‘ The name of the LORD ( His Character and promises) is a strong tower; the righteous (those who trust in Him) run to it and are safe.‘ Sandy strongly agrees with Solomon who wrote this in Proverbs 18:10.
An old city with a ‘ V’ shape.
Briaçon,
La cité Vauban.
Why this shape?
The upper/ historic town is on a bump made by two glaciers colliding / meeting. The smaller of the two encountered harder rock that it couldn’t completely erode, a glacial lock, and so a perfect place to build a town with natural protection and of course some strategically placed fortifications.
Why ‘ Vauban’?
Vauban refers to Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban ( 1633-1707) a French military engineer and marshal who served under Louis XIV. He is renowned for his design of fortifications and siege tactics, especially the use of parallel trenches.
Let us notice entry gates, the mountains appearing at the beginnings or ends of roads, the water that runs down the centre of the roads, and the colours, shutters and the use of corrugated iron as the choice for roofs.
Mind the unprotected drop!
Parked in a convenient spot to walk into the old city we were also about 700m away from where we were allowed this view.
Briaçon a transalpine gateway. Why?
It is the easiest passage of the Alps chain from Geneva to the Mediterranean coast using the Monthenévre pass. It also has double access both on the French side by the Lautaret to the north and the Durance Valley, and on the Italian side towards Turin to the northeast and Pignerol to the southeast.
Three thoughts about fortification:
‘ If you entrench yourself behind strong fortifications, you compel the enemy to seek a solution elsewhere. ‘ Carl von Clausewitz
(A bothersome thought!)
The prosperity of a country depends, not on the abundance of its revenue, nor the strength of its fortifications, nor the beauty of its public buildings,
but
it consists in the number of its cultivated citizens, in its people of education, enlightenment and character.’
Martin Luther
‘ Regardless of what challenge you are facing right now, know that it has not come to stay. It has come to pass. During these times, do what you can with what you have, and ask for help if you need it. Most importantly, never surrender. Put things in perspective. Take care of yourself. Find ways to replenish your energy, strengthen your faith and fortify yourself from the inside out.’
Les Brown
My posts are often about teaching myself. I hope you enjoy them too.
We have travelled on.
Take care,
Sandy 🙂