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.
Pont d’Asfeld
In Briancon, the Pont d’Asfeld, built in 1734, spans the Durance in a single arch 40m across and 56m high.
Station Alpine du Lautaret
With a fine collection of high altitude plants, this garden is one of the highest gardens in Europe. It is of particular interest to those interested in examining a variety of plants grown mainly for a high altitude environment.
Porel Cable Car
Located at the edge of the city, this cable is a popular way to make the higher peaks of nearby mountains. This service works all day and takes passengers on a breathtaking course until about 790 meters. The Porel is famous for having excellent ski slopes, but also a good place to go on foot, climbing or mountain biking.
Church of Our Lady(Notre-Dame)
This church is one of the most recognized buildings in the old town of Briancon. The two towers dominate on the horizon of Briancon, and cast a shadow over the narrow winding streets that lie below. The church was designed and built by Vauban and is very similar to his character in another work. Fortified, the church could easily be confused with a small castle, impenetrable, yet in a strange way beautiful.
Fort du Chateau
This beautiful castle dominates the skyline of the small town of Briancon. Positioned on a large hill overlooking the old village, the castle has been hosting dignitaries of the mountainous region many centuries. The building is open to be visited by a guide during the summer months only. It’s worth the tour because it is a source of information and allows access that would otherwise be denied.
