Sitting high on a hillside, Briancon’s historic old town looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a fairy tale. The French alpine commune offers gorgeous views of the snow-capped Massif des Ecrins and boasts an impressive 300 days of sunshine a year. At just 20 kilometres from the Italian border, Briancon also has a healthy appetite for pizza, pasta and gelato.

Things to do

Encircled by stone ramparts, Cité Vauban is one of France’s most enchanting old towns. Inside you’ll find a medley of winding cobblestone lanes and pastel hued townhouse. Most of the action is centred along Grande Rue, a steep thoroughfare lined with cafes, bistros and boulangeries. A stroll around the upper ramparts unlocks sweeping views over the valley.

Around 300 years ago, Briancon was at risk of attack from the Duchy of Savoy. To defend the city, Louis XIV raised the mighty Vauban Fortifications. They were designed by legendary military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban and have now been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.

Just opposite the tourist office is the neoclassical Collégiale Notre Dame et St Nicolas. It was also designed by Vauban and boasts a beautiful interior decorated with Baroque style paintings.

In winter, Briancon attracts legions of skiers bound for Serre Chevalier. With 13 villages and more than 115 slopes, it’s one of France’s favourite ski resorts. Serre Chevalier is also a hive of summer activity, with plenty of opportunities to hike, mountain bike and enjoy the sunshine.

Getting around

Most visitors arrive via Gare de Briancon, the main train station located around two kilometres south-west of Cité Vauban. From here, you can catch trains to Paris or venture into Italy. With its narrow streets and steep staircases, the easiest way to explore Cité Vauban and soak up the storybook atmosphere is on foot.