Alpettaz -Marthod’s fort

The Alpettaz fort stands at the northern tip of the Massif de la Belle Etoile. Left in a state of ruin, this small fort has been patiently rebuilt by a team of volunteers who run the site at weekends and during the holidays. The rocky ridge that supports the fort is reinforced by a bar of Tithonian limestone that is particularly resistant to erosion. This bar of rock dips vertically. It collapsed locally, probably during the last glacial retreat, giving rise to the ‘standing stone’ that has become an interesting climbing site. Climbing up from the Raffort car park, you can observe various objects and morphologies that provide an insight into the history of the local landforms. From the Col de l’Alpettaz, as you approach the fort, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Tournette massif (Massif des Bornes).