The historical tour – Le massif de l’Authion

We live in a region forged by the turmoil of history and many clues from the past are still visible today. This is the case in various parts of the valley but also on a site that I am particularly fond of: the plateau of L’Authion (Col de Turini). Celui-ci se situe à 2080 mètres d’altitude, au cœur du Parc national du Mercantour. This is located at an altitude of 2080 metres, in the heart of the Parc du national du Mercantour. It contains the ruins of a fortified camp, built from 1877 to 1940. This was a strategic link in the Alpine defence line against neighbouring Italy. The Authion fortifications thus stopped the Italian offensive in 1940. But in 1944, the Germans occupied the site. On 9 April 1945, General de Gaule came in person to Nice to announce the offensive on the Authion. The latter was liberated after two weeks of intense fighting and several hundred deaths,

Having learned that visits to the site are organized on Friday afternoons during the summer season, I join a group of interested people. This is an opportunity for me to learn a little more about the historical events that took place there. On site, the guide retraces the various battles that took place on these high pastures. For several hours, we relive the history, while strolling between the forts and other military vestiges of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The site is grandiose and the guide is captivating. In addition to the historical discovery, when the weather is uncovered, we enjoy an extraordinary 360° panorama of the valleys and peaks of the Mercantour.

I really enjoyed this diving moment in the past; I even came back there with my children.
For all history lovers or those who want to know more about the past of our region, the visit of the Authion plateau on Friday afternoon is a moment not to be missed!

Practical information

Visit of the Authion on Fridays during the summer season (June to September) from 1.30 pm to 6 pm (depending on the weather)
Information at the Tourist Information Office in Roquebillière : 00 334 93 03 51 60