The Écrins National Park
Briançon is one of the gateways to this unspoilt wilderness.- Wildlife: This is the perfect place to spot marmots (which are particularly common around Serre Chevalier), chamois, ibex and, with a bit of luck, golden eagles or bearded vultures.
- Flora: Don’t miss the Jardin du Lautaret (at the Col du Lautaret), one of the most beautiful alpine gardens in Europe, which features over 2,000 species of mountain plants.
Nature & wildlife
In summer, you can see :- Whistling marmots on the mountain pastures.
- Ibex and chamois on the rocky slopes.
- A wide variety of flora in the mountain pastures of the Écrins National Park.
Pontillas Lake – Natural Swimming – a dip in a crystal-clear lake, perfect after a hike or for a refreshing picnic.
Baignade bio de Chantemerle – baignade en plein air dans un lieu convivial.
Chantemerle’s natural swimming spot – swimming outdoors in a friendly setting.
The Clarée Valley (Névache)
Located about 15–20 minutes from Briançon, this valley is renowned for the beauty of its unspoilt landscapes.- Atmosphere: A valley at the "end of the world" with alpine chalets, Baroque chapels and a crystal-clear river.
- Activities: Easy walks along the river or hikes up to mountain lakes (Lac Vert, Lac de Laramon).
Hikes for all levels
| Destination | Difficulty | Journey time (return) | Primary interest |
| La Croix de Toulouse | Average | 2 hours 30 minutes | The most beautiful panoramic view of Briançon and the valley. |
| Lake Pont-Baldy | Easy | 2 hours | Turquoise waters and a shaded forest path. |
| Le Fort des Têtes | Easy | 1 hour 30 minutes | A combination of nature and UNESCO World Heritage sites. |
| Glacier Blanc | Difficult | 4 hours 30 minutes | High mountains, spectacular views of the glaciers (departure from Pelvoux). |
The Clarée Valley: a completely unspoilt valley in the Alps
With its astonishingly clear waters, the Clarée has carved a lush valley through the high mountains of the Alps, dotted with traditional hamlets and villages. Hidden away from the main roads, this valley has retained its authentic charm, boasting unspoilt natural beauty as well as picturesque churches adorned with murals and charming chapels.
Along with the Vallée Étroite, they form a stunning natural landscape (26,000 hectares) enriched by cultural and military heritage. The Haute Vallée offers walkers dozens of mountain lakes of unrivalled charm. These two valleys are part of the Réseau des Grands sites de France. In summer, they are a delight for hikers and anglers, whilst in winter they transform into a cross-country skiing area and offer unforgettable sledging experiences
The Via Ferrata: Outdoor sport in the Durance Gorges
The Durance Gorges make an idyllic setting for enjoying outdoor sports. Set against this impressive backdrop, the L'Argentière-la-Bessée via ferrata offers a range of cliff-side routes of varying difficulty. Two courses have been designed for children (aged 4 and above, and aged 6 and above). The other two courses are designed for adults and offer different levels of difficulty. Two spectacular zip lines, over 200 metres high and 500 metres long, span the Durance Gorges. A pure rush of adrenaline.The Briançon area offers a wide range of other equipped via ferrata routes, from the Alpes du Lauzet on the Galibier route to the Vigneaux route, via the Croix de Toulouse route which overlooks the fortifications of Briançon, and many more.
Cycling, mountain biking & bike touring
The valleys around Briançon (Clarée, Durance, Cerveyrette) are brimming with cycle paths and mountain bike trails, perfect for leisurely or more challenging rides at altitudeThe Botanical Garden: a glimpse into high-altitude flora at the Col du Lautaret
At the gateway to the Ecrins National Park, the Col du Lautaret boasts an exceptional variety of flora. You can admire nearly 1,500 plant species in one of Europe’s most beautiful gardens, whilst enjoying an incredible view of the Meije glaciers.
The Queyras Park; a regional nature park
The Queyras Regional Nature Park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. On the many walks that meander through the park, you may see chamois, marmots, hares and partridges.
Whilst the park is sure to impress with its landscapes and natural setting, don’t forget to stop off at the listed village of Saint-Véran or visit the impressive Fort Queyras.
The Col de l’Izoard: on the Route des Grandes Alpes
Located between the Pic de Rochebrune (3,308 metres) and the Pic de Côte Belle (2,854 metres), the Col de l'Izoard is one of the gateways to the Queyras Regional Nature Park and marks the border between the Briançonnais and the Queyras. Part of the Route des Grandes Alpes, it rose to fame during legendary stages of the Tour de France, which has passed through it more than 30 times.The winding roads leading to its summit at 2,361 metres have indeed seen the biggest names in the race go head-to-head: Bobbet, Copi, Mercx, and others. Its southern slope is the most gruelling, with a 31.7-kilometre climb and gradients reaching 11%.
The Col du Galibier; the legendary mountain pass of the Tour de France
The Col du Galibier links the Hautes-Alpes and Savoie. Extremely difficult to climb by bike, it is one of the legendary mountain passes of the Tour de France, where some of the race’s most memorable moments have taken place. For the bravest among you, the superb view from its height of 2,645 metres is a well-deserved reward.
Depending on your fitness level, you can choose between the gentle climb from the Col du Lautaret or the Maurienne side, which is much more challenging with 33 kilometres of road and an average gradient of 7.2% over the final 18 kilometres between Valloire and the summit. Accessible by car or on foot, it offers unrivalled views of the peaks of La Meije and La Barre des Ecrins, and the valley leading down to Savoie
Ecrins National Park, the highest in Europe
The Écrins National Park has a whole host of "accolades" to its name. Not only is it the largest of France’s national parks, covering over 90,000 hectares, but it is also the highest in Europe, with over a hundred peaks exceeding 3,000 metres, including the Barre des Écrins, which rises to 4,102 metres. It is blessed with magnificent landscapes of mountain pastures and glaciers, where wildlife thrives in complete tranquillity. While hiking, you’ll have the chance to spot eagles, ibex, marmots, chamois and many more.No fewer than 167 rare species live in the park, and visitors to the park can admire over 1,800 species of flowers and plants – that’s 40% of France’s flora!
Themed Activities and Discoveries
- Maison de la Géologie: Located on the outskirts of Briançon (Puy-Saint-André), this museum explains why the Alps are so unique in this area.
- Canyoning and Rafting: The River Guisane offers invigorating rafting trips, whilst the Fournel Canyon (near L'Argentière) is perfect for a fun introduction to the sport.
- Parc de la Schappe: A peaceful refuge at the foot of the old town with a lake, ideal for a picnic or a relaxing stroll after a long hike.
Practical Advice
- Shuttles: In summer, we recommend using the shuttles (ZOU! network) to reach the Clarée Valley or the Col du Lautaret, as the car parks fill up quickly.
- Maison du Parc: Make a stop at the Écrins National Park Visitor Centre (in the Cité Vauban) to find out about the free activities led by the park rangers.
- Equipment: At an altitude of 1,300 metres, the sun in the Hautes-Alpes is very strong; plenty of sun cream and water are essential.
