Fort Dauphin, Military fort in Briançon, France.
Fort Dauphin sits on the Biffeul plateau at 1440 meters elevation with three bastions and a half-bastion designed to fit the steep slope. The building spreads across two main floors with a basement level that held a water tank and sleeping quarters for around 120 soldiers.
Construction took place between 1724 and 1734, with the fort named in honor of Louis, the fourth son of Louis XV and later father of Louis XVI. This building period coincided with France modernizing its mountain defenses.
The fort is part of Vauban's defensive system that has shaped Briançon since the 1700s. You can see today how the building fits into the steep hillside and how it overlooks the town below.
The hilltop location demands solid fitness and proper footwear for the climb up. Access via the Montgenèvre road provides the natural route to reach this fort while offering views of the other mountain fortifications nearby.
The fort was deliberately positioned to exchange crossfire with nearby Fort des Salettes, creating a coordinated defense system. This clever pairing of mountain fortresses meant that attacks on one would be met with support from the other.
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