Briançon, Alpine fortress town in Hautes-Alpes, France
Description
Briançon is a fortified commune at 1,326 meters elevation in the French Alps, positioned above the Durance river. Narrow streets climb steeply between stone walls while the twin-towered Notre Dame church rises above the historic center.
History
Romans founded Brigantium here as a passage through the Alps that later became a major defense point. France strengthened its military role during the medieval period by building several fortifications.
Culture
Residents use the old town hall for community events while local markets occupy the upper town squares. Painted sundials appear on narrow street facades, marking time as they have done for centuries.
Practical
The town serves as a starting point for summer hiking and winter skiing in Serre Chevalier. The center can be explored on foot, though sturdy shoes are recommended for steep climbs.
Did you know?
Three separate forts surround the town forming a connected defense network from the 18th century. Fort des Salettes sits on a rocky outcrop south of the old town while the other two installations guard the northern approaches.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (canton of Briançon-Nord).
Winter changes France. The Alps are covered with snow, villages light up their holiday decorations, and the coasts look wild under the grey sky. This collection includes places worth visiting during this season: the peaks around Chamonix and Courchevel, Annecy Lake which freezes some years, the...
France has entire territories that remain outside the usual tourist circuits. This collection brings together natural regions where life follows its own rhythm, away from the bustle of mainstream destinations. Here you find forested mountains like Morvan and the Vosges, volcanic plateaus in Cantal...
Fort des Têtes
1.2 km
Fort du Randouillet
1.2 km
Pont d'Asfeld
1 km
Fort de l'Infernet
4 km
Fort des Salettes
1.7 km
Collégiale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Nicolas de Briançon
785 m
Ouvrage Gondran
5.4 km
Fort Dauphin
1.8 km
Communication Y
1.4 km
Fort de la Croix-de-Bretagne
2.9 km
Téléphérique de Terre Rouge
4.5 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Neiges de Puy-Saint-Pierre
1.4 km
Église Saint-Pancrace de Villar-Saint-Pancrace
2.5 km
Chapelle des Pénitents noirs de Briançon
766 m
Église Saint-Pierre de Puy-Saint-Pierre
1.4 km
Église des Cordeliers de Briançon
759 m
Chapelle Saint-Pancrace de Villar-Saint-Pancrace
2.2 kmChapelle Saint-Arnould de Saint-Chaffrey
3.7 km
Église Saint-Chaffrey de Saint-Chaffrey
3.9 km
Église Sainte-Catherine de Briançon
61 m
Bench
1.3 kmDrinking fountain, water well
81 mDrinking fountain, water well
206 mDrinking fountain, water well
195 mDrinking fountain, water well
190 mChapelle de Fortville de Briançon
2.1 km
Maison du Temple, Briançon
784 m
Église de l'Annonciation
3.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes