Sommet de Château Jouan

Sommet de Château Jouan is a mountain peak in the Hautes-Alpes reaching 2,565 meters high, with rocky slopes that rise 255 meters above the surrounding terrain in the Queyras Massif. The summit sits within a ridge system that spreads across multiple valleys and offers views spanning several distant mountain ranges.

The mountain held strategic importance in the 19th century when military forces built fortifications like Fort du Janus on the surrounding slopes to protect the region. These structures were part of a larger defense network designed to secure the French Alpine border.

The mountain trails here connect small alpine villages and preserve traditional pathways that have linked communities on the French and Italian sides for centuries.

Hikers can reach the summit via marked trails starting from Montgenèvre that wind upward through steep sections requiring several hours of walking. Start early in the day, wear proper boots, and be prepared for weather changes that happen quickly at this elevation.

Atop the peak sit communication antennas that serve modern radio networks across the region. The location also provides viewing points where visitors can spot several famous mountain ranges like Ecrins and Cerces stretching across the horizon.