Briançon and its valleys, what to see and do around Serre Chevalier
Heritage, authentic villages and day trips around Pramorel
From our chalet in Serre Chevalier Valley, Briançon and the valleys of the Hautes-Alpes are easy to explore, by car or over the course of a day. Vauban citadel, mountain villages, markets, hikes, forts and unspoiled valleys: around Serre Chevalier Valley, there's no shortage of ways to vary your discoveries.
We live here, and these are the kind of outings we love, the ones that let you discover the area beyond the resort. Here are a few of our ideas for exploring Briançon, the Queyras, the Clarée, the Guisane valley and, just across the border, a handful of Italian villages.
Verified guest review
"A beautiful place in a quiet spot of Briançon, with plenty of attention to detail. It was our home base for a week of great hiking! Must have a car... we enjoyed all the perks offered by the Chalet Mont Milo."
Pierre Frison, July 2026 · Google
☀️ Briançon, the UNESCO-listed Vauban citadel
At 1,326 metres of altitude, Briançon is the highest town in Europe. Perched at the crossroads of five valleys, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 for its Vauban fortifications, a masterpiece of mountain military architecture built between 1692 and 1723.
Visiting Briançon means discovering a fortified mountain town just 5 minutes from our chalet rental in Briançon.
The Vauban citadel, a Town of Art & History
3 km of ramparts · Forts & bridges · Colourful lanes
Colourful lanes, sundials, gargoyles, fountains and carved doorways, the historic citadel is a journey through three centuries of history. The Pont d'Asfeld and the forts of Les Salettes, Trois-Têtes and Le Dauphin complete this defensive system, unique in Europe.
The market, Wednesdays & Sunday mornings
Rue Colaud · Covered market, quartiers du 15/9 · From 8am
Local producers, Hautes-Alpes cheeses, charcuterie, honey and wildflowers. It's one of our regular outings when we go to the market.
The Puys, our hamlets of the heart, above Briançon
Puy-Saint-André, Puy-Saint-Pierre, Puy-Richard, Puy-Chalvin
Part of our family comes from Puy-Saint-André, one of the small hamlets perched above Briançon, along with Puy-Saint-Pierre, Puy-Richard and Puy-Chalvin. Away from the bustle of the town, you'll find old chapels, sundials and quiet lanes.
Our tip · Family walk
Head for the hamlet of Les Combes, above Puy-Chalvin. The wide, easy path leads in about an hour to the Lac des Partias, at the heart of the regional nature reserve of the same name. Marmots and birds of prey often accompany the climb, ideal for a family outing.
Our insider tip
Head up to the Vauban citadel in the evening, the late-day light sets off the ramparts beautifully and the mood shifts once the day's visitors have left. To finish, the Panorama Café offers a lovely break right in the heart of the ramparts, facing the valley and the town of Briançon. Allow 1h30 for the full walking tour.
Our suggestion · A day in Briançon
What to do in Briançon in one day?
Morning
Visit the Vauban citadel, colourful lanes, gargoyle, sundials and ramparts. Climb up to the Fort du Château for a sweeping view over the five valleys. Allow 1h30 on foot from the Porte de Pignerol.
Midday
Lunch in the town centre, Le Gavroche or Le Carpe Diem for local cuisine in a historic setting. Market on Wednesday and Sunday mornings on rue Colaud, for lovers of Hautes-Alpes cheese.
Afternoon
Two options depending on your mood, a stroll through the Parc de la Schappe with its water mirror and centuries-old trees, or a ride up the Prorel cable car for a panorama over the Vauban citadel and the surrounding peaks, with the option of walking back down via the trails.
☀️ Clarée Valley, hikes, mountain lakes and unspoiled nature
The Clarée valley, 20 minutes from the family chalet in Serre Chevalier Valley, is one of our guests' favourite day trips.
Just 20 km from the chalet, the Clarée valley has been a Protected Natural Site since 1992. Over 300 km of marked trails, more than 30 mountain lakes and several alpine hamlets.
The mountain lakes
Over 30 lakes · Crystal-clear waters · Views over the Cerces
From the Lac des Béraudes to the Lac Laramon, via the Lac de Chavillon at the Col des Thures, the top 10 lakes of the Clarée are a programme in themselves.
Névache & the alpine hamlets
1,600 m of altitude · Old chapels · Sundials
A village perched at 1,600 m, Névache is the heart of the valley. Chapels with old frescoes, sundials, bread ovens, a remarkable rural heritage. In July and August, free shuttles run up the valley to help protect this unique natural site.
Mont Thabor, for experienced hikers
3,178 m · Starting from Névache · 360° panorama
Starting from Névache, Mont Thabor is one of the finest peaks accessible from Serre Chevalier Valley. A 360° panorama over the Écrins, the Cerces and Mont Blanc, for seasoned walkers.
☀️ The Queyras and Saint-Véran, villages and unspoiled nature
45 minutes from Briançon via the Col de l'Izoard, the Queyras Regional Nature Park is one of the most unspoiled areas in the French Alps. Saint-Véran, at 2,042 metres of altitude, is the highest inhabited commune in Europe and one of the officially listed Most Beautiful Villages of France.
Visiting the Queyras means discovering one of the most authentic and unspoiled areas in the Alps, with Saint-Véran and Fort Queyras among the possible day-trip stops from our chalet in Briançon.
Saint-Véran, century-old chalets & sundials
2,042 m · Most Beautiful Villages of France · Woodcraft
Traditional larch-wood houses, 24 sundials painted by the famous Piedmontese sundial-maker Zarbula, woodcraft, the Soum museum, a glimpse into high-mountain rural life. The village has kept its soul through the centuries.
Fort Queyras, the fortress guarding the Guil valley
About 45 minutes' drive from Briançon · Château-Ville-Vieille · 13th century
Perched on a rocky outcrop that blocks the Guil valley, Fort Queyras is a 13th-century fortress remodelled by Vauban in the late 17th century. Allow about 45 minutes' drive from the chalet, easy to combine in the same day with Saint-Véran, a little further up the valley.
Château-Renard Observatory, a night under the stars at 3,000 m
2,930 m of altitude · By reservation · 8 places max per night
The Paul Felenbok Observatory, at 2,930 metres of altitude beneath the Château-Renard peak, is one of the highest observatories in Europe, and sits under one of the clearest skies on the continent. Observation nights are organised by reservation, a presentation of the facilities, observation under the dome, a night at the refuge and sunrise at the summit. A memorable experience for children aged 8 and up, and adults alike.
☀️ Italy from Serre Chevalier, Montgenèvre, Piedmont and day trips
The Italian border is right on the doorstep — an extra plus for holidaymakers looking to rent a chalet in the Serre Chevalier valley. The Col de Montgenèvre (1,850 m) opens onto Piedmont, Italian alpine villages, transalpine cuisine, a completely different atmosphere just a few kilometres away. Clavière and Cesana Torinese are the first stops on this instant change of scenery.
From Pramorel, Italy is under 15 minutes away by car, an instant change of scenery right next to the chalet.
Did you know?
The Col de Montgenèvre is the oldest road pass in the Alps, already used by Roman armies. Today it's an open border, and Italy is under 15 minutes away from the chalet.
Le Relais de la Poste, Cesana Torinese
1h from the chalet · 5 courses · Wine · Coffee · ~€30
Le Relais de la Poste in Cesana Torinese offers a generous 5-course menu, wine and coffee included, for just under 30 euros. It's an address we love for its authentic Piedmontese cuisine, family atmosphere and warm service. An address we happily recommend to our guests.
FAQ, Briançon and its surroundings
How long does it take to get from Briançon to the Queyras or Fort Queyras?
Allow about 45 minutes' drive from Briançon via the Col de l'Izoard to reach the Queyras, a similar time for Fort Queyras in Château-Ville-Vieille. Saint-Véran, a little further up the valley, takes about an hour. All three combine well into a single day.
How long does it take to reach Italy from the chalet?
From Pramorel, the Col de Montgenèvre and the Italian border are under 15 minutes away by car. It's the oldest road pass in the Alps, already used by Roman armies.
What time of day do we prefer for visiting the Vauban citadel?
Late in the day is our favourite time, the golden light lights up the ramparts and the old town gradually empties of visitors. Allow 1h30 for the full walking tour, finishing with a cocktail at the Panorama Café.
Is Saint-Véran worth the drive from Briançon?
Yes, it's one of the officially listed Most Beautiful Villages of France and the highest inhabited commune in Europe at 2,042 m. Larch-wood houses, painted sundials, woodcraft, allow a good half-day for the village and its surroundings, combining it with Fort Queyras along the way.
Alpine art of living
FAQ, Briançon and its surroundings
How long does it take to get from Briançon to the Queyras or Fort Queyras?
Allow about 45 minutes' drive from Briançon via the Col de l'Izoard to reach the Queyras, a similar time for Fort Queyras in Château-Ville-Vieille. Saint-Véran, a little further up the valley, takes about an hour. All three combine well into a single day.
How long does it take to reach Italy from the chalet?
From Pramorel, the Col de Montgenèvre and the Italian border are under 15 minutes away by car. It's the oldest road pass in the Alps, already used by Roman armies.
What time of day do we prefer for visiting the Vauban citadel?
Late in the day is our favourite time, the golden light lights up the ramparts and the old town gradually empties of visitors. Allow 1h30 for the full walking tour, finishing with a cocktail at the Panorama Café.
Is Saint-Véran worth the drive from Briançon?
Yes, it's one of the officially listed Most Beautiful Villages of France and the highest inhabited commune in Europe at 2,042 m. Larch-wood houses, painted sundials, woodcraft, allow a good half-day for the village and its surroundings, combining it with Fort Queyras along the way.