These isolated lands have also been disputed. The strongholds of Mont Dauphin, Briançon and Fort Queyras, three citadels reinforced by Vauban, bear witness to the time when the Hautes-Alpes department was in the front line in the defense of the Kingdom of France. But many other monuments contribute to the diversity of the local historical heritage. Boscodon Abbey and the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Laus (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Laus), for example, bear witness to the faith of the inhabitants. Villages have also managed to preserve all their authenticity, for an immersion in the past. This is for example the case of Saint-Véran, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Monuments in Hautes-Alpes
Stronghold of Mont Dauphin
The raid of Victor Amadeus II, Duke of Savoy and prince of Piedmont demonstrated the importance of providing the territory of the Hautes-Alpes department with solid fortifications. The stronghold of Mont-Dauphin, built on a rocky headland at the confluence of the Guil and Durance rivers, bears witness to all the genius of Vauban. The citadel, built under the reign of Louis XIV, would undergo successive phases of work, and the last developments date from the 19th century. The site is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cité Vauban in Briançon
The ski area of Serre Chevalier is world famous. But Briançon also seduces by its remarkable heritage. Cité Vauban dominates the modern town, is surrounded by ramparts and is protected by several powerfully defended forts. The old streets of Cité Vauban have a unique atmosphere and are home to cafés, restaurants and stores. The two towers of the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame-et-St-Nicolas still dominate the slate roofs today.
Boscodon Abbey
In the Middle Ages, the monks came to seek, in the deep forests of the Hautes-Alpes department, the serenity conducive to the practice of their faith. Situated not far from the lake of Serre-Ponçon, the Boscodon Abbey was built in the 12th century in a Romanesque architecture that is at once grandiose, elegant and austere. Listed as a historical monument, it opens its doors to the privileged who are ready to venture to the ends of the earth to discover this historical jewel imbued with spirituality.
Read more: Boscodon Abbey
