Sentier d'interprétation du fort du Télégraphe

Culminating at an altitude of 1566m, the Col du Télégraphe took its name from the fort which was built there between 1885 and 1893.It dominates the Maurienne Valley, and in past centuries, it played a major defensive role, overlooking St Michel de Maurienne on one side and the military Galibier road on the other. Less well known than its neighbour, the Galibier, the Col du Télégraphe is still a considerable climb, as the cyclists who have completed it will tell you. Climbing the Col du Télégraphe from Saint Michel de Maurienne: Departure: 710m - Arrival: 1566, Length: 11.8km - Elevation 856m Average %: 7.3% - Maximum %: 9.7%

The fort is at a 10-minute walk from the Télégraphe mountain pass. It overlooks the Maurienne Valley and offers greats views on the Arc valley. It is open only in summer and with guides.Built between 1885 and 1893, Fort du Télégraphe stands on the site of one of the Chappe aerial telegraph relays on the imperial Paris-Milan line. Its polygonal, Séré de Rivières-style architecture is adapted to the site's spectacular relief. The fort also served as a command post (Battle of the Alps, June 10-25, 1940) during the Italian offensive in the Valloire-Valmeinier sector. The fort can be reached in 10 minutes from the Col du Télégraphe parking lot via a narrow road. The fort has around 50 steps to climb during the visit. Bring a little wool. Guided tours with Savoie Mont-Blanc Heritage Guides Summer: Visit and exhibition on Wednesdays and Thursdays (mornings, afternoons and evenings). Guided tours with FACIM summer: every Monday