Briançon

A high Alpine old town ringed by Vauban fortifications; below its World Heritage ramparts lie skiing at Serre Chevalier and hiking in Écrins National Park.

Briançon lies in the northeastern corner of the Hautes-Alpes department in France at about 1,326 m, making it one of the highest towns in France, just 10 km or so from the Italian border. The old town is a star-shaped fortress designed by Vauban in the late 17th century, and together with the Pont d'Asfeld, Fort des Trois-Têtes and other works it was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2008 as part of the Fortifications of Vauban. From Briançon you can explore in four directions. First, the old town itself: walk the ramparts and stroll the Grande Gargouille main street. Second, the Guisane valley to the northwest, with the Serre Chevalier ski area and the thermal baths at Le Monêtier-les-Bains, and higher up the Lautaret and Galibier passes and the La Meije glaciers at La Grave. Third, Écrins National Park to the southwest: from the Vallouise valley head to the Pré de Madame Carle, the Glacier Blanc and Ailefroide. Fourth, the Clarée valley to the north, and to the southeast over the Col d'Izoard to Fort Queyras and Saint-Véran. Best seasons: June–September, when the high passes are open, for hiking and cycling; December–April for skiing. The town claims around 300 days of sunshine a year, with dry, crisp air. Getting there: a night train runs directly from Paris to Briançon (about 11 hours), or take a bus/train from Grenoble or Turin (about 2–3 hours). Allow 3–5 days. The passes are usually open only in summer, so check road conditions before setting out.

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