The fortified outpost on high protecting the equally fortified walls of the city of BBriançon together with the view looking back as the climb over the Col de Montgenévre begins. Not my planned route but yesterday's stormy weather has closed my preferred route. A sign indicated 'Bardonecchia fermé' and the local man I stopped said "better go Montgenévre". Local advice is best as a rule on these matters and in fact mud slurry had been swept off my chosen road so the rainfall had been significant. You know what grey mud slurry looks like!
The Col summit is a skiing resort. Trekkers gathering and heading over ski slopes into the forest. Snow between November and April.
Piedmont, Italy and an Italian fortified complex once controlling the valley. And a chance connection with the Via Francigena pilgrimage route which completes in Rome. No pilgrims seen yet but plenty more opportunities will arise.
Fantastic scenery, Tom - looks absolutely beautiful. Well done on making it into Italy even if not by your preferred route. You have a great ability to find interesting sculptures along the way - thankfully, most are easily recognised like the skiing group!
ReplyDeleteScenery is unreal and these mountains really have to be respected
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