Briançon

Discover Briançon in the Hautes-Alpes, France's highest town, fortified by Vauban

With its god-blessed climate (“300 days of sunshine a year”), ideal for restoring your health, Briançon is a “Mecca for the treatment of respiratory diseases” and also boasts the distinction of being the “highest town in Europe”. We'll take you through everything you need to see, do, eat and sleep in this pretty town in just a minute.

Visit the town of Briançon

Set against a backdrop of towering mountains, some of them over 4,000 meters high, and protected by several military forts that are still in perfect condition, Briançon is a jewel that deserves to be seen, especially for history buffs who want to visit the “ville haute” (upper town) fortified by Vauban and known as the “Cité Vauban”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss the “Fort des Têtes” overlooking the town.

The best place to park is in the upper parking lot, from where you can simply enter the old town through one of the gates in the thick surrounding wall. Before descending (instead of ascending!), explore the sloping streets of this famous “cité Vauban”. You won't be disappointed, provided you like walking and wear good shoes.

Take the time to walk all the way around the ramparts, so you don't miss out on any of the wonders to be seen in Briançon: several superb ancient fountains, a sublime “Maison des Templiers”, a magnificent baroque church (the Collégiale)... or simply pretty pastel facades or quiet little squares.

Briançon Massif, tourism and hiking in summer

Hikers will be spoilt for choice in the Briançon area, with the Parc Naturel des Écrins, the Parc Naturel du Queyras, the Clarée, Guisane and Vallouise valleys, the Col du Lautaret and other Alpine peaks.

The guides' office is at your service, to guide you through this wild Oisans massif: on snowshoes to the foot of the Glacier du Casset, or on an unforgettable “Tour de la Meije”, the mythical Alpine summit, where they'll tell you enchanting real-life stories, like that of “Gaspard de la Meijess”.

Don't miss Briançon's restaurants

After this breath of fresh air, you'll be hungry enough to order the “Vauban menu”: after careful research, several restaurateurs have rediscovered recipes from the Vauban era, and adapted them to let you discover the gastronomy and flavors of the 17th century, concocted with local products. Briançon's gastronomic cuisine is also well worth a visit for its mountain specialities such as tourtons, ravioles de Champsaur and tartiflette.

With Serre-Chevalier, Briançon is a winter skiing mecca

Founded in 1941, the Serre-Chevalier ski resort near Briançon is one of France's most renowned alpine ski resorts. With its vast ski area (3900 hectares!), the beauty of the Guisane Valley and the Ecrins mountains, Serre-Chevalier (“Serre-Che” to its friends) attracts many tourists from all over the world, who often take the opportunity to visit the beautiful village of Briançon, at the foot of the winter sports resort. Snow conditions are always good for all winter activities (skiing, tobogganing...).

Cultural events in Briançon

Briançon places great emphasis on culture and local festivals. Don't miss “Les Médiévales de Briançon”, held every year in August. This major medieval festival includes street shows, knight fights and lots of entertainment for children. A fun way to discover the town's medieval past. In summer, the “Festival de Musique de Chambre de Briançon” also attracts classical music fans.

Map of Briançon (postal code 05100)

If you're looking for a well-done map of Briançon, you can use our interactive map of Briançon, which even works on cell phones. We've included our favorite accommodations in the town and surrounding communes. It's handy to have a clear view of their location before you book your stay in Briançon.