Briancon guide and hotels

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About the City

Briancon is a commune in the French department of Hautes-Alpes (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur), of which it is the sub-prefecture. At 1,350 meters it is the second highest city in Europe after Davos. It is built on a plateau nucleated around confluence of the Durance and the Guisane.

City Areas

In Briancon, to the northeast of the newer district of Ste-Catherine, built on the slopes above the valley, is the old town or Ville Haute with its triple circuit of walls. The church of Notre-Dame (1718) was also designed by Vauban.

Attractions

The small town of Briancon is a medieval one, as it presents fortifications and is built at a considerable altitude. The main things to see are the bridge, the fort and of course the church, which resembles a small castle rather than a sacred place.

Transportation

Briancon is a small town in the mountainous region of the Alps and as such it is a bit difficult to get there. The main communication line with the rest of the world is the train. There are a number of French cities that offer a direct connection to Briancon by train, but also some from which you can reach the town via Marseille.

Events

Not many things can be said about the small town of Briancon’s events, as it only has one. But although it isn’t a capital of events, this annual bash gets together some of the most beautiful and classic racing cars that have competed in at least one Monte Carlo rally.

History and Civilization

Briancon is a great fortress town, walled and fortified by Vauban. It has been a French fortress for many centuries, even withstanding a three months long siege in the 19^th century.

Restaurants & Nightlife

Dining out in a small town isn’t usually something special. This doesn’t include Briancon, as the town has a lot to offer, cuisine wise. The same goes for the nightlife as well, since small towns aren’t often known for being the life of the party.

Winter – The season of fun

Briancon is very pleasing during summer as you can take long strolls around town, hike in the mountain area and even go mountain biking, all without worrying about the heat. But the real deal about Briancon is that in winter it becomes the playing ground of fun seeking skiers and snowboarders, who come here to have a blast.