Briançon, Hautes-Alpes – Fortified Alpine Town on the GR5

Vauban Ramparts, High Valleys, and Mountain Routes at the Edge of the Écrins

Briançon is a historic alpine town in the Hautes-Alpes at the meeting of the Guisane, Clarée, and Durance valleys. It forms part of the Fortifications of Vauban UNESCO World Heritage Site and sits on the GR5 (Grande Traversée des Alpes), making it a common base and staging point for long-distance routes through the French Alps.

The upper town stands on a rocky spur above the valleys, enclosed by stone ramparts, gates, and fortified walls built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Streets climb between fortifications and terraces, with views across surrounding peaks and passes. The newer town spreads along the valley floor beside the river and main transport routes.

Briançon provides full services for walkers. Shops, supermarkets, cafés, accommodation, and rail connections make it a practical place to start or finish multi-day routes. Lifts and paths rise into the Serre Chevalier slopes above town, while marked trails lead directly into surrounding valleys.

From Briançon, the GR5 continues north toward the Col de l’Échelle and the Clarée valley or south toward the Col d’Izoard and the Queyras. Paths also extend toward the Écrins National Park, whose boundary lies a short distance west of town. Terrain ranges from valley tracks and forest paths to high alpine passes with sustained ascent.