The extreme natural and historical wealth of our territory allows it to have several representatives on the UNESCO world heritage list. In the Alps, Vauban left an indelible mark…
From La Turbie to Orange via Nice, Arles and Marseille, the South region is not short of treasures. Cities with exceptional character, monuments forever in history…
In total, eight sites in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur have become world heritage sites of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Among the unmissable places in our territory, the Alps should not be put aside. With two representatives in this prestigious list, there is no shortage of wonderful discoveries in this mountainous corner of the Southeast. A sector in which the Marquis de Vauban, Louis XIV’s military engineer, left his mark.
Indeed, these are two of his works which attracted the attention and obtained the approval of the global institution in 2008. From his full name, Sébastien Le Preste de Vauban, he imagines a real “iron belt” allowing the Kingdom of France to defend itself. Around thirty fortified places were then created along the borders under his recommendations.
The city of Briançon, infinite source of treasures
Architect and town planner recognized for his ability to design bastions that were difficult to take, he therefore initiated the fortifications of Briançon and those of Mont-Dauphin in the Alpine zone. The first, perched at an altitude of 1,326 meters, is located at the crossroads of five valleys. Its construction was necessary following the attacks of the Dukes of Savoy.
The city is made up of the city wall, the forts of Salettes, Têtes, Randouillet, the Y communication structure, as well as the Asfeld bridge. A set which was used to detect invaders coming from abroad or from the lands. It then becomes a place that is both secure, then now, a splendid tourist setting concealing nuggets such as old fountains, churches, sundials or even the Schappe park, all located on an impressive rocky peak.
Military splendor of Mont-Dauphin
Built from 1693 to anticipate Italian invasions, Mont-Dauphin rises above the landscape, in the middle of the fauna and flora of the Hautes-Alpes. Perfectly preserved remains allow you to admire the formidable defensive system, including among others the lunette d’Arçon and its 113 meter long underground passage, the arsenal, the powder magazine and the roof of the Rochambeau barracks.
Built on the deserted Millaures plateau, its work will nevertheless be interrupted in the winter. Complications due to the war and funding later, the site is made up of half-moons, a pavilion and two barracks. Little by little, the bastide will lose its military role, and is today the starting point for beautiful walks inviting you to escape.
Finally, let us point out that since 2018, the European fleet “Alpi Maritime – Mercantour” is following a process to register in the UNESCO inventory. An application which notably includes a vast marine area stretching from the harbor of Villefranche-sur Mer to the coast of Bordighera, or even Italian and French protected areas, including that of the Grande Corniche.
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