Briançon
At the heart of the Alps, Briançon sits at the crossroads of history and nature.
A stay in Briançon offers an alpine escape where heritage meets mountains.
This city is nestled between majestic peaks and historic fortifications, making it particularly charming and unique.
A former military town, it has gradually become a popular tourist destination thanks to its proximity to many ski resorts such as Serre-Chevalier and Montgenèvre.
Briançon invites you to relax, escape, and explore—both in winter and summer.
Book your stay at our hotel Garrigae Caserne de Briançon.
Activities to do in Briançon in winter and summer
The Vauban Citadel of Briançon
The Vauban Citadel is the fortified old town, one of the highest in Europe. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this architectural and military ensemble was designed by military engineer Vauban.
It’s an open-air museum featuring many monuments: the Pignerol Gate, the Grande Gargouille, the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame and Saint-Nicolas, military ramps, and a panoramic view over the valley.
The Old Town Forts
Known for its fortifications at 1,326 meters altitude, Briançon is home to numerous forts.
The Fort des Salettes, overlooking the city, was envisioned by Vauban as early as 1692. The Fort des Trois Têtes replaced the entrenched camp in 1721. There’s also Fort Dauphin and Fort du Randouillet.
These many fortified remnants make Briançon a unique site of mountain fortifications.
Nearby Ski Resorts
Briançon is ideally located for winter sports lovers.
It offers direct access to Serre-Chevalier from the Prorel ski lift: 250 km of slopes, freeride zones, Nordic skiing, and thermal spas for relaxation.
Montgenèvre is also close by, only 20 minutes away. A family-friendly resort on the Italian border, it’s part of the Via Lattea ski area with 400 km of slopes.
Puy-Saint-Vincent and Vallouise are 30–40 minutes away in the heart of the Écrins National Park.
Hiking in the Écrins Massif
In summer, Briançon is a perfect destination for nature relaxation.
The Écrins National Park offers a stunning setting of majestic peaks, glaciers, high-altitude lakes, and wild valleys.
From family strolls around Vallouise or the Pré de Madame Carle to challenging alpine treks and lake hikes (Orceyrette, Eychauda), there’s something for every level.
Cycling in Briançon
Briançon is also a haven for cycling enthusiasts.
It’s surrounded by legendary Tour de France passes: Galibier, Izoard, Lautaret, and Montgenèvre.
For family-friendly rides, the Drance greenway or the gentle climb to Serre Chevalier offers safe and accessible paths.
For mountain biking and off-road lovers, there are marked trails, bike parks in Serre-Chevalier and Montgenèvre, and enduro/downhill runs.
Week-end in Serre-Chevalier
Just minutes from Briançon, Serre-Chevalier offers a wide range of experiences—active, relaxing, or adventurous—all year round.
In winter, it’s one of Europe’s largest ski areas with 250 km of slopes.
You’ll also find local restaurants, the thermal baths of Monêtier-les-Bains, and events like concerts, markets, and the famous torchlight descent.
In summer, enjoy biking, hiking, climbing, canyoning, and via ferrata.
Climbing in Briançon
Surrounded by limestone cliffs, alpine granite, gorges, boulders, and mountain routes, Briançon is a climbing paradise.
Nearby, you’ll find 1,200 equipped routes across thirty major sites.
From spring to autumn—and even winter—many routes are well exposed.
Ailefroide offers granite and high-altitude climbs, while limestone sites like Vignols, Tournoux, La Roche, and Ponteil are ideal for sport climbing.
Mont-Dauphin, along the Durance River, features cliffs perfect for climbing in nature.
Accommodation in Briançon
For a mountain stay in Briançon, a wide range of accommodation is available—from cozy lodges to charming hotels.
Whether you’re here for skiing, hiking, cycling, or climbing, the 4-star hotel Garrigae Caserne de Briançon is a must.
It combines comfort, relaxation, and fine dining.
Modern rooms and suites, a wellness space, and bistronomic cuisine make it the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure.
