Cité Vauban (Briançon Old Town)
Cité Vauban
A star-shaped fortress town designed by Vauban, with a 'Great Gargoyle' water channel running down the steep old street inside its stone walls. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The old town of Briançon was built on a promontory at about 1,326 m. In the late 17th century, Louis XIV's military engineer Vauban fortified it into a star-shaped fortress. In 2008 it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the Fortifications of Vauban. From the Porte de Pignerol, the Grande Rue runs steeply downhill. Down its middle is the Grande Gargouille, an open channel carrying mountain spring water to wash the street. Along both sides are colorful old houses, sundials, and small shops. You can climb the ramparts and visit the Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Nicolas Collegiate Church, and the tourist office offers heritage guided tours.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Collégiale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Nicolas
- Pont d'Asfeld
- Fort des Têtes & Fort du Randouillet
- Serre Chevalier
- Montgenèvre
- Col d'Izoard & Casse Déserte
- Vallée de la Clarée & Névache
- Les Grands Bains du Monêtier