Walking tour from Val Cenis Bramans to Les Forts

Name: Walking tour from Val Cenis Bramans to Les Forts
Address: 5 rue de Loutraz Bramans, Val-Cenis, 73500
Telephone: 04 79 05 99 06
Price range: Free access.

Val-Cenis

Fortress of Esseillon - D.Cuvelier - OTHMV

Set out to conquer the Esseillon forts. From one side of the Arc river to the
other you'll take a magical leap back in time. This shady walk takes you on
a journey to discover two hundred years of local history. Ever unperturbed,
the Redoute Marie-Thérèse awaits you!

Description

Set off at a brisk pace on the Chemin du Petit Bonheur, a trail cherished by
locals, and take in the invigorating scents of spruce and fir trees. Under the
watchful eye of the green woodpecker, you'll only hear the sound of its beak
on the weathered tree trunks.
Standing proud on its unconquerable promontory, the giant of the valley offers
you a journey into the military history of Haute Maurienne Vanoise, that takes
just a few minutes. A true emblem of the valley, Redoute Marie-Thérèse has
become the iconic representative of the five Esseillon forts. Awe-inspiring?
To say the least! Their construction began in 1817 to protect the kingdom
of Piedmont-Sardinia from possible French attacks. Massive, monumental,
they form a row at the narrowest point of the valley.
And what about Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge) as sensational as its height
above the gorges is breathtaking? But fear not, even the most faint-hearted
have managed to cross it, so you can do it too!

Additional welcome

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.