Briançon Walking Holidays
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Welcome to walking in Briançon
- Gateway to the Écrins National Park - the highest in Europe
- A UNESCO World Heritage citadel sitting at 1,326m
- Mountain lakes, dramatic gorges, and some of the Alps’ finest summits
At 1,326m, Briançon is one of France's highest towns - perched above the confluence of five valleys and crowned by the UNESCO Vauban citadel.
Briançon hiking holidays put you at the gateway to the Écrins National Park, Europe's highest. It also unlocks access to the Serre Chevalier valley for some of the most dramatic walking terrain in the Alps - we're talking everything from strolls through ancient stone villages to some serious high-alpine routes in the Écrins massif.
The Prorel gondola lifts you above the citadel to the panoramic Notre Dame des Neiges chapel walk, while the Ratier gondola at Chantemerle unlocks the wider Serre Chevalier trail network. And, for those wanting bigger days, the Refuge du Glacier Blanc sits beneath a 3,000m+ glacier - one of the most rewarding and accessible high-alpine hikes in France.
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How to get around Briançon
How our self-guided Briançon walking holidays work:
Our self-guided trips let you set your own pace, from the length of your stay, to how far you walk each day. But if you’re used to group or guided holidays, you might be wondering how you’ll get around? Well, it’s easy…
Getting to and around town:
Your airport transfer is included with your trip. Once there, you’ll find Briançon a historic town with cobbled streets and ramparts of the Cité Vauban that are easy to explore on foot. Trails into the surrounding valleys fan out from the edge of the old town in every direction.
Getting to your walks and hikes:
The Prorel gondola departs from central Briançon, giving easy access to the panoramic trails above the citadel. Buses connect Briançon to the Chantemerle and Villeneuve gondola stations in the Serre Chevalier valley, opening up a much wider trail network.
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FAQs about Briançon hiking holidays
Your questions answered by our Briançon walking holiday expert
Can I still access Briançon's lift and gondolas in the summer?
Yes, you can. Briançon's lifts and gondolas still operate throughout the summer months, provided conditions are safe and favourable, and many of the mountain huts are still operational, so you can grab a bite to eat while savouring those epic mountain views.
When do Briançon's lifts and gondolas run during summer?
Prorel Gondola (Briançon)
- Operating times: 09:00 – 17:00
- Open: 20th June 2026
- Closes: 30th August 2026
Ratier Gondola (Chantemerle / Serre Chevalier)
- Operating times: 09:00 – 17:00
- Opens: Late June 2026
- Closes: Late August 2026
A quick "Mountain Rule of Thumb": Last ascent is usually 15–30 minutes before the official closing time, and Last descent is the very last cabin down. If you miss it, it’s a long walk back!
Can I hire a mountain guide on my Briançon walking holiday?
Yes, you can. Though these are not currently bookable via the Heidi website, you can enquire and book with the local tourist office, or visit their website. We recommend enquiring early to ensure availability.
What does the Briançon summer card give me?
Briançon's Explor' Pass gives you 6 days of unlimited lift and gondola access - fantastic for reaching high-altitiude hikes without the huffy-puffy ascent.
In addition, you get one free Giant Tyrolienne zipline descent, 3 runs on a mountain kart or downhill scooter, and a whole host of other exclusive discounts and offers.
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