Fort Vauban and its tower in Saint-Vincent-les-Forts

A fun hike in the village of Saint-Vincent-les-Forts. Accessible to able-bodied people and without any particular difficulty. This hike is interesting for all ages, with numerous information panels as well as a few games and puzzles. Saint-Vincent-les-Forts is a popular spot for paragliders. It offers a spectacular view when conditions are favourable.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.22 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 0h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 70 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 71 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,294 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,260 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at the entrance to the village near the paragliding area.

(S/E) Head north and reach the take-off area.

(1) Continue along Rue Séraphin Michel until you reach the town hall.

(2) Continue left, pass in front of the Saint-Vincent Church, then turn right onto Rue du Maréchal Vauban. Take a left-hand hairpin bend to reach the entrance to Fort Vauban.

(3) Go around the fort on the right to reach a dead end. Take the yellow-marked path on the right down towards the moor. Use the metal barrier securing this passage, then continue through the woods to reach the Vauban Tower.

(4) Retrace your steps until you reach the crossroads at the town hall.

(2) Turn left onto Rue Jean Giono, which will take you around the village to the east and back to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,273 m - Paragliding car park
  2. 1 : km 0.15 - alt. 1,272 m - Paragliding take-off area
  3. 2 : km 0.44 - alt. 1,271 m - Town hall
  4. 3 : km 0.72 - alt. 1,293 m - Fort Saint-Vincent
  5. 4 : km 1.09 - alt. 1,271 m - Vauban Tower
  6. S/E : km 2.22 - alt. 1,273 m - Paragliding car park

Notes

(1) Take-off area: take-off is very impressive as there are only a few metres to gain speed. This take-off is reserved for the most experienced pilots. A bench and an observation area for pedestrians are available on the side of the take-off area, allowing you to watch the pilots take off. The site is remarkable because the paragliders use a method known as "dynamic flying". They use the wind blowing against the mountain to lift them up like windsurfers... You can watch them flying back and forth along the hike.


Between (3) and (4): enjoy the many information panels and games along the way, as well as unique views of the valley.


(4) Vauban Tower: the interior is cool in summer. Be careful not to go beyond this point, as the moorland is dangerous and provides access to ravines.
The hike must be done in shoes and children must be kept under active supervision. Although the hike is not dangerous, the surrounding area presents some risks due to the vertical terrain. Much of the hike is exposed, so as always, dress appropriately and bring water. There is no water source after the fort. The village offers free toilets where you can fill your water bottles.

Worth a visit

Tandem paragliding
Canyoning
Hiking
Shopping in the village
Bar/restaurant in the village.
(3) Fort Saint-Vincent

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