
Contacts
Access
I'm going by car: park in the parking lot near Fort Charles Albert and the Aussois soccer stadium.