Briançon and its valleys, what to see and do around Serre Chevalier
Heritage, authentic villages and day trips around Pramorel
"Briançon is 5 minutes from Pramorel, and yet we often feel we don't really know it. Its colourful lanes, its ramparts, its markets... It's a town you have to earn. And beyond it, the wild Clarée, the unspoiled Queyras, Italy right next door, so many hidden gems that few tourists take the time to explore. How about setting off to discover these treasures for yourself?"
Sandrine & Philippe
Owners of Chalet Mont Milo
What to visit around Briançon, in the Hautes-Alpes? The Vauban citadel, the Clarée valley, the Queyras or nearby Italy all make for great day trips. From our chalet rental in Serre Chevalier Valley, every one of these excursions is under an hour away.
☀️ 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 one of the most beautiful fortified towns in the Alps, just 5 minutes from Chalet Mont Milo.
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. Our weekly ritual, arrive early for the best cheese.
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 golden light lights up the ramparts, it's the best time to enjoy the old town with fewer visitors. Finish the visit with a cocktail at the Panorama Café, 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 is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the French Alps, 20 minutes from the family chalet in Serre Chevalier Valley.
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, timeless alpine hamlets, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Southern Alps.
The mountain lakes, the finest in the Hautes-Alpes
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. Waters of crystalline purity that mirror the peaks of the Cerces.
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, an hour away 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.
Craftspeople & producers of the Queyras
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 of our 8-person chalet rental. 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
Our insider address in Italy, Le Relais de la Poste in Cesana Torinese offers a generous 5-course menu, wine and coffee included, for just under 30 euros. Authentic Piedmontese cuisine, a family atmosphere, warm service, unbeatable value for money. An address we save for our guests.
Alpine art of living
