Briançonnais
High-altitude crossroads
and citadel of the Alps
The Briançonnais region rises up like a balcony of stone and light, at the gateway to Italy, a tipping point between the Southern and Northern Alps, blending age-old heritage and high mountains. The sub-prefecture of the Hautes-Alpes, Briançon, a town with the “Ville et Pays d’art et d’histoire” label, unfurls its steep streets and Vauban fortifications, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, against a backdrop of towering peaks.
The shifting history of borders and migrations has shaped this territory.
A valley with a fiery past
between Durance and Guisane
The Briançon valley is both a guardian of history and a breeding ground for Alpine life. The Vauban fortifications, the silhouette of the Asfeld bridge, the squares with their colorful facades and the gargoyle of the old town tell the story of centuries of passage and resistance. In winter, the resorts of Serre Chevalier Briançon, Montgenèvre and La Grave-La Meije bring this high-altitude region to life, combining the excitement of winter sports with the art of mountain living. The Grands Bains du Monêtier then offer a thermal stopover, facing the peaks, where water gushes naturally hot from the bowels of the mountain.
High valleys
exceptional landscapes
Heading north, the Clarée valley unfurls its flower-filled meadows, wooden chalets and clear waters, an unspoilt natural sanctuary. Further afield, the Jardin du Lautaret, at the gateway to the eponymous mountain pass, invites you on a botanical journey at 2,000 metres. The great Lautaret, Galibier, Granon and Izoard passes, meanwhile, write the history of the Tour de France.
A land of sport and achievement
2030 Olympic Games in sight
The Briançonnais is an inexhaustible playground and a call to excel. Here, Védrines, Ménadier, Alphand, Bauchet and many others, inspired by the giants of the Écrins, carve their exploits into the snow and rock. They invite mountain enthusiasts to follow in their footsteps and join them. Soon, the region will confirm its position as a world benchmark for sport by hosting the 2030 Winter Olympics. An Olympic village at the Fort des Têtes in Briançon and 26 freestyle ski and snowboard races at Serre Chevalier, the largest resort in the Southern Alps, and Montgenèvre, the oldest resort in France.
High mountains
and a living frontier
High altitude is first and foremost a culture, a demand, an ancient link with neighboring Italy. Glaciers watch over the valleys, huts welcome mountaineers and hikers on the trails of the Ecrins National Park. The region has always been an open frontier, combining exchanges, cross-fertilization and challenges over the seasons and centuries.
Highlights of the Briançonnais
Serre ChevalierGrandprix de Serre Chevalier
A friendly atmosphere, thrills and a grandiose setting: a 100% mountain cocktail to the sound of the gentle or crazy rides of the thousands of participants in the Grand Prix de Serre Che’.
La Grave – La MeijeDerbyde La Meije
A mythical descent from the glaciers of La Grave to the village, where you set off without beacons to draw your own line in the powder. Skis, snowboards, telemark skis, monoskis or homemade contraptions: anything goes, as long as it’s gliding and a good dose of daring.
MontgenèvreLa1 000 pattes
The famous 1000 pattes, France’s largest gathering of young skiers, is the last major event of the year, and is above all a time for sharing and conviviality.
The stations
From the charm of the villages to the energy of the major ski areas, the Hautes-Alpes offers a wide choice of resorts to experience the mountains at your own pace. Downhill skiing, Nordic activities, hiking or summer adventures: there’s something for everyone, in the heart of unspoilt landscapes.
The largest ski area in the Southern AlpsSerre Chevalier
Starting in the heart of the town of Briançon, four villages linked into a single resort, for an XXL ski area.
The deanMontgenèvre
Skiing between France and Italy, in France’s oldest resort.
The freeride MeccaLa Grave-La Meije
Riders from all over the world flock to the wild slopes of this unusual ski area in the Hautes-Alpes.
The Briançonnais
in figures
| AREA | 83% of the department’s 5,549 km² are covered by forests and mountainous areas. | 843.8 KM² OF LAND |
| RESIDENTS | One of France’s most sparsely populated departments, the Hautes-Alpes has a population of 142,000. | 18 947 |
| TOURIST BEDS | There are 410,000 tourist beds throughout France. They generate 22 million overnight stays a year. | 90 000 |
Source: INSEE
Need advice?
The tourist office,
your local ally
Good deals, ideas for activities, personalized advice: don’t hesitate to come and meet or contact the Tourist Office teams to make the most of your destination.
Montgenèvre
320 Rte d’Italie Espace Prarial, 05100 Montgenèvre
Serre Chevalier Briançon
Rue Centrale, 05100 Briançon
Hautes Vallées
La Clarée, La Grave, L’Izoard
38 route des grands cols RD 1091, 05320 La Grave
