The Area
A World of Nature at your Fingertips
The Hautes-Alpes contains treasures of nature and is a playground exemplary in its diversity and its wild character. Boasting 300+ days of sunshine a year, Briançon lies at the meeting point of five valleys. Its adjacent national park, Les Ecrins, host several glaciers and culminates at 4101 meters high. With Serre Chevalier, the most well-known, Montgenèvre, the oldest and the mythical La Grave-La Meije, three of the largest ski resorts in France, the Briançon area is undeniably focused on winter sports and summer mountain activities.
The Briançon area is ideal for getting about: the Italian border is close by as are the high altitude passes of the Galibier, the Lautaret, the Echelle or the Izoard (Grands Cols) and the wild and preserved Vallée de la Clarée (Clarée Valley). It is renowned for the quality of the air and the health benefits related to the climate. The Guisane Valley has several wellness establishments such as Les Grands Bains in Monétier, where there is a natural warm water spring or Durancia in Montgenèvre near to two recent biotope lakes.
Summer
Biweekly Market
This market was a great discovery when we first arrived here. First, there are loads of small producers all around Briançon, hiding in the mountains here and there, veggies, cheese, bread, mushrooms, wild berries, nettles, you name it! And second, the border is only 15 min away. So be ready for all the mouth-watering italian products. Are you ever tried a proper gorgonzola?
Mountain Lakes
There a two lakes we love to go after a long active day, or just for a chill easy break to get some sun and enjoy clear water. One is 10 min away from the house (Baignade bio de Chantemerle) and another one 20 min (Lac de La-Roche-de-Rame) where there is a perfect jumping tree! People often bring their computer along if they need to work a bit.
Microadventures
Ready, steady, close your laptop, go!!! Nothing is far from the house and we love to make spontaneous decisions, whether it is to go for a via ferrata lunch break, an evening run in the forest, a chill slackline/hammock time in the closeby park, a yummy italian hot chocolate in one of our favorite café or a barbecue night in one of our secret spots.
Paragliding
Have you ever imagined flying free in the air like a bird? Paragliding is the closest you can get to this amazing, fantasized and very unique feeling. The southern French Alps is a great destination for learning to paraglide thanks to its reliable weather conditions and predictable thermals. More info
Canyoning
Canyoning is a great way to explore some of the French Alps’ most inaccessible yet beautiful landscapes. A canyon with its gushing waterfalls, natural swimming pools and boulders for clambering over is like a huge natural water park. More info
Trail Running
Whether you wanna go for a short 5 km run around the house on a flat path, or for a longer adventure in the mountains in the wilderness, the dry weather and 300+ days of sun per year offer perfect conditions for this activity. Trails and gpx traces
Via Ferratas
Protected climbing routes also known as via ferratas are a great way to explore the mountains with less technical skills needed than for rock climbing. There are 27 via ferratas in the area, from beginner ones to the paths that will make you push your limits. Via Ferrata routes
Historic Old Town
The UNESCO World Heritage old town has been fortified by Vauban in the 17th century but whose history goes back to 2,500 years with initial settlers in this region, the Celts. Now, it’s an ideal place to wander in colorful narrow streets, discover cafes and restaurants, or visit small galleries, bookstores and shops.
Rafting/Kayaking
Explore the best white waters of France, on the Guisane, Gyr or Guil river. Step into a kayak or a raft and see where it takes you. It will be one of life's most memorable experiences. More info
Climbing
Briançon is surrounded by more than 80 actual climbing sites, many with more than one sector, on 6 different rock types, grades ranging from 3c to 9 and a mix of single and multi-pitch with 300 days of sun per year and you get one of the world's best climbing spots. Climbing sites around Briançon
Biking
X-country, Enduro, Downhill, Road Biking – Test the big mountain, singletrack paradise that is home to the best riding in the world or cycle the most famous and challenging etapes of Tour de France. MTB routes and gpx traces
Hiking
Located between the Ecrins National Park and Queyras Regional Park, at 20 min drive from the famous Vallée de la Clarée, and from the Italian border, we are in an ideal place to discover all the refugees, mountain lakes and glaciers of the South Alps. Nearby hiking trails
Hiking
Located between the Ecrins National Park and Queyras Regional Park, at 20 min drive from the famous Vallée de la Clarée, and from the Italian border, we are in an ideal place to discover all the refugees, mountain lakes and glaciers of the South Alps. Nearby hiking trails
Biking
X-country, Enduro, Downhill, Road Biking – Test the big mountain, singletrack paradise that is home to the best riding in the world or cycle the most famous and challenging etapes of Tour de France. MTB routes and gpx traces
Climbing
Briançon is surrounded by more than 80 actual climbing sites, many with more than one sector, on 6 different rock types, grades ranging from 3c to 9 and a mix of single and multi-pitch with 300 days of sun per year and you get one of the world’s best climbing spots. Climbing sites around Briançon
Via Ferrata
Protected climbing routes also known as via ferratas are a great way to explore the mountains with less technical skills needed than for rock climbing. There are 27 via ferratas in the area, from beginner ones to the paths that will make you push your limits. Via Ferrata routes
Trail Running
Whether you wanna go for a short 5 km run around the house on a flat path, or for a longer adventure in the mountains in the wilderness, the dry weather and 300+ days of sun per year offer perfect conditions for this activity. Trails and gpx traces
Paragliding
Have you ever imagined flying free in the air like a bird? Paragliding is the closest you can get to this amazing, fantasized and very unique feeling. The southern French Alps is a great destination for learning to paraglide thanks to its reliable weather conditions and predictable thermals. More info
Rafting/Kayaking
Explore the best white waters of France, on the Guisane, Gyr or Guil river. Step into a kayak or a raft and see where it takes you. It will be one of life’s most memorable experiences. More info
Canyoning
Canyoning is a great way to explore some of the French Alps’ most inaccessible yet beautiful landscapes. A canyon with its gushing waterfalls, natural swimming pools and boulders for clambering over is like a huge natural water park. More info
Microadventures
Ready, steady, close your laptop, go!!! Nothing is far from the house and we love to make spontaneous decisions, whether it is to go for a via ferrata lunch break, an evening run in the forest, a chill slackline/hammock time in the closeby park, a yummy italian hot chocolate in one of our favorite café or a barbecue night in one of our secret spots.
Mountain Lakes
There a two lakes we love to go after a long active day, or just for a chill easy break to get some sun and enjoy clear water. One is 10 min away from the house (Baignade bio de Chantemerle) and another one 20 min (Lac de La-Roche-de-Rame) where there is a perfect jumping tree! People often bring their computer along if they need to work a bit.
Biweekly market
This market was a great discovery when we first arrived here. First, there are loads of small producers all around Briançon, hiding in the mountains here and there, veggies, cheese, bread, mushrooms, wild berries, nettles, you name it! And second, the border is only 15 min away. So be ready for all the mouth-watering italian products. Are you ever tried a proper gorgonzola?
Historic Old Town
The UNESCO World Heritage old town has been fortified by Vauban in the 17th century but whose history goes back to 2,500 years with initial settlers in this region, the Celts. Now, it’s an ideal place to wander in colorful narrow streets, discover cafes and restaurants, or visit small galleries, bookstores and shops.
Winter
Ice Skating
The lake of Parc de la Schappe in Briançon is frozen most of the winter and people take advantage it. Gloves on your hands, a helmet on your head and skates on your feet: you are ready to skate in the open air. A few falls are very likely, but fun is guaranteed.
Ice Driving
Learn how to drive a car on ice and finish the laps faster than anyone on Serre-Chevalier ice driving circuit. You'll feel like a pro! An unusual and unforgettable experience.
Fat Biking
From the bottom of the valleys up to the pistes of the many ski resorts, the Southern French Alps offers unlimited opportunities for fat biking in the snow. The enhanced stability provided by the large tyres makes riding on all kinds of winter terrains an easy and fun activity!
Ice Climbing
Ecrins national park is world wide knowed for rock climbing, but have you ever thought about ice climbing? This practice is a great opportunity to discover the mountain differently, with crampons and ice peaks.
Thermals
Built on a naturally hot spring of 45°C, the Great Baths of Monetier are a complex of 4500m² offering outdoor and indoor pools, water massage, relaxation rooms, jacuzzi, musical grotto, etc
Snowkiting
Lautaret pass, at 2058 meters above sea level, is one of the best spot in Europe and it is only 30 min drive from the house. Due to the fact that the Lautaret pass is an extraordinary place from a demographic and climatic point of view, snowkiters enjoy frequent and steady winds as well as plenty of open space.
Dog Sledging
Discover the enjoyments of a wonderful stroll in sled. This activity will allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the surroundings, the glide and the contact with animals while taking advantage of some snow effortlessly.
Sledging
Wanna take it easy? Hike up to a refuge by foot on a groomed ski trail, have some a lunch up there, and come down sledging! Or borrow our shovel sledges for a quick ride right outside of the old town, 3 min away from the house!
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great opportunity to discover the mountains, far away from ski areas, and very close to nature, at the heart of the majestic mountains of the Southern Alps.
Nordic Skiing
The Southern French Alps are perfectly adapted to cross-country skiing with their large gentle valleys meandering under a majestic backdrop of high mountains. There are five main areas dedicated to this practice around : Névache, Val-des-Près, Cervières, Villard Saint-Pancrace and Serre-Chevalier valley,
Ski Touring
The Southern French Alps area is perfect for ski touring, backcountry skiing and mountaineering as there are a huge variety of routes, from technical, long distance high mountain traverses (including the Tour des Ecrins) to short day trips on easier slopes.
Alpine skiing
Spend your days between discovering the 250 km of slopes of Serre Chevalier, skiing between France and Italy in Montgènevre or take it to another level in cult ski resort La Grave. ***Alpine ski resorts in France are still closed now***Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great opportunity to discover the mountains, far away from ski areas, and very close to nature, at the heart of the majestic mountains of the Southern Alps.Ski touring
The Southern French Alps area is perfect for ski touring, backcountry skiing and mountaineering as there are a huge variety of routes, from technical, long distance high mountain traverses (including the Tour des Ecrins) to short day trips on easier slopes.
Alpine Skiing
Spend your days between discovering the 250 km of slopes of Serre Chevalier, skiing between France and Italy in Montgènevre or take it to another level in cult ski resort La Grave.
Ski Touring
The Southern French Alps area is perfect for ski touring, backcountry skiing and mountaineering as there are a huge variety of routes, from technical, long distance high mountain traverses (including the Tour des Ecrins) to short day trips on easier slopes.
Nordic Skiing
The Southern French Alps are perfectly adapted to cross-country skiing with their large gentle valleys meandering under a majestic backdrop of high mountains. There are five main areas dedicated to this practice around : Névache, Val-des-Près, Cervières, Villard Saint-Pancrace and Serre-Chevalier valley,
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great opportunity to discover the mountains, far away from ski areas, and very close to nature, at the heart of the majestic mountains of the Southern Alps.
Sledging
Wanna take it easy? Hike up to a refuge by foot on a groomed ski trail, have some a lunch up there, and come down sledging! Or borrow our shovel sledges for a quick ride right outside of the old town, 3 min away from the house!
Dog Sledging
Discover the enjoyments of a wonderful stroll in sled. This activity will allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the surroundings, the glide and the contact with animals while taking advantage of some snow effortlessly.
Snowkiting
Lautaret pass, at 2058 meters above sea level, is one of the best spot in Europe and it is only 30 min drive from the house. Due to the fact that the Lautaret pass is an extraordinary place from a demographic and climatic point of view, snowkiters enjoy frequent and steady winds as well as plenty of open space.
Thermals
Built on a naturally hot spring of 45°C, the Great Baths of Monetier are a complex of 4500m² offering outdoor and indoor pools, water massage, relaxation rooms, jacuzzi, musical grotto, etc
Ice Climbing
Ecrins national park is world wide knowed for rock climbing, but have you ever thought about ice climbing? This practice is a great opportunity to discover the mountain differently, with crampons and ice peaks.
Fat Biking
From the bottom of the valleys up to the pistes of the many ski resorts, the Southern French Alps offers unlimited opportunities for fat biking in the snow. The enhanced stability provided by the large tyres makes riding on all kinds of winter terrains an easy and fun activity!
Ice Driving
Learn how to drive a car on ice and finish the laps faster than anyone on Serre-Chevalier ice driving circuit. You’ll feel like a pro! An unusual and unforgettable experience.
Ice Skating
The lake of Parc de la Schappe in Briançon is frozen most of the winter and people take advantage it. Gloves on your hands, a helmet on your head and skates on your feet: you are ready to skate in the open air. A few falls are very likely, but fun is guaranteed.
