Things to Do in Briançon Town — Upper Town, Citadel & Year-Round Activities

Briançon town — specifically the upper town (Ville Haute) within the UNESCO-listed Vauban fortifications — is one of the most historically significant and visually striking small cities in the French Alps. At 1,326m, it is the highest city in France, and the ramparts, gateways, and preserved medieval streets have been protected as a World Heritage Site since 2008. Visiting the old town is one of the best non-skiing things to do in the area.

The Vauban Upper Town

• Enter through the Porte Pignerol — the main fortified gateway
• Walk the Grand Rue — the main pedestrian street lined with fountains and historic buildings
• Collégiale Notre-Dame — the main church, 18th-century with fortified bell tower
• Rampart walk — circuit of the outer walls with panoramic valley views
• Guided citadel tours — available from the tourist office (summer only)

Year-Round Activities

• Restaurant dining in the old town — atmospheric stone-walled restaurants
• Shopping on Grand Rue — artisan shops, local produce, outdoor gear
• Musée de Briançon — local history and Vauban fortifications (check seasonal opening)
• Ice rink (winter) — in the lower town, near the centre
• Thermal baths (all year) — Les Grands Bains du Monêtier, 15 minutes by car

Getting to the Upper Town

• From the lower town (Briançon Sainte-Catherine area) — 15-minute walk uphill
• Parking outside the gates — several car parks at the base of the ramparts
• No cars allowed inside the upper town — pedestrian only within the walls
• Bus from Chantemerle and Villeneuve — Line C connects the valley villages

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Briançon upper town worth visiting?

Absolutely. The Vauban citadel and upper town (Ville Haute) is one of the most impressive historic sites in the French Alps and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The rampart walk, Grand Rue, and Collégiale Notre-Dame are highlights. Allow 2–3 hours for a relaxed visit.