Briançon
Departement of the Hautes Alpes - Population : 35,647 inh. - Altitude : 1,321 m.
At the intersection of routes N91 and N94, 87km from Gap, 116km from Grenoble and 125km from Torino (Italia).
In the heart of the southern Alps, the city of Briançon stands proudly amidst the mountain peaks, some of which reach 4,000m.
Bathed in sun.Briançon possesses the ideal climate for those wishing to regain their health and offers 15 medical health centers.
The easy going Mediterranean lifestyle emanates from the narrow streets in the center of this city.
The Briançon people are not the taciturn types of the mountains but are of a warm and chatty disposition, happy to talk about their region all in the accent of the Midi.
Briançon has been provided with a rich historical past; its high city which looks over the Durance River was fortified by Vauban.
To know more about Briançon's curious past one can visit the Maison des Templiers, the church of the Cordeliers, and the chapel of the Pénitents, Less well known but just as interesting, some of the local associations have worked together to help shed light on the old times and ways of Briançon (the costumes, family life, trades, crafts, the old mines and the irrigation canals).
Throughout the years Briançon has become as animated in the summer as it is in the winter. Mountain lovers are won over by the vast nature parks which give sanctuary to fauna and flora; skiers are gratified with the 250km. of slopes at the Serres Chevalier ski resort.
Hikers are in a quandary when having to choose from the park of Ecrins, the park of Queyras, or the valleys of Clairée, Guisane, Nevache or Vallouise!
The office of the guides is at your service to help you in this massive wild Oisans: snowshoe to the foot of Glacier Casset or in an unforgettable "Tour of the Meije" mythical summit they tell you to ensorcellantes life stories, such as "Gaspard de la Meijess".
After all this healthy exercise one can then order without guilt the Vauban menu : 17th century dishes researched by local chefs and adapted to today's techniques.
What to see:
The 15th and 16th c. murals of the Cordeliers church.The 18th c. Collegiate church Notre Dame et Saint Nicolas.
Templiers house.
Penitents Chapel.
Around Briançon, fortifications: the Fort des Trois Tetes (18th century monument is visited on Sunday at 14 and 16h).
See also othe forts ofBriançonnais : Fort du Château, fort Dauphin, fort des Salettes.
House of the Ecrins National Park.
Leisure activities:
Winter:Alpine skiing in Serre Chevalier (250 km de pistes)
From Briancon to Monetier les Bains, a town and villages villages connected by ski lifts and ski bus shuttle.
Ice Climbing.
Summer:
Hiking and trekking. Mountain biking.
Bowling. Horseback riding. Leidure park.
Climbing. Mountaineering.
White water sports: Rafting, Kayak.
Swimming poll. Tennis. 18 holes Golf course.
Paragliding, ULM.
Accommodation:
Hotels.Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals. Gites. Furnished apartments.
Tourist residences
Campsites.
Neighbouring towns and villages:
L'Argentière la Besssée (16 km) and Névache (20km).
