Briançon Map

Description: This map shows neighborhoods, streets, roads, trails, parking lots, viewpoints, rivers, buildings, airports, railways, railway stations, and parks in Briançon.

Description: This map shows streets, trails, houses, buildings, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, monuments, parking lots, shops, churches, museums, viewpoints, public toilets, points of interest, and parks in Cité Vauban (Briançon).

Description: This map shows streets, roads, trails, buildings, hotels, parking lots, churches, points of interest, tourist offices, public toilets, tourist attractions, and sightseeings in Briançon.

Briançon is a commune located in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. Situated at an elevation of approximately 4,334 feet (1,326 meters), it holds the distinction of being the highest city in France and one of the highest in Europe. The city has a population of around 12,000 inhabitants.

The city's strategic location near the Italian border has historically made it an important military site. Its most significant architectural heritage is the fortifications designed by Vauban, the famous military engineer of King Louis XIV. These defensive structures, built in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008 as part of the "Fortifications of Vauban" series. The fortified upper town, known as the Cité Vauban, features well-preserved ramparts, gates, and bastions that showcase military architecture of that era.

The Collégiale Notre-Dame et Saint-Nicolas, constructed between 1703 and 1726, serves as the main church and represents one of the finest examples of Vauban-era religious architecture. The old town's narrow streets and traditional Alpine houses reflect the city's historical character.

Briançon's economy relies heavily on tourism, particularly winter sports. The nearby Serre Chevalier ski resort, one of the largest in France, attracts numerous visitors during the winter season. The city also serves as a gateway to the Écrins National Park and offers various summer activities including hiking, mountain biking, and white-water sports on the Durance and Guisane rivers. The city hosted several stages of the Tour de France, with the challenging Col du Galibier and Col d'Izoard mountain passes located nearby, making it a significant location in professional cycling history.