Mont-Dauphin A participative approach on a territorial scale

Interdependence with the territory
Mont-Dauphin was a new mountain town created by Vauban: the installation of the civilian population was planned at the same time as for the military personnel and the construction of the stronghold, in 1693. It was dependent on the surrounding territory to supply the stronghold (with wood, food...).
The cultural project of Mont-Dauphin, set in motion in 2007 by the commune and the community of communes, is based on this principle.

Supplying a mountain stronghold
To give weight to the project, several operations contributed to the appropriation of heritage values through the population of Guillestrois, and in particular the creation of a garden in the heart of the stronghold where the cultivation of traditional and local plants and medicinal herbs has been revived. The schools in the territory are invited to introduce their pupils to the treasures of these gardens. The inhabitants of Mont-Dauphin are also contributing to the biodiversity by growing the plants in their own gardens. The local farmers are encouraged to use the seeds produced and to develop their crops. In this way, flour from a local variety of wheat grown around Mont-Dauphin is made into “Vauban bread”, sold by a local baker.
Guided visits are offered throughout the summer as well as workshops in the mid- and off-season. Mont-Dauphin also participates in the national annual “Garden festival” event, organised by the Ministry for Culture and Communication.