Stone Vauban-era bridge crossing a mountain gorge in the Upper Durance Valley near Briançon, surrounded by forested slopes and high peaks in the French Alps.

Walking Holidays & Outdoor Adventures in Briançon & the Upper Durance

High passes, fortified towns and historic routes at the crossroads of the French Alps

Briançon & the Upper Durance form one of the most distinctive alpine landscapes in France — a high-altitude crossroads where walking holidays, outdoor adventures, and centuries of movement converge. Centred on the fortified town of Briançon, this area sits at the meeting point of major Alpine valleys, historic military routes, and some of Europe’s most important long-distance trails.

For walkers, the Upper Durance offers journeys shaped by elevation, history, and scale. Routes climb from wide valley floors into high mountain passes, linking villages, borderlands, and refuges that have served travellers for generations. The landscape supports everything from extended walking holidays and serious hiking adventures to classic cycling journeys across legendary Alpine cols. Across the area, carefully placed places to stay — from valley hotels to high mountain refuges — shape how these journeys unfold.

This is an alpine region defined not by a single valley, but by connection.

About Briançon & the Upper Durance

The Upper Durance Valley follows the upper reaches of the River Durance through the Hautes-Alpes, with Briançon at its heart. At over 1,300 metres above sea level, Briançon is one of Europe’s highest towns and has long been a strategic gateway between France and Italy.

The town’s famous Vauban fortifications, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflect its historic role as a defensive stronghold controlling Alpine passes such as Montgenèvre and the Col de l’Échelle. Beyond the town, the Upper Durance opens into a landscape of high valleys, border ridges, and historic routes used for trade, migration, and seasonal farming.

Today, this area remains a key junction for self-guided Alpine travel — culturally rich, geographically complex, and deeply walkable.

Trails & Routes in and Around Briançon

GR5 — Briançon to Nice

The GR5 passes through Briançon as part of its north–south journey toward the Mediterranean at Nice. South of Briançon, this section of the route crosses high passes, remote valleys, and exposed mountain terrain, linking refuges and historic routes through Mercantour National Park before descending toward the coast.

GR58 — Tour du Queyras

A classic multi-day circuit through the Queyras region, offering sustained high-level walking, traditional villages, and quieter Alpine landscapes close to the Italian border.

Alpine Pass Routes

Historic crossings such as the Col du Montgenèvre and Col de l’Échelle link Briançon to Italy, forming key walking and cycling corridors shaped by centuries of movement.

Valley & Fort Walks

Lower-level routes connect Briançon’s fortifications, nearby villages, and defensive structures, blending cultural exploration with mountain scenery.

Adventure Highlights

UNESCO-listed Vauban fortifications in Briançon
High-altitude walking routes linking valleys and border passes
A key Alpine crossing point on the GR5 between Chamonix and the Mediterranean
Strong hut-to-hut infrastructure for multi-day hiking adventures
Classic Alpine cycling routes across historic cols
A landscape shaped by military history, pastoralism, and long-distance travel
Excellent access to both wild terrain and cultural landmarks

Outdoor Adventures

Briançon & the Upper Durance are exceptionally well suited to self-guided outdoor adventures. Walking remains central — from long-distance routes and multi-day hiking to shorter cultural and valley walks — but the area also supports iconic cycling journeys on quiet mountain roads and high passes.

The combination of accessible valley towns and serious high-mountain terrain allows travellers to move at their own pace, choosing routes that respond to season, experience, and conditions. Whether crossing borders on foot, climbing toward high refuges, or following ancient paths between fortified settlements, adventure here is defined by depth rather than speed.

Explore the Area

Briançon – Fortified alpine town and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Upper Durance Valley – Wide high-altitude basin linking valleys and passes
Montgenèvre – Historic border crossing and gateway to Italy
Queyras – Remote Alpine region with classic circuit walks
Alpine Forts & Passes – Defensive landscapes woven into walking routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Briançon & the Upper Durance located?

The area is in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, within the French Alps, close to the Italian border.

Is this area suitable for walking holidays?

Yes — it offers everything from cultural valley walks to demanding long-distance and high-mountain hiking routes.

Which long-distance trails pass through Briançon?

The GR5 passes through Briançon on its route between Chamonix and Nice. Nearby long-distance routes include the GR58 (Tour du Queyras), alongside historic Alpine paths linking surrounding valleys and passes.

Can I explore the area without a car?

Yes — Briançon has good rail connections, and many routes can be accessed on foot or by public transport from the town.

When is the best time to visit?

Late June to September is ideal for high mountain routes, while spring and autumn suit lower valley walks and cultural exploration.