Briançon is on UNESCO's World Heritage list for its Vauban fortifications
Briançon, a combination of skiing and history
Perched on a rocky outcrop, the Cité Vauban of France's highest town, 1,326 m above sea level, lends its Serre Chevalier ski area a historic and patrimonial sparkle.
While Briançon stands out for its picturesque town and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortifications - unique examples of mountain military architecture in Europe - it also stands out for the fact, almost unique in Europe, that this Town of Art & History is also a ski resort, with the Prorel slope and gondola running right down to the center of its lower slopes.
A surprising and singular combination of old stone and carbon boards, allowing you to hurtle down a few slopes before visiting the old town, its gargoyle and its collegiate church.
This climatic resort and WHO health city offers a wide range of space-time events: a medieval festival and a street art festival, an alpenhorn gathering and a jazz festival with concerts on the slopes.
Briançon is all about medieval traces at the foot of the most advanced ski area in terms ofrenewable energies. With its sights firmly set on the future and the ecological transition, this climatic city, renowned for its air quality - no ozone pollution episodes or pollution peaks were recorded in 2021 - is continuing the contemporary redevelopment of its former military district.
Following the construction of residences and a media library, the barracks of the 159th Infantry Regiment of the Alps are about to be transformed into housing, a hotel and a youth hostel, where a mix of generations and co-living and co-working spaces will offer a modern lifestyle to visitors and permanent residents alike.
But Briançon is also a young, dynamic and particularly sporty town.
It's hardly surprising that the major international gatherings of the sporting elite have chosen it as their base camp - Mondial de l'escalade, Piolets d'Or, Vauban Urban Trail, Tour de France..
Here, you don't miss a match of the field hockey team Les Diables Rouges hockey teamyou'll ski, ride, climb, paddle, run, slide, fly, swim, "dré dans l'pentu!" in an exceptional environment, a winter and summer playground without limits.
An unrivalled destination that combines sport and culture. 😍
Green Globe label
Preparatory center for the 2024 Olympic Games
With 410 hectares of slopes and a total area of 3,901 hectares, Serre Chevalier Vallée is one of Europe's largest ski areas.
In 2018, it was awarded the Green Globe label (the sustainable development label dedicated to tourism). 
100% Clean Air
Briançon is renowned for its microclimate, with an exceptional 300 days of sunshine a year! which gives it a high therapeutic value.
Briançon and its sports facilities.
Briançon is not only a renowned tourist destination: it's also an ideal playground for sports enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Equipped with a wide range of modern facilities, the town attracts both clubs looking for optimal training conditions and enthusiasts in search of sporting thrills. Briançon attracts many top athletes who come to take advantage of the benefits of altitude, pure air and an exceptional natural environment.
Let's take a look at the facilities that make Briançon an unmissable destination Find out more
Our answers
your questions
Guided tours of the city of Briançon are offered by the Heritage Department. These tours are not free and can be booked directly online or in the Tourist Offices.
The Tourist Office offers guided tours in the different villages of the valley. These visits are offered and the reservation is made on our website or in the Tourist Offices.
Serre Chevalier is a ski area that extends over the Guisane Valley (a river that rises at the Lautaret pass and flows into the Durance at Briançon). It extends over 27.7km and includes: a town, Briançon, labeled City of Art and History whose Vauban fortifications are listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, 3 villages, Chantemerle (town of Saint-Chaffrey), Villeneuve (town of La Salle les Alpes), Monêtier les Bains and 11 hamlets.
The valley began to be called "Serre Chevalier" following the inauguration of the cable car in 1941, leading to 2491m of altitude, at the top of the Serre Chevalier peak.
The name Serre Chevalier comes from the patois "Sarra Cambéou". "Sarra" round bump exposed to the wind - "Cambéou" family name of Provençal transhumants of the Middle Ages leading their herds to graze on this mountain.
Looking for an exceptional vacation destination?
Look no further! Discover the picturesque beauty of Briançon, a destination of choice for nature lovers and mountain sports enthusiasts.
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