Briançon

Briançon
Name	Briançon
Arrondissement	Briançon
Canton	Briançon-1 and Briançon-2
Insee	05023
Postal code	05100
Mayor	Arnaud Murgia
Term	2020–2026
Elevation min m	1167
Elevation max m	2540
Area km2	28.07
Population	10740
Population date	2021

Briançon. It is a major commune in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. Renowned as the highest city in the country, its historic core, the Vauban-fortified *Ville Haute*, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site part of the "Fortifications of Vauban" listing. Strategically located in the Durance river valley near the Italian border, it serves as a principal gateway to the Col du Montgenèvre and the Serre Chevalier ski area.

History

The site's strategic importance was recognized early, with the Roman province establishing a station named *Brigantio* along the road to the Alpes Cottiae. By the Middle Ages, it gained prominence under the Dauphin of Viennois and later became part of the Kingdom of France following the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht. Fearing Savoyard and Habsburg incursions, Louis XIV commissioned his military engineer Vauban to design an extensive network of fortifications, including the Fort des Têtes and the Fort du Randouillet. The town endured a siege in 1815 by Austrian and Sardinian forces during the Hundred Days. In the 20th century, it was a center for the French Resistance during the Second World War.

Geography

Situated at the confluence of the Durance and the Guye rivers, the commune occupies a narrow valley in the Cottian Alps. Its territory extends to the summit of the Pointe des Cerces and borders the Écrins National Park. The climate is alpine, with significant snowfall feeding the Serre Chevalier domain. The Col du Montgenèvre pass provides a direct route into the Italian region of Piedmont. The landscape is characterized by steep slopes, larch forests, and high-altitude pastures, with the Briançonnais region being a noted geological province.

Demographics

The population has remained relatively stable in recent decades, with a slight increase attributed to its role as a subprefecture and tourist hub. The arrondissement of Briançon is one of the least densely populated in France. Historically, the area saw seasonal migration for work, known as the tradition of the "Briançonnese chimney sweeps". Today, the demographic profile includes a mix of long-established families and newer arrivals attracted by employment in tourism and public administration centered around institutions like the Communauté de communes du Briançonnais.

Economy

The economy is overwhelmingly oriented towards tourism, anchored by the Serre Chevalier ski resort, one of the largest in the French Alps. Summer activities include hiking, mountaineering, and cycling, with the town frequently hosting stages of the Critérium du Dauphiné and being near the route of the Tour de France. Light industry and craft trades are present, alongside a significant public sector due to its administrative functions for the department. The local market and retail sector cater heavily to visitors and residents of the surrounding valleys.

Culture and heritage

The *Ville Haute* is a remarkable ensemble of steep, narrow streets and houses with characteristic external staircases, protected as a *Secteur sauvegardé*. Key monuments include the Collégiale Notre-Dame and the Fontaine des Suisses. The Fort des Salettes and the Communication Y are standout examples of Vauban's military architecture. The town hosts the annual international meeting of mountain cinema, the Rencontres internationales du cinéma des Alpes. Local traditions are celebrated through events like the Fête du Roi de l'Oiseau in neighboring Le Puy.

Administration

Briançon is a subprefecture, housing the administrative offices for the Arrondissement of Briançon. The commune is divided between the cantons of Briançon-1 and Briançon-2. It is the seat of the Communauté de communes du Briançonnais, an intercommunal structure. The current mayor is Arnaud Murgia. The town also hosts a branch of the Université Grenoble Alpes and a detachment of the Army's 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade.

Category:Communes of Hautes-Alpes Category:Subprefectures in France Category:Vauban fortifications in France