Briançon and La Grave in 4 days
France's highest town, ringed by Vauban's UNESCO-listed ramparts and forts, opens onto three worlds: the 250 km of Serre Chevalier's ski runs, the Clarée valley and, over the Col du Lautaret, La Grave, where a cable car climbs to 3,200 metres facing La Meije.
The plan, day by day
Day 1
- Morning
Briançon's Vauban citadelfree · about 1 h 30The upper town on its rocky spur at 1,326 metres, walled in 1689 and strengthened to Vauban's plans, UNESCO-listed since 2008.
- Afternoon
Pont d'Asfeld and Fort des Têtesfree · about 1 hA stone arch thrown over the gorge to link the town with the forts built across the Durance between 1721 and 1734, crossable on foot.
- Late afternoon
Fort des Salettes2 to 3 hA Vauban redoubt built from 1709 to 1712 above the town, visited with a guide who explains how the forts cover one another.
Day 2
- All day
The Clarée valleyfree · a full dayA protected valley running north towards Italy, with the wood and stone village of Névache, a wood-fired bakery and trails up to mountain lakes.
Day 3
- Morning
Les Grands Bains du Monêtierabout 2 hA thermal spa facing the peaks at the top of the Serre Chevalier valley, with indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, hammam and hot baths.
- Afternoon
Lautaret Alpine Gardenabout 1 h 30A century-old botanical garden at 2,100 metres facing the Meije glaciers, with about 2,000 mountain plant species from around the world and a research station.
- Late afternoon
Col du Galibierfree · about 30 minAt 2,642 metres, the pass between the Maurienne and the Lautaret marks the traditional line between the northern and southern French Alps.
Day 4
- Morning
La Meije glacier cable cars2 to 3 hTwo cable car sections from La Grave at 1,450 metres to about 3,200 metres on the Girose glacier, with an ice cave at the top.
Where to sleep in Briançon and La Grave
- Hôtel Mont Brison · €80 a night
- Hôtel de la Chaussée · €90 a night
- Auberge de la Paix · €85 a night
- Hôtel Vauban · €110 a night
- Hôtel Edelweiss · €110 a night
- Grand Hôtel & Spa Nuxe · €250 a night
- Le Grand Aigle Hôtel & Spa · €260 a night
- Hôtel Alliey & Spa · €200 a night
Plan this trip
Hotel prices per room per night, checked when written. Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.