Fort-Queyras (Château-Ville-Vieille)

Par un écrivain mystérieux

Last updated 10 mai 2024

Star of stone on its glacial lock, dominating the gorges of Guil, Fort-Queyras throws by its characteristic silhouette of the works of Vauban! Impossible to miss this emblem cherished by the Queyrassins, you pass at its feet to go up the valley!
You are curious and wish to know a little more? Here are some historical elements about this architectural jewel of the Queyras massif: Because of the strategic position of this lock, it is likely that it was built as early as the Roman period. As early as 1265, the presence of a medieval castle built by the Counts of Albon defended the Queyras against bands of looters. In the 16th century, the wars of religion as well as in 1695, the assault of the Savoyard troops contributed to the numerous modifications of the Fort. In addition to its defensive role, Fort Queyras was used as a prison for bandits and women accused of witchcraft. At the end of the 17th century, Vauban transformed the fort into its present form. He doubled the size of the initial castle and enclosed the fort in a vast enclosure. The casemated batteries were added at the end of the 18th century. Fort-Queyras will remain property of the army until the end of the 60's after having been disarmed during the period from 1940 to 1944. Today, you can visit it every summer from June to September. You can reach it by the drawbridge and you will be able to admire the medieval keep and to visit the crypt where is sheltered a space dedicated to the geology of Queyras. Philippe de Broca even found the fort to his liking, as this historical site became the location for the film Le Bossu. Scenes of feasting and fighting were shot inside the fort. Dogs are allowed and kept on a leash.