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.

Briançon & the Upper Durance – High Alps, Broad Valleys, and Mountain Passes

A high Alpine basin of wide valley floors, fortified towns, and steep mountain massifs near the Italian border

Briançon & the Upper Durance is a high Alpine area in south-eastern France centred on the upper River Durance. Walking routes cross Écrins National Park, pass the Fortifications of Vauban at Briançon (UNESCO World Heritage Site), follow the GR5 and GR50, and link places such as Briançon, Montgenèvre, L’Argentière-la-Bessée, Saint-Chaffrey, and Saint-Crépin across valley floors, forested slopes, and high passes close to the Italian frontier.

Much of the terrain is mountainous and varied underfoot. Valley routes use tracks, minor roads, and riverside paths that allow steady progress along the Durance corridor. Higher routes follow mountain trails, mule tracks, and rocky paths with sustained climbs onto cols and ridgelines. Gradients are often continuous rather than short or rolling.

The landscape shifts between distinct sub-areas. Around Briançon and Montgenèvre, terrain forms a broad high basin with open slopes and transport corridors. North and west toward the Écrins massif, relief becomes steeper and more rugged, with narrow glacial valleys and higher summits. Down-valley toward L’Argentière-la-Bessée and Saint-Crépin, the Durance widens into broader agricultural ground with woodland and settlement.

Settlements are aligned along the main valley and road corridor, creating regular access points while large areas of upland terrain remain sparsely settled between villages.

Trails and Routes Through Briançon & the Upper Durance

GR5

A long-distance Alpine route running north–south through Briançon and over nearby passes toward the Queyras and Ubaye.

GR50

A circular long-distance route looping around the Écrins massif using high passes, balcony paths, and valley trails.

Durance valley paths

Local riverside and valley-floor tracks linking settlements along the upper Durance.

Historic mule tracks and passes

Routes over cols such as Montgenèvre connecting France and Italy and linking neighbouring Alpine valleys.

Walking Character

High Alpine peaks and glacial valleys
Broad river corridors and open basins
Forest tracks and rocky mountain paths
Sustained climbs to passes
Settlements concentrated along valley floors
Predominantly high-altitude and inland

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Briançon & the Upper Durance located?

The area lies in the Hautes-Alpes department of south-eastern France, close to the Italian border in the southern French Alps.

What defines walking here?

A mix of valley-floor routes and high mountain trails, with long ascents to passes and extensive Alpine terrain.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The GR5 and GR50 both pass through the area, alongside numerous connecting valley paths.

Is the terrain steep?

Often. Higher routes involve sustained climbs and rocky surfaces, while valley paths are generally gentler.

When is the best time to visit?

Late June to September offers the most reliable access to high passes. Snow can remain on higher ground into early summer and return early in autumn.