Fort de la Platte Séez
A historic fort offering breathtaking alpine panoramas, serving as a gateway to the stunning 5 Lakes Hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, better hiking conditions
Fort de la Platte Séez
Best Time
Clearer skies, better hiking conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic fort offering breathtaking alpine panoramas, serving as a gateway to the stunning 5 Lakes Hike.
"The view from the top is very beautiful!"
🚗 Avoid Risky Roads
Heed local advice and avoid GPS routes with a crossed-out GPS symbol; they can be dangerous. Stick to established paths.
🥾 Gear Up for Hiking
Wear sturdy hiking boots, especially if planning the 5 Lakes Hike. The terrain can be challenging.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Alpine Views
Breathtaking vistas of the valley and surrounding Alps from the fort's elevated position.
The 5 Lakes Hike
Starting point at the fort
Embark on a scenic trek to five beautiful alpine lakes: Esola, Riondet, Cornu, Verdet, and Noir.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Safety First
Beyond the Fort Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Avoid Risky Roads
Heed local advice and avoid GPS routes with a crossed-out GPS symbol; they can be dangerous. Stick to established paths.
🥾 Gear Up for Hiking
Wear sturdy hiking boots, especially if planning the 5 Lakes Hike. The terrain can be challenging.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic scenery is spectacular. Bring your camera to document the stunning alpine landscapes.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no facilities at the fort. Carry plenty of water and snacks for your hike.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Avoid Risky Roads
Heed local advice and avoid GPS routes with a crossed-out GPS symbol; they can be dangerous. Stick to established paths.
🥾 Gear Up for Hiking
Wear sturdy hiking boots, especially if planning the 5 Lakes Hike. The terrain can be challenging.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic scenery is spectacular. Bring your camera to document the stunning alpine landscapes.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no facilities at the fort. Carry plenty of water and snacks for your hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magnificent, sumptuous views of the valley from Fort de la Platte Sééz, calling it a beautiful place to walk by. However, the fort itself is not open to the public, and access is described as dangerous due to a narrow, winding, and unpaved mountain road. Despite these drawbacks, the scenery and its role as a starting point for the 5 Lakes Hike are highly recommended.
"Sad that this kind of place are not available to the public!
Otherwise Beatiful place to walk by!"
Anatoly Vasily
"The fort is not open to visitors, and access is dangerous by road: do not follow the roads where there are round signs with a crossed-out GPS device. A local told us there had been accidents. The road is winding and unpaved throughout.
But the view from the top is very beautiful!"
tassin tassin
"The site, located about thirty minutes from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, is quite difficult to access due to the narrow and winding mountain road, which turns into a rough path at times.
The fort is not open to the public, but it offers a magnificent and sumptuous view of the valley.
Furthermore, Fort de la Platte is the starting point for the 5 Lakes hike (Lake Esola; Lake Riondet; Lake Cornu; Lake Verdet; and Lake Noir).
I highly recommend it for the view!"
Bérénice Nzr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Accessing Fort de la Platte Sééz is challenging. The road is narrow, winding, and can turn into a rough path. Locals advise against following GPS routes marked with a crossed-out GPS symbol due to safety concerns and past accidents. It's best to research local recommendations for safe access routes or consider guided tours if available.
The road is described as winding and unpaved throughout, becoming a rough path at times. It's not suitable for all vehicles, and caution is strongly advised.
Parking directly at the fort is generally not possible or recommended due to the difficult access and the fort not being open to visitors. You may need to park at a designated area further down and hike up.
The nearest town is Bourg-Saint-Maurice, located about thirty minutes away from the fort site.
Public transport options directly to the fort are very limited or non-existent due to its remote and rugged location. It's primarily accessed by private vehicle, with careful route planning.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Fort de la Platte Sééz is not open to the public, and you cannot go inside the fort itself. The appeal lies in its exterior views and its role as a hiking starting point.
Since the fort is not open for interior visits, there is no entrance fee. However, you may incur costs related to transportation and any associated parking fees if applicable.
As the fort is not a visitor attraction, it does not have official opening hours. Access to the surrounding area and trails is generally possible during daylight hours, weather permitting.
No booking is required as you cannot enter the fort. If you plan to hike the 5 Lakes trail, no advance booking is typically needed for the trails themselves.
The primary restriction is the dangerous access road. Always be mindful of local signage and advice regarding safe routes. The fort itself is off-limits.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While you can't enter the fort, you can admire its exterior, enjoy the magnificent views of the valley, and use it as a starting point for the popular 5 Lakes Hike.
The 5 Lakes Hike is a beautiful trek that takes you to five distinct alpine lakes: Lake Esola, Lake Riondet, Lake Cornu, Lake Verdet, and Lake Noir. It's a rewarding experience for hikers.
Absolutely! The panoramic views of the Alps and the valley are stunning, making it a fantastic spot for landscape photography.
No, there are no facilities such as restrooms or cafes at Fort de la Platte Sééz. It's a remote location, so come prepared.
The time required varies greatly. A short visit to admire the views might take an hour. The 5 Lakes Hike, however, can take several hours, with one user reporting an 8-hour round trip for a 20km hike with stops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the views and a shorter, accessible walk rather than attempting the full 5 Lakes Hike. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and ensure everyone has appropriate footwear. The adventure of reaching a scenic viewpoint can be a memorable experience, even without entering the fort.
🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers
Beyond the 5 Lakes Hike, the general area offers incredible opportunities for scenic walks and enjoying the alpine landscape. The panoramic views from the fort's vicinity are a significant attraction. Remember to prepare for variable mountain weather, wear sturdy hiking boots, and carry ample supplies, as facilities are non-existent.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Access Road
Prioritize safety over speed when driving or hiking towards the fort. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for rough terrain if you plan to drive as close as possible. For those who prefer a safer approach, parking further down and hiking the remainder of the way is a common and recommended alternative. The challenging access deters many, but for those who persevere, the reward is a unique vantage point and a sense of accomplishment.
The Allure of the 5 Lakes Hike
This hike is best undertaken during the summer months when the trails are clear of snow and the weather is generally favorable. Proper hiking gear, including sturdy boots, water, and snacks, is essential. The challenging terrain and elevation gain make it a moderate to difficult hike, suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. The payoff, however, is immense, offering unparalleled natural beauty and a true alpine experience.
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