Briançon is situated in a picturesque part of the French Alps. Ecrins National Parks sits about 10 kilometers away boasts some of the best mountain scenery in all of France. From the top of one of the national park’s various mountain peaks, expect immaculate views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers as well as views out over some of the Alps’ most iconic mountains, including Mont Blanc.
Country Code:
+33
Currency:
Euro
Language:
French
Best time to climb:
June to September
How to get there:
Any trip to Briançon likely begins with a flight into Turin Airport (TRN). From here, the town can be reached in just under two hours by car and a bit longer by bus
What’s the weather like?
During the summer, average daily temperatures in the park range from 15 ºC to 20 ºC, with temperatures often below freezing at the top of the mountains. Summer is also fairly dry, but thunderstorms can occur quickly
Briançon is an excellent starting point for all kinds of mountain climbing adventures. Situated about 10 kilometers away from Ecrins National Park, the idyllic town is a veritable playground for mountain climbers. The park, which is home to the famed Ecrins massif, boasts more than 45 different mountain peaks to climb. Aside from La Meije, ascents of many other peaks are also incredibly popular. Among the top destinations are Barre des Écrins (4,102 meters) and Ailefroide (3,954 meters), which are the highest and third highest peaks on the massif, respectively. Away from the national park, Briançon is also located just a few hours drive away from Monte Viso, the highest peak in the Cottian Alps in neighboring Italy. Boasting spectacular views and some excellent climbing, the peak is well-worth visiting if you have a few extra days
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