carte Briançon
Tourist map and places to visit in Briançon
Briançon awaits you in the Hautes-Alpes with its Vauban city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is your interactive map of Briançon to help you discover this exceptional city at an altitude of 1,326 meters. Here you will find all the practical information you need to organize your visit to the highest city in France.
This historic stronghold reveals its remarkable fortifications and colorful houses with striking facades and pediments. Our map of Briançon helps you discover the city's must-see attractions, from the Collegiate Church with its twin towers to the defensive forts designed by Vauban.
How long should you spend visiting Briançon?
One day is enough to enjoy the historic city center and see the main sights. This gives you enough time to explore the Cité Vauban at your leisure.
Guided tours of the Cité Vauban last two hours and are an excellent starting point. You can then wander freely through the narrow streets.
Don't just visit Briançon, take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area too. In my opinion, a week in the region is a good length of time to fully enjoy the beauty of the area. This extension opens the doors to Serre-Chevalier and the surrounding valleys.
Where can I download a map of Briançon in PDF format?
You can download the map of Briançon directly from this page. Click on the “Download map” button located above our interactive map.
This PDF map will accompany you during your visit. It details all the monuments, narrow streets, and points of interest in the fortified town.
This will allow you to navigate easily between the different neighborhoods. The document also includes the main discovery itineraries.
Where is the tourist office located?
The Serre Chevalier Tourist Office is located at 1 Place du Temple 05100 Briançon. This address is in the heart of the Cité Vauban.
The office is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can contact them on +33 (0)4 92 21 08 50.
The Maison du Temple, which houses the Tourist Office, is also worth a visit. This 16th-century Renaissance building is a fine example of the architecture of the period.
What are the must-see places?
The Vauban city, with its fortifications listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Vauban network of sites,” is the main attraction. These historic fortifications cover a 1,300-meter elevation difference.
The Place d'Armes and the Vauban well form the heart of the upper town. This well was the only source of water supply within the walls.
The Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Nicolas collegiate church (18th century) impresses with its twin towers. The Cordeliers church (15th century) on Rue de Roche has some remarkable frescoes.
The Château fort, rebuilt in the 19th century on the foundations of the medieval castle, offers exceptional panoramic views. A visit to the Château fort costs €6 per adult and takes about 1 hour.
How to get to Briançon?
By train, there are several options available to you. To get to Briançon from Paris, the fastest way by train is to take a TGV INOUI from Paris Gare de Lyon station to Modane, then take an SNCF coach connection to Briançon. The journey time is estimated at around 6 hours.
The Paris–Briançon night train covers nearly 800 kilometers in 12 hours—while you sleep—and arrives in the morning in the heart of the Alps. This option saves you a night in a hotel.
By car from Paris, Lyon, or Grenoble: take the A48 motorway between Lyon and Grenoble, then take exit 8 (Gap, Briançon) on the A480, follow the N85 to Vizille, then continue on the D1091 via Bourg d'Oisans, La Grave, and the Col du Lautaret.
From Savoie: take the A43 motorway in the Maurienne valley, then either via the Col du Galibier (closed in winter) or via the Fréjus tunnel and a short stretch in Italy. Be aware of pass closures in winter.
What are the best hotels in Briançon?
Hotel Cristol, Auberge de la Paix, and Hotel des Remparts are among the most popular hotels with travelers visiting the city of Vauban. The Hotel Cristol stands out for its warm welcome and services that exceed expectations, located just 12 km from Montgenèvre. Auberge de la Paix charms guests with its exceptional location in the heart of the old town, offering charming French-style rooms in a unique historical setting. Hotel des Remparts offers excellent value for money with spacious rooms and an ideal location for exploring all the sites of interest. These establishments combine modern comfort with authentic mountain charm, perfect for discovering the treasures of this fortified town.
Also worth reading to help you plan your stay in Briançon:
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
L'Argentière la Bessée (16 km) and Névache (20km).