Around the Esseillon Forts, the “sentier des Bâtisseurs” (Builder’s Way)

in Aussois

Loop

Follow the route patrolled by the soldiers garrisoned at the Esseillon Forts, an intimidating barrier built by the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia at the beginning of the 19th century to dissuade the French from invading.
You'll be guided along the way by 11 interpretative panels which reveal the forts' construction secrets: 1 - stone quarry, 2 - Sardinian cemetery, 3 - nature's worksite, 4 - Esseillon hamlet, 5 - limekilns, 6 - slate quarry, 7 - old Devil's Bridge, 8 - Victor-Emmanuel Fort, 9 - Charles-Félix Fort, 10 - Esseillon Pass, 11 - Marie-Christine Fort.

This walk can be started at a number of different points: Marie-Thérèse Redoubt car park (Avrieux): From Modane, follow the N6 into the Haute Maurienne. After a few kilometres, park on the left at the car park for the Marie-Thérèse Redoubt and the Esseillon Forts. Fort Victor-Emmanuel car park (Aussois): After Modane, turn left for Aussois (7 km). At the entrance to the village, follow the “Fort Marie-Christine et Forts de l’Esseillon” signs and go down to Fort Victor-Emmanuel.
Plain text period

From 01/05 to 30/11.

Subject to favorable weather.
Environment
- In the mountains
Spoken languages
Documentation
- Le sentier des Bâtisseurs à la découverte des forts de l'Esseillon à Aussois
GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)