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Summer in the Alps

When we think of “summer vacations in the mountains”, the images that spontaneously come to mind are those of a return to nature and outdoor activities. And it's true that the French Alps are the ideal destination for this, but heritage and culture lovers shouldn't miss out either: between two bowls of fresh air or a hike, there's plenty to do to make your summer vacations a good one. Here's a small recommendation of places to visit.

Focus on heritage nuggets

Two buildings designed by the famous military engineer Vauban are not to be missed in the Hautes-Alpes: the fortifications of Briançon and the fortress of Mont-Dauphin. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, these sites were built during the reign of Louis XIV for defensive purposes (in particular against the offensives of the Dukes of Savoy), and from their respective heights of 1,326 and 1,050 meters, are extremely well preserved. 

At the crossroads of 5 valleys around Briançon, the 3 km-long enclosure still boasts its historic protective forts and traffic routes. And overlooking the Guil and Durance valleys, the former garrison town of soldiers offers visitors the chance to see, among other things, a former arsenal and barracks in buildings and underground passageways dating back to 1693. An opportunity to discover the genius of the architect and town planner who endowed France with some thirty strongholds along its borders.
We continue our theme with the military fort of the Maginot Line which, in 1940, was used to repel the Italian offensive. Indeed, it was this section of the great line of fortifications built between 1928 and 1940 that proved so effective during the Second World War. Situated on a rocky outcrop, the bunker-like building overlooks the village of Sainte-Agnès, where you can discover the history of this atypical heritage, and in particular of the effective section of the “alpine line”.

We conclude with another monument not to be missed on a summer vacation in the Alps: the Monastère de Saorge. An imposing cloister with 4 arcaded galleries, 17th-century painted vaults, ponds and fruit trees, a beautiful view of the mountains and the Roya gorges... Listed as a historical monument since 1917, the site dates back to 1633 and has had several lives (convent, hospice, vacation camp...) before becoming a writers' residence offering writing retreats and seminars.

When nature becomes a spectacle

Summer vacations in the mountains often go hand in hand with a quest for disconnection, and here are 3 sites perfect for taking in the sights:

The Saint-Véran - Paul Felenbok observatory, in the municipality of Saint-Véran (Hautes-Alpes), is Europe's highest astronomical observatory. Located on the peak of Château Renard, at an altitude of 2,930 meters, it allows you to observe the stars in the immensity of the Alpine sky, far from urban light pollution, but very close to the sheep and marmots that can be seen in the mountain pastures you have to cross before accessing this place, which will fascinate apprentice astronauts.

The Aiguille du Midi offers a 360° view of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Accessible by cable car from Chamonix, it provides access to a summit terrace with a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and, at 3,777 meters, has been a major site in the Alps for 60 years with its wealth of tourist attractions:
  • The step into the void : a glass box suspended above the mountain for guaranteed thrills.
  • The Galerie d'acier (a.k.a. “The Tube”), a 32-metre-long tour of the central piton.
  • A restaurant serving Savoyard specialties.
  • Several areas for rest and contemplation of the surrounding countryside.

The apothecary's garden at Colmars-les-Alpes
Get your feet back on the ground and stroll along the ramparts of the Maison-Musée du Haut-Verdon to observe the flowers, aromatic plants and trees whose therapeutic virtues Maître Saurin studied in the time of Louis XIV. This knowledge is now shared by botanists in a veritable green setting. 

The garden is associated with a preserved 17th-century bourgeois house and a walkway that has become an exhibition space (on trades of yesteryear, medieval fortifications and the military history of Colmars). 

A Maison-Musée that illustrates just how often nature and culture go hand in hand in the Alps.

Have a great vacation!

Valérie from Comme des Français


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