This fortified mountain town in southeastern France has medieval walls and stone houses. Near the Écrins Massif, it's a base for skiing at Serre Chevalier and summer hiking.
At 1,326 meters, Briançon is France's highest city, where five alpine valleys meet in the Hautes-Alpes region. You can walk through 17th-century military fortifications, climb the ramparts of six mountain forts, or wander down steep cobblestone streets in the walled old town. In winter, take the Prorel gondola from the city center straight to Serre Chevalier's 250 kilometers of ski slopes. Stop by the Contemporary Art Center in former prison cells, or follow the Grande Rue's central water channel past red and yellow baroque buildings.
Winter Sports and Mountain Activities
The Prorel gondola lifts you from the city center to Serre Chevalier's 410 hectares of marked runs. Beginners can practice near the city, while experienced skiers head to the glacier runs at 2,800 meters. In summer, hikers and cyclists take over these same slopes. The Tour de France has made 22 stops in Briançon since 1947, making it a regular stage town for the race.
Walking the Old Town Streets
A stone water channel called a gargouille runs down the middle of Grande Rue, the old town's main street. Red, yellow, and blue 18th-century houses stand along both sides, with painted sundials marking their facades. At number 13, look for the Maison des Têtes with its marble portraits showing local residents in traditional mountain dress. The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame rises above Place du Temple, its twin bell towers visible throughout the old town, with a large painted sundial on its wall.
Exploring the Vauban Fortifications
Between 1692 and 1723, military architect Vauban created an extensive defensive system around Briançon. The fortifications include the walled old town and five forts on nearby peaks. Walk the upper ramparts for clear views across the Durance Valley to the Italian border. Inside Fort des Têtes, the largest of the mountain fortifications, you can explore underground tunnels and former military barracks. In 2008, UNESCO added these fortifications to its World Heritage list along with other Vauban sites across France.
Getting to Briançon
Take an overnight train from Paris or regular daytime services from Marseille. If you're flying in, Turin Airport in Italy is closest, 1.5 hours away by car. You can drive from Grenoble on the D1091 across Col du Lautaret, or from Italy through the Montgenèvre pass. Regular buses connect Briançon with Grenoble and Marseille.
