Briançon (France)

In the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region in the south of France is the highest city in the EU - Briancon. The city lies at an altitude of 1326 meters only 15 km from the Italian border. Briançon is famous for its old city center and is a fortified town built by Vauban to protect its people against the Austrians in the area.

The streets of Briancon are very steep and narrow but picturesque. In 2008, several buildings were part of the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Fortifications of Vauban". The town is surrounded by several forts, all worth visiting. Briancon also has an ancient church, Notre Dame et Saint Nicolas dating back to 1705. Other attractions include the old coal mines, the Fountain of Sighs, the maison du Temple and La France, a beautiful bronze monument. Briancon is very lively with many restaurants, bars and nightlife so if you're looking for apres-ski, this is the place to be. There is also an extensive spa, several cinemas, a theater and a casino so you won't get bored on your ski holidays. The ski resort of Serre Chevalier with its extensive ski area is located nearby and can easily and quickly be reached by ski bus. Briancon is a great choice for those who like to combine their ski holidays with some cultural activities.