HERITAGE DEPARTMENT
This town, renowned for its fortified structure and rich heritage, is a gateway between five Alpine valleys
The town enjoys an exceptional climate, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, and boasts a wealth of natural and historical attractions. It lies at the eastern gateway to the Ecrins National Park, at the foot of the Serre-Chevalier Vallée ski area, linked by a cable car. As the gateway to five Alpine valleys, the town boasts a rich heritage. Briançon is famous in particular for its fortifications, made necessary by its status as a border town with Italy. The most famous of these is the fortifications built by Vauban in the late 17th century. Since 2008, these fortifications have been part of a network of 11 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The fortifications guarding the town and surrounding valleys are numerous, as their development continued throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In short, a visit is a must: Briançon has been awarded the "Ville d'art et d'histoire" label, and offers a high-quality heritage program all year round.