The Esseillon fortresses travel guide

In the Aussois, at the entrance to the Vanoise Park, lie five citadels built by the House of Savoy. It is here that the most beautiful via ferrata of the Alps is to be found.

From the opposite side of the river they look like a Tibetan lamasery. The five citadels once formed the “shield of Piemont” against the enemy, who was French at the time. Each of the fortresses bears the name of a member of Victor Emmanuel I's family. You have the choice: an easy stroll (1 hour and a half) among the ruins that proudly bear the names of Sardinian kings and queens. You can also tempt the devil on the bridge of that name, stretched across the sheer gorges of the Arc, which links the “Marie-Thérèse” fortress to the rest of her family. Try the via ferrata Esseillon, the Arc gorges. A frisson of excitement awaits you on the Via Ferrata du Diable. It is the longest in France (3,750 metres, 8 to 10 hours in total) and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful on the “Grandes Alpes” route. You can test it in five sections, which feature play areas and Nepalese bridges, and are, most importantly, adapted to various ages and levels of experience and endurance. Make your first steps in total safety! Relish Savoy cuisine in a fortress. The Esseillon fortresses. The original casemate vaults provide a unique décor for a meal at the Restaurant du Fort. Marie-Christine staunchly defends the regional cuisine, a far cry from garrison grub. One of her recent delights is the delicate féra (a species of whitefish native to Alpine lakes).

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