Hiking in the Briançonnais: hiking trails in the French Alps near Briançon

The Briançonnais is a stunning mountain wilderness full of snow-capped peaks, idyllic valleys, wildflower-filled pastures, sparkling alpine lakes, historic fortresses and a maze of tranquil trails. With a rural charm and a milder climate than the northern Alps, it's a region ripe for discovery, and this guide is the perfect place to start.

Briançon in France will surprise you with the breathtaking valleys of Clarée, Cerveyrette, Ayes, Durance and Guisane, and the magnificent alpine landscapes of Vallouise and Montgenèvre.

Practical guide

When to go?

May to October. Some high peaks and cols will be snow-covered until the end of June, so the main hiking season runs from mid to late June until the end of September.

Not to be missed

• 5 stunning valleys around Briançon - Clarée, Cerveyrette, Ayes, Durance and Guisane.
• Magnificent alpine landscapes around Vallouise and Montgenèvre.
• Beautiful peaks, lakes and valleys.
• Historical fortresses.

Cities & Services

Briançon, La Grave, Le Monetier-les-Bains, Montgenèvre, Névache, Vallouise

The routes

Excursions explore the stunning landscapes around Briançon, covering the valleys of Clarée, Cerveyrette, Ayes, Durance and Guisane, as well as the area around Vallouise and Montgenèvre.

• CLARÉE VALLEY /// Col de Dormillouse / Fort de l'Olive and Fort de Lenlon / Col des Thures / Lac Noir / Refuge de Buffère via the Côte Rouge / Pic du Lac Blanc, Lac Laramon and Lac du Serpent / Col des Muandes / Tour of the Massif des Cerces /

• MONTGENÈVRE /// Le Chenaillet / Fort du Gondran / Mont Chaberton /

• CERVEYRETTE VALLEY /// Alp du Pied / Fort de la Lausette and the Peygus / Col de Bousson / Lac des Cordes /

• AYES VALLEY /// Lac du Plan Vallon / Col des Ayes / Fort de la Croix de Bretagne et la Grande Maye / Lac de l'Orceyrette /

• DURANCE VALLEY /// Lac Palluel and Lac Faravel / Lac de Fangeas / Circutio alto Dormillouse / Crête de la Rortie / La Grande Cabane / La Blanche / Chapelle St Hippolyte / Croix de la Salcette / Cime de la Condamine / La Croix d'Aquila /

• GUISANE VALLEY /// Briançon and Fort des Salettes / La Croix de Toulouse / Circuit du Grand Area / La Grande Peyrolle by the Crête de Peyrolle / Grand Lac de l'Oule / La Cime des Conchiers / Lac de Combeynot / Les Arêtes de la Bruyère / Circuit L'Aiguillette du Lauzet / Lacs du Glacier d'Arsine / Plateau d'Emparis /