Briançon & the Upper Durance

Mountain routes, alpine landscapes, and historic gateways through the French Alps

Briançon and the Upper Durance sit at the crossroads of some of the most important routes and landscapes in the French Alps. Centred on the historic mountain town of Briançon, the area connects the GR5 (Nice to Briançon) with the GR5 (Briançon to Lake Geneva)r, creating a natural link between the Southern Alps and the higher mountain regions further north. Surrounded by high peaks, mountain passes, forests, and river valleys, the area provides access to a network of routes that have connected communities across the Alps for centuries.

The Upper Durance follows the upper reaches of one of France’s major rivers, flowing through a landscape shaped by mountain terrain and historic trade routes. Nearby protected areas, including Queyras Regional Natural Park and the wider alpine landscapes surrounding Briançon, add to the region’s character and diversity. Together, these routes and landscapes reveal the character of Briançon and the Upper Durance while providing opportunities to explore at a slower pace through self-guided travel and independent exploration.