La boucle de la place forte

From downtown Guillestre, take the D902 towards Gap/Briançon and turn right before the bridge over the Chagne torrent (towards Gaboyer). Follow this path along the small canal, leading to a footbridge over the torrent du Guil. At the end of the footbridge, turn left until you reach a crossroads where the chapel of St Guillaume is indicated on the right. Follow this road up to the stronghold of Mont-Dauphin (be careful, it's a 150m climb - the fort must be earned!).
After visiting this superb UNESCO World Heritage site, leave through the main gate and head for the village of Eygliers. At the village entrance, turn right towards Font d'Eygliers. At the next crossroads, turn right down the small road that joins the Guil torrent. Cross the bridge and follow the small asphalt road as it winds its way up through the undergrowth. As you go, you'll be able to admire the original geological formations, including the one known as "the Titan's hand", right in front of you, at the foot of Mont-Dauphin. Once you've reached the heights, after this last short ascent of 126m, head back down to the asphalt road leading to Guillestre town center.

There's a less "steep" version of this hike for less seasoned calves. Instead of turning right at the chapel of Saint Guillaume, go straight on to a parking lot indicating the start of the marmot trail. Take the RN 94 to the right, and at the "galette de Vauban" bakery, turn right towards Mont-Dauphin. The climb will be gentler and more gradual!

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