Fort de la Croix de Bretagne on snowshoes

  • Sport
  • Winter sports
  • Snowshoe itinerary
Elevation : 1318m
Parking de la Maison d’enfants de la Guisane, Route du fort de la Croix de Bretagne, 05100 Villar-Saint-Pancrace

Description

Set off through the woods to discover this fort built between 1876 and 1879. This hike through the forest on a snow-covered military trail offers the chance to observe numerous animal tracks and leads to a remarkable panorama.
Leave the parking lot and take the road up into the forest. At the fork in the road, take the right-hand track and follow the signs for "Fort de la Croix de Bretagne". The track then rises steadily through the forest without any forks, winding its way up to the fort. At the bend in the trail, a lovely view opens up of the hamlet of Mélézin just opposite and the Mélézin summit, as well as the start of the Ayes valley. Arriving at the fort, a remarkable panoramic view opens up: the crossroads of the 5 valleys, the Durance, the Guisane, the Clarée, the Cerveyrette and the Ayes and all the surrounding peaks. The return journey takes the same route. We strongly advise against taking the steep path on the north side, which is regularly cut by icy gullies and tree trunks. Progress on snow-covered terrain is far more demanding than in summer. It requires special equipment and knowledge of mountain hazards. An ungroomed route sometimes requires you to "make tracks", and requires good physical condition and preparation. - Consult the weather forecast - Avalanche risk assessment bulletin - Consult guide recommendations - Make sure you have the right equipment, including avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes. - Choose an itinerary suited to your physical condition - Never set off alone.
  • Tips
    Option: Climb up to the Grande Maye fort (another 2 hours) for a view of the Ecrins massif (Pelvoux, Barre des Ecrins, Meije).

Services

Car park
Animals accepted

Accepted customers

  • Level bue - Medium

Plain text period

From 01/12 to 30/04 daily.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Environment

  • Mountain view
  • Panoramic view
  • Forest location
  • Mountain location
Updated on 22 April 2026 at 10:52
by Office de tourisme des Hautes Vallées - La Grave - La Clarée - L'Izoard
(Offer identifier : 318392)
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