A Weekend in Briançon | Experience Briançon, France like a local
A Weekend in Briançon | Experience Briançon, France like a local
Nikki | Weekend Postcards
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Hi fellow travelers! Thanks for stopping by to check out this guide with over 40 places to check out in the greater Briançon region.
Tucked away in the heart of the giants, the quaint city of Briançon is full of breathtaking mountain views, delicious boulangeries, and tons of outdoor adventure activities for the adrenaline addict in the family.
In this destination guide, you will get a sneak peek into what it's like to live like a local in Briançon. From our favorite restaurants, to various adventure options, this guide has it all. Come along with us as we explore the area with local resident Alexandre, who I had the pleasure of spending a month with. Due to staying with a local, I did not include recommendations of where to stay. There are a variety of options from Hotels, Airbnb's, Gîtes, and camping in the surrounding area. During the high tourist season, places can book up quickly so be sure to make your accommodations in advance.
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All year round you can find activities to do in Briançon, but peek summer tourist season starts in late June, July, August, early September, and the winter tourist season begins in late December and runs until the end of March. Some activities listed in this guide are seasonal and are not open year round. Always check before booking a trip.
Things to note: Briançon is located part in the valley but is full of hills and steep climbs. This is a very walkable city designed for the outdoor enthusiast, nature lover and sports participant.
This is a live guide and will update as information changes in real time.
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Welcome to Briançon, France
Well known for having over 300 days a year of sunshine, weather in Briançon is considered temperate, with mild winters and mild summers. Even if you visit in the summer, it is highly recommended to bring a jacket or sweatshirt as it can cool off each evening.
Places To Eat & Drink
Le Gavroche
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An authentic french meal experience and would recommend if you're looking for something local and traditional. Quality service.
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Carpe Diem
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Alexandre's personal favorite dinner place in the Old City. A very intimate dinning experience so be sure to make a reservation or get there early to snag a table.
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Restaurant les Ecrins
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Very authentic and intimate dining experience, where all the food is homemade. Perfect for a night out and close to the Champs Mars area.
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Margherita Briançon
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A super popular Italian restaurant that serves pasta dishes and pizza. We would recommend getting a reservation especially if you have a larger group.
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Le Rustique
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You will not get a more traditional alpine french meal than here. Everything is made from scratch each day and is cooked with love. This restaurant has been here for a very long time and a staple in the community.
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Restaurant le quinze neuf
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Great options that are homemade. The gnocchi is wonderful and service is top-notch. Wide list of alcohol to accompany your meal as well. Cute seating area
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Au Fût et à mesure Briançon
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A unique and modern beer experience that you can't easily find anywhere else in the local area. You get a card and put money on it. Then you self serve based on the money you have loaded on your card. It gives you a great chance to try so many different beer options. They have food available as well. You can play pool and darts while enjoying your evening here with friends.
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La Tantina
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Some of the best food I've ever enjoyed! Loved getting to sit outside on the mini deck seating area to take in the surroundings while dining.
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Speedy Pizza
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A quick and easy bite only available for take away. Perfect for a picnic or a mountain sunset viewing.
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PANORAMA CAFE
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The restaurant with the best view in town. Mainly outdoor seating and they will occasionally have live music to enjoy while dining.
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Restaurant - Tête d'Ail
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Recently opened, food is delicious with an intimate vibe. Highly recommend making a reservation. Small menu with limited options. Would not recommend if you are a picky eater or those with extreme dietary restrictions (gluten/lactose). There are options for vegetarians.
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Pizza Jean-Louis
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Decent pizza only for take away right now. Good service and variety of options.
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Le Champ de Mars - Bar Friterie
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A good mix of drinks and food. Only has a small indoor seating area but a wide area of outdoor seating. Often has live music to enjoy.
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Specific Food to Try
Tourtons | A Local Regional Speciality
My personal favorite flavor is Pomme de Terre (potato) and would compare it to eating mashed potatoes in a little breaded pocket. They are often savory but can be sweet too (nuetella flavored). Other popular flavors include epinard (spinach), beef and a combination of veggies and meats.
Boulangeries & Desserts
La Craquante
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The freshest bread and our personal favorites to purchase baguettes from. Again, this is a super busy location so come with extra time and enjoy taking in the delicious smells if you need to wait a minute.
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Boulangerie Au Bon Lamé
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A personal favorite, with a wide range of options, grab your daily baguette, sandwiches or desserts from here. Everything looks amazing so we can say you will probably want to visit twice.
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BOULANGERIE ANGE
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Fresh made items every morning. From pastries, to sandwiches, to baguettes that make your mouth water.
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Au Bon Vieux Levain
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It's really hard to go wrong when selecting a boulangerie in town, as they are all amazing. Everything is handmade each morning. You can taste the freshness in every item. This location gets extra busy during farmer's market days due to its close proximity.
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Amorino Gelato - Briançon
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Waffle sticks with gelato or ice cream macaroon sandwiches? Sign me up! Special treats to enjoy during your afternoon goûter or as late night snacks.
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Mastro Gelataio
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Known for their homemade gelato, there are so many flavors to choose from to enjoy on their outdoor patio space.
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Outdoor Hikes and Via Ferrata's
Fort des Salettes
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A nice stop on your hike up the Croix de Toulouse. Parking is available at the bottom of the hill. Steep incline but not a long trek. We recommend using the app All Trails to plan all of your hikes.
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Croix de Toulouse
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You can hike or bike up to the top. Hike is moderate and took us about 2 hours. Our decent was only 1.5 hours. Area at the top to have a picnic. No garbage or bathroom facilities at the top, so please be sure to practice the leave no trace principals. We recommend using the all trails app for more specifics in planning your hikes.
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Via Ferrata Croix De Toulouse
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A free via ferrata that is well maintained. Took us about 3 hours to go up while climbing and the decent is 1.5 hours walking down the path. Breathtaking views during your climb. Make sure you have all the proper gear prior to climbing. You can rent in town if you do not own.
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Le Parc de la Schappe
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With a paved walking path that circles the park, it is the perfect place for a picnic or if you have kids a great place for them to run around. This is also located next to the Durance river and offers nice views from the bridge. You can also rent paddle boards in the summer to use on the pond or skate when it freezes over in the winter.
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Eglise de Puy-Saint-Pierre
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Check out one of the local churches while also enjoying the beautiful view. You can also park at the church and explore the trails in the surrounding area. From here, you can also walk to the Ski Lift station and restaurant that is located around half way up the mountain.
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Pont d'Asfeld
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Lovely viewpoint that connects the old city to hiking trails. Great view of the Durance River and lower city area.
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Fort du Château
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One of the many forts in the surrounding areas. Offers wonderful views and is fun to climb up. As always, exercise caution while climbing as there may be footings that have come loose.
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Local Activities and Sporting Events
Patinoire de Briançon
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Catch a Red Devils hockey game or attend a public skate at the Briançon ice rink.
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1326 Park Pool Briançon
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With an indoor and outdoor pool, this is the perfect way to have fun in the water anyway you like.
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Serre Chevalier Vallée - Ski and Hiking area
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For winter or summer fun, the Serre Chevalier Vallée offers skiing, ziplining, hiking, mountain kart, and more!
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Circus Casino Briançon
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The local casino. A great activity for rainy days or in the winter. Great to socialize with friends as well.
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Les Grands Bains du Monêtier
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A luxurious and relaxing spa with a variety of pools. Passes are available to purchase by time frame and by day. There are both indoor and outdoor pools. The spa is open almost all year round.
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Bar Restaurant Le Bowling Serre Chevalier
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Bowling alley located near the ski slopes. They only have a few lanes so we would recommend making a reservation ahead of time. Fun atmosphere!
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Briançon: Bloc 027
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Brand new indoor bouldering gym located in downtown Briançon, France. Reasonable day pass entry fee and has a restaurant located inside along with a work area
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Local Shopping
Marché couvert du 15/9 (Farmers Market)
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Open on Wednesday and Sunday mornings each week rain or shine, the local farmers market is the place to be. The offer traditional fruits & veggies as well as flowers, roasted chicken, cheese, and other region specialities. I personally recommend getting fresh Tourtons du Champsaur. They come in both sweet and salty in a variety of flavors. You can't go wrong with the Pomme du Terre (mashed potatoes) and they are offered at multiple vendors at the market.
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Alpala
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A family run store with the focus being on clothing made from recycled materials and giving back to the local community. They offer original clothing designed by him and printed locally.
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Le Panier Alpin
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If you enjoy Briançon/the region, you should stop by here for all of your local product needs to take home with you. From local jams and honey to home decor items and even pocket knives, there is a little bit of everything. They also sell génépi which is a region speciality and it cannot be bought outside the area.
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La Petite Galerie
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For your art needs, check out this cute little gallery. It is home to stunning art all made by Pep's himself.
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Immersion Concept Store
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A super trendy clothing store with a little coffee shop inside. Always has great deals and the best fashion pieces for both men and women.
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Chullanka Briançon (Previously known as Approach)
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The place to go for all of your outdoor needs. You can also rent Via Ferrata equipment here if needed.
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Charlotte Dauvillier
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Cute local artist where you can buy her work. Newer to the area. Minimalist art design.
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Transportation
Gare de Briancon
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Linking Briançon to regions around France, it has service to Gap, Paris, Valence, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence. Briançon also has busses that run daily around the city.
Please note there is NO uber in Briançon
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Where to Stay
Admittedly when I stay here, I am able to stay with a local friend. My knowledge of the local hotels is a bit more limited but still great local options. Other choices are Gîtes that you can rent, local hostel, or airbnb.
Cloud Citadel
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An unique co-living, co-working space for open minded individuals to book an authentic stay with travelers from all over the world. Focus is on community, trying new things, and learning from each other. If you do not think you would blend well in a co-living space, thats okay! There are multiple hotels located nearby.
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My Second Home - Le Cristal Lodge
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Cool disco vibe with a fun bar space. Nice hotel amenities. Gives off a mountain ski resort vibe. Directly across from the ski lifts making it easy to access.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nikki | Weekend Postcards
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Hi travelers! I am here to help you enjoy your weekend trips to the fullest to cities near, far, or even in your backyard.
Currently:📍Louisiana, U.S.A.
Just Posted: Lakeland, FL & Explore Berlin, Germany with a Local
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Michigander at heart but currently traveling the world one week at a time for work. When not on the road and living out of my suitcase, I am down to spend the day exploring the local city scene or out hiking in nature. I am an adventurous spirit and try to maximize my free time exploring the hidden corners of whatever city I am in. I've been traveling all over the U.S. and Europe for nine years and crave authentic experiences at local hot spots (and sometimes the touristy faves). As a young and avid traveler (16 Countries, 45 U.S. States, 24 U.S. National Parks & numerous cities) my goal is to help you reach your travel goals - no matter the destination.
On Thatch, I create super detailed guides and itineraries to destinations that I've personally visited. These destinations have a little bit of everything that I love about travel (adventure, city life, great eats, beach days and more). I can also create custom guides and itineraries to wherever you may be dreaming of traveling to.
Top bucket list items: Ride in a hot air balloon, visit all 50 U.S. states, and someday be on the Amazing Race with my sister.
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Check out my free and paid thatch travel guides on my profile, or for a customized itinerary for any of the locations featured, shoot me a message so we can connect. Let's explore!
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