I am taking you today to the Southern Alps, to discover one of the main fortified towns in the region, on the border with Italy: Briançon.
Located about 15 kilometers from the Italian border, Briançon, with its 11 inhabitants, is particularly known thanks to its Vauban city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Briançon is also the highest "big" city in France, located at 000 meters above sea level.
The fortified city is a must in the region that should not be missed under any circumstances.
Briançon attracts a large number of tourists, especially in winter due to the proximity of the city to two of the most important ski resorts in the Southern Alps: Serre-Chevalier and Montgenèvre.
- Visit Briançon, what to do and see?
- What to do around Briançon?
- Where to sleep in Briançon? Good addresses
- Practical advice for visiting Briançon
- My opinion my visit to Briançon
Visit Briançon, what to do and see?
Let's start our article with the must-see places to visit in Briançon.
Visit Briançon, what to do and see?The Vauban City
The medieval city of Briançon is ideally located on a steep promontory, surrounded by a surrounding wall. At the end of the XNUMXth century, Louis XIV sent Vauban to Briançon, a strategic location to defend access to France via the Alps and counter the threat of the Duke of Savoy. During his visits, Vauban decided to make the city more secure and erected a second enclosure, higher and punctuated by imposing gates.
Its small streets and squares
If you plan to visit Briançon, do not hesitate to stroll and get lost in the old cobbled streets of the Cité Vauban. On the colorful facades of some houses, you can admire many sundials directly painted on the walls.
Going up the main pedestrian street of the Cité Vauban, you will see at your feet, in the middle of the street, the famous Gargoyle of Briançon. A small channel that allows water to flow without getting your feet wet. Water is omnipresent in the city as evidenced by the many fountains and wells that you will not fail to admire during your walk.
The squares of the old town of Briançon are particularly beautiful and make you want to settle down there to enjoy an ice cream or a cold drink.
Stop in front of the Pope's house, a former hospice in which Pius VI, a prisoner, stayed for two months in 1799. The Temple house is also remarkable: built in the XNUMXth century, its facade bears witness to the Renaissance style of the time. The building now houses the tourist office.
Linger on the Place d'Armes, in the heart of the city. Surrounded by brightly colored houses, it is embellished with a well whose construction was ordered by Vauban. This well was the only water supply point inside the walls. In the event of a siege, it could have been essential to the survival of the inhabitants.
The castle fort
End your visit to the old center with the castle fort, rebuilt in the XNUMXth century on the foundations of the medieval castle built in the XNUMXth century. It also includes a powder magazine with vaults and buttresses, a barracks, platforms and underground shelters. It is one of the essentials of a visit to Briançon.
The visit of the Fort du Château will cost you 6€ per adult and takes about 1 hour. The view from the ramparts of the castle fort is particularly impressive over the valley of Serre-Chevalier but also over that of Montgenèvre.
On leaving the Fort du Château you will pass in front of a small museum, the Mining Museum. Located on the walkway of the Fort du Château, this museum, open since 1990 and managed by the SGMD (Geological and Mining Company of Briançonnais) traces the history of the mines in the region. The museum is open during the months of July and August to the public.
You will learn more about the living conditions of the miners of the time and about their work.
Notre-Dame collegiate church
During the construction of the ramparts, the medieval church of Briançon was destroyed because it was located outside the fortifications. After a few years of masses in the Cordeliers church, the people of Briançon asked Louis XIV for help to build a new place of worship inside the city.
The King accedes to their request. The plans for the church, created by Isaac Robelin and modified by Vauban, provided for the construction of an imposing building, in accordance with the religious policy established by Louis XIV. The church was consecrated in 1726 and took on collegiate status in 1746. When you visit Briançon, be sure to enter the building to discover its sumptuous decorations.
The military constructions of Briançon
In 1713, the border was established at Montgenèvre by the Treaty of Utrecht. The strategic position of Briançon is thereby reinforced, which will trigger the construction of a set of forts on the points dominating the city according to plans drawn up by Vauban. Visiting these constructions, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage inventory, is one of the main things to do in Briançon. Some forts are only accessible by reservation with the guides of the heritage service, but do not hesitate to inquire for an unforgettable visit!
Fort Salettes
Considered as early as 1692, its construction began in 1709. Fort Salettes was built on a promontory overlooking the city of Briançon, to prevent the enemy from taking up a position there.
Fort Dauphin
Built between 1724 and 1734, it received its name following the birth of Dauphin Louis, son of Louis XV. It served as an outpost and its role was to protect the Fort des Têtes as well as access to the city from Italy. It is also established on a dangerous flat area on which enemy armies could have settled. Its fires crossed those of the Salettes fort, thus reinforcing its effectiveness. Very little modified, it became obsolete after the war of 1870.
Fort du Randouillet
Also built between 1724 and 1734, this fort is located on a narrower promontory than the other sets. Intended to protect the city from any invasion from the peaks of the surrounding mountains, it is built on 3 platforms and dominates the Fort des Trois Têtes.
The Fort of the Three Heads
This work is undoubtedly the most imposing of all Vauban's constructions in the region. Built at the same period as Fort Dauphin, it occupies an area of 600 meters by nearly 350 meters. About 1 men could stay there thanks to huge infrastructures: barracks, bakery, chapel, stables, arsenal and powder magazines, … which allowed them to live on site.
communication and
This type of construction is new and unique at that time. It is a covered passage almost 200 meters long, intended to circulate in complete safety between the forts of Randouillet and Trois Têtes. Its location also made it possible to block the valley of Fontchristiane and ensured additional protection for Briançon.
The Asfeld Bridge
Built nearly 55 meters above the level of the Durance, the arched bridge of Asfeld is an architectural feat for its time. Wedged between two steep mountain sections, it was inaugurated in 1731 and had the function of connecting the city to the Fort des Trois Têtes.
Today, it is possible to try bungee jumping from the top of the bridge. An activity that will delight thrill seekers.
Gardens and parks of Briançon
The Governor's Garden
Originally, this space at the foot of the ramparts was the garden of the Ursuline convent. Reduced over the centuries in favor of new developments (ramparts, parking spaces, etc.), what remains is today a remarkable vegetable garden.
Schappe Park
Created in 1815 in former quarries, the Parc de la Schappe is the largest green space in the city. A true haven of peace, it is the ideal place for a picnic when you visit Briançon. You will be charmed by its hundred-year-old trees, its aqueduct and its body of water. The latter is embellished with an island, accessible by a small iron bridge, on which sits a remarkable Japanese pagoda.
An old silk waste combing factory is still visible in the park. It will employ 1200 employees from 1842 to 1933, but will be devastated by a fire in 2014. For its preservation, it is now the subject of a rehabilitation project in housing and shops which plans to preserve the original appearance of the facades. .
What to do around Briançon?
Even if the city of Briançon is well worth the detour, the surroundings are also to be discovered. The city of Briançon is located at the intersection of several valleys, such as the Guisane valley, the Clarée valley, the Serre-Chevalier valley and the Durance valley.
This geographical location offers the city of Briançon a unique environment that harbors activities of all kinds. The place is a delight for athletes and thrill seekers.
Outdoor activities to do in Briancon
Briançon is also a mountain destination, with its share of outdoor activities. Walking enthusiasts, several hiking trails and GR from the city will allow you to discover the sublime landscapes of Briançon.
If you are looking for thrills, several paragliding schools offer you a first flight for an unforgettable moment above the mountains, the Vauban city and the forts protecting the city.
Two ski resorts, Serre-Chevalier (10 kilometres) and Montgenèvre (15 kilometres) which we will discuss below, together offer an impressive number of outdoor activities.
Book your activities onlineThe Manawa site lists almost all of the sport/adventure activities in the Briançon region. You can find a multitude of activities available in the region, their description, customer reviews and finally the site offers the possibility of booking them online. See activities
Montgenevre
Located in the Clarée valley, Montgenèvre is one of the main ski areas around Briançon.
This ski resort, located on the Italian border, is recognized for different reasons.
First of all, it is not far from the town of Montgenèvre that the Durance takes its source, at the lake of Sagne Enfonza.
Montgenèvre is also known for being the town where the very first international ski competition took place in 1906.
Last point concerning Montgenèvre, its ski area belongs to the Franco-Italian domain of the Voix Lactée constituting one of the largest ski areas in the region with 410 km of slopes and no less than 70 ski lifts.
Montgenèvre is a pleasant resort popular with tourists in both winter and summer. During the summer the resort offers many activities including downhill mountain biking or the longest Monty Express toboggan in France, with nearly 1400m in length.
Montgenèvre has recently equipped itself with a balneotherapy centre: Durancia, one of the largest and most modern in the area.
Serre Chevalier Valley
Another mecca for tourism in the region: Serre-Chevalier Vallée. A valley drawn by the Guisane which extends over approximately 15 km, from Briançon to Monêtier Les Bains, passing through Saint Chaffrey and La Salle des Alpes.
This pretty valley offers a multitude of activities of all kinds.
In winter, the Serre-Chevalier Vallée ski area covers 250km with 81 trails. During the winter season it will be possible to indulge in Alpine skiing, of course, but also cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding or snowboarding.
In summer, outdoor activities and thrills are particularly widespread, such as Via Ferrata, mountain biking, paragliding, mountain kart, mountaineering, horse riding, or many white water sports.
For more information on the activities available in the region, I invite you to take a look at the Manawa site which lists a large number of them.
Discover the Serre-Poncon lake
A little further south of the town of Briançon, around a 50-minute drive away, is one of the largest man-made lakes in France, Lac de Serre-Poncon. This lake will also offer you a multitude of activities on the water but also in the air.
If you want to know more about the activities to do in Serre-Poncon, do not hesitate to take a look at our dedicated article.
Where to sleep in Briançon? Good addresses
If you want to stay in the city of Briançon, here are some good addresses of establishments for all budgets.
Apartment Briancon
Magnificent apartment ideally located in the heart of Briançon and a few minutes from the ski lifts. Large terrace with mountain views. Upscale accommodation that can accommodate 7 people. Apart. 7pers. See prices
House in Tour Briançon
Choose an apartment for 8 or 4 people located in the historic heart of the city of Briançon. Perfectly furnished and equipped, this spacious apartment will be ideal for making the most of the town of Briançon. Apart. 4 or 8 people. See prices
Gîtes & spa at La Ferme de Belline
Magnificent guest house renovated and furnished with taste located between the town of Briançon and the resort of Serre-Chevalier. The cottage is equipped with a spa and offers stunning views over the valley. One of the best addresses around. Guest house Check rates
Hotel Vauban Briancon Serre Chevalier
A hotel ideally located in Briançon, a few minutes walk from the first ski lifts. The establishment offers spacious rooms with modern decoration and is equipped with a restaurant. Mid-Range Hotel Check Rates
Hotel Mont Brison
The location is the major asset of the Mont-Brison hotel, located 100m from the center of Briançon and 200m from the first ski lifts. The hotel offers simple rooms equipped with a bathroom and a balcony. Ideal for small budgets. Budget hotel See rates
Inn of Peace
Located in the old town of Briançon, the Auberge de la Paix is a small typical inn offering rooms for 2 to 3 people as well as an on-site restaurant. Accommodation in an ideal location and at attractive prices. Charming inn See prices
Practical advice for visiting Briançon
How to reach Briançon?
- By car: The two main roads through Briançon are the D1091 towards Grenoble and the N94 south towards Gap. Briançon is 2 hours by car from Grenoble, 3 hours from Lyon and Marseille and 4h30 from Nice.
- By train: Briançon is connected by train to the city of Marseille in 5 hours; to Gap in 1 hour; and even to Paris, via one of the last night trains. If you are looking for a train, I recommend Trainline, the reference for train journeys.
- By plane: The closest airports to Briançon are Turin and Cuneo. The first at 1h40 by road, the second at 2h40. The nearest French airport is Lyon, 3 hours away.
Rent a car in Briançon
There are three car rental companies in Briançon: Hertz, Avis and Honk. You can compare and rent your car on the AirportRentals.com comparator.When to visit Briançon?
One of the best times to enjoy the city of Briançon is, of course, summer. The region benefits from a pleasant climate with more than 300 days of sunshine per year. The summer period will allow you to enjoy the city, its terraces and the many activities in the region.Winter will, of course, be focused on winter sports. Note, however, that the two main resorts in the region, Serre-Chevalier and Montgenèvre, each offer a balneotherapy centre. Ideal if you are not a fan of winter sports.
How long to visit Briançon?
One day is enough to enjoy the historic center of the city and see the essentials. However, do not just visit Briançon, but also take the opportunity to discover the surroundings of the city. A week in the region is, in my opinion, a good time to fully enjoy the beauties of the Briançon region.My opinion on my visit to Briançon
Briançon is a city that I recommend to all travelers passing through the Southern Alps. A pretty walled town that offers an ideal setting for strolling and strolling in summer with countless small streets, squares and viewpoints. I recommend, of course, the visit of the Fort du Château, a real must in the city.
The surroundings of the city are also worth the detour, whether it is Serre-Chevalier valley or the resort of Montgenèvre, which is particularly pleasant in summer and which offers many hiking trails.
