My 5 favorite hikes around Briançon

Nestled at an altitude of 1,326 meters, Briançon is one of the highest cities in Europe. It is undoubtedly one of the best located cities for mountain and hiking lovers. Prefecture of Hautes-Alpes, it is located in the heart of several emblematic valleys: the valley of the Durance, which heads south towards Embrun, the valley of Serre Chevalier, dominated by the peaks of the Écrins National Park, the valley of Cervières at the foot of the Rochebrune peak, or the magnificent Clarée valley, still very well preserved.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its fortifications designed by Vauban, Briançon combines historic heritage with spectacular scenery. It's an ideal starting point for hiking, whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a long, high-altitude run.

And after the effort, the comfort: Champsaur tourtons, ravioli, Queyras cheeses like the famous Blue from Queyras, or even Italian specialties coming from nearby Piedmont — Briançon is also a land of passage, of shared Alpine culture.

In this article, I share with you my 5 favorite hikes around Briançon. Tested, loved, sometimes photographed routes, always chosen for the beauty of the path as much as for the atmosphere they offer. Briançon is my favorite place for a mountain vacation in France. Not only do you breathe the high mountain air, but the climate is also much more favorable than in areas further north like the Mont Blanc massif. So, put on your shoes and have fun!

Dormillouse and the lakes of Palluel and Faravel

Dormillouse is a place of indescribable beauty. You have to go there to appreciate all the nuances and natural splendors of this village, which is one of the only French communes without road access. Access to the hike is from the Freissinières valley, about a 40-minute drive from Briançon. You park at the very end of the road that winds through the valley, in front of imposing walls that hide the village from view.

The hike I'm suggesting starts from the parking lot, climbs the steep, winding path to the village, and then heads out onto the nearby plateau. We then pass by the high-altitude lakes of Palluel and Faravel. These are natural wonders where you might spot alpine newts if you're lucky. The first part of the hike is in the forest, beneath the larches that are ubiquitous in this region of the Alps. The higher section winds through the mountain pastures. We have some views of the neighboring peaks, but unfortunately the summits of the Ecrins remain hidden from view.

On the way back, it's a good idea to stop in Dormillouse for a well-deserved pie. Or why not spend the night there? There are plenty of accommodations available for a night in this authentic village.

The hike is not technically difficult. It has an elevation gain of about 1000m, but it is also possible to shorten or lengthen the route if desired. You can consult the precise topo with GPX track and travel time on the websiteAltituderando. Do not hesitate to also consult my story of my crossing the Écrins in bivouac, where I pass through Dormillouse on the third day!

The Ayes Valley: a hike at the gates of Briançon

If you are looking for a magnificent hike in the immediate vicinity of Briançon (20 min by car), you absolutely must stop by Ayes valley. It is located in the commune of Villar Saint-Pancrace, a charming village on the outskirts of Briançon. Access is via the small zigzagging road that leads to the Ayes chalets. You can then park in the car park at the entrance to the hamlet.

The Ayes chalets are primarily private holiday cottages. However, there is also a friendly bar in the center of the hamlet. The hike I suggest starts from the village, winds through a larch forest, and then climbs an alpine valley through landscapes typical of Briançon. You arrive at a pass where the view of the neighboring peaks, particularly Mont Viso in Italy, is remarkable.

It is possible to extend the hike by climbing a nearby peak, the Pic de Beaudouis. The hike is technically easy (800m elevation gain) if you do not climb the peak, which is reserved for more experienced hikers. On the way back, you pass through the beautiful nature reserve of the Ayes Valley.

To find the GPX file and the full description of the hike, you can consult my page on the tour of the Ayes valley.

The Fonts de Cervières and the Lac des Cordes

The Cervières Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys with direct access from Briançon. Compared to the better-known Clarée Valley, it has the advantage of being less touristy and less crowded. The hike I'm proposing starts from Fonts de Cervières. It is a part of the commune located in the high valley behind the village of Cervières. It can be reached in about 50 minutes by car from Briançon.

The Fonts de Cervières Valley adjoins the magnificent Pic de Rochebrune, one of the region's most prominent peaks. There are several remarkable views of the peak from the valley. The hiking trail will take you to Lac des Cordes. This magnificent high-altitude lake at the foot of Pic de Rochebrune is ideally located for a picnic in the mountain pastures.

The hike is technically easy, with a 600m elevation gain. To download the GPX and a full route description, you can go to hiking. I also went to the Fonts de Cervière during my memorable trek from Guillestre to Mont Blanc !

Lake Combeynot

After these three hikes through bucolic valleys and gentle mountain pastures, I suggest a more alpine route that ends at a high-altitude lake in the middle of a mineral landscape. If you do the hike early enough in the season, you'll probably be able to see the lake still covered in the last patches of winter ice.

Access is from the hamlet of Boussardes in the Guisane Valley (Serre-Chevalier), a 30-minute drive from Briançon. You park in the valley and then begin the steep climb that leads directly to the Combeynot Lake. The route has a 950m elevation gain and is of medium difficulty (some aerial or rocky passages, which remain technically without difficulty). The lake itself at 2500m altitude is a small jewel lost in a landscape of immense scree. You can really breathe the high mountain air there.

To find the corresponding route with the GPX track, you can go to Altituderando.

Rochebrune Peak: a difficult hike near Briançon

Finally, I suggest a more difficult but very rewarding route. It involves climbing one of the region's most iconic peaks, the Rochebrune peak at an altitude of 3,321 m. This hike is recommended for those with substantial experience in high mountains and who do not suffer from vertigo (it can be classified as borderline mountaineering). Several sections require easy climbing, with a rope positioned in the most strategic location. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for the final part of the hike. The view from the summit is sensational, particularly of the Écrins and Mont Viso.

To get there, park at the Col d'Izoard, a 45-minute drive from Briançon. The start of the route follows a magnificent balcony path that runs along the slopes of the large cirque below the Pic de Rochebrune. This section is not difficult but takes place in the scree. The actual ascent of the peak begins at the Col des Portes. Several routes lead there, and are described in the topo fromAltituderando where you can also find the GPX track of the route.

In conclusion

These five hikes around Briançon are just a glimpse of the natural and alpine riches of the Hautes-Alpes. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll through the mountain pastures, a trip to isolated villages like Dormillouse, or a more challenging experience like climbing the Pic de Rochebrune, this region has something for every mountain enthusiast.

I chose these trails for their diversity, their beauty, and what they convey. I've hiked them all, and so, for me, they truly represent the best hikes you can do near Briançon. If you'd like to discover other hiking suggestions, see my mountain photography, or order a art print of my photos taken along my treks, do not hesitate to explore the rest of my site Photagne.

Some of the images on this page come from Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.