The military architecture of the region is, perhaps, its biggest attraction. The Fort des Tetes, the Pont d’Asfeld, town fortifications, the Communication Y, the Fort Dauphin, Sere de Riviere, the Ford des Gondrans, the Fort de la croix de Bretagne, and many more – the Vauban fortresses are truly spectacular and unique, so no wonder why they are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If architectural wonders do not attract you that much, simply explore the local flora and fauna. Glaciers, pine forests, rocks, and humid zones – wild nature near Briancon has all these and more. Naturally, the diversified environment is home to various species of animals. Head to guided tours to see local fauna in full splendor. Ermines, marmots, and voles are just some of the typical animals of the region. It is also possible to see rare Apollon butterflies and hear cries of nutcrackers in local silver pine forests. If you decide to make a hiking tour to the mountains and are lucky enough, you may see some predator birds, such as the peregrine falcon and golden eagle. These birds nest on rocky cliffs. Go a bit down, to steep rocky gradients, so see white partridge and alpine ibex.
These are not all exciting activities that visitors in Briancon may be interested in. The region has a rich mining heritage – last mines closed here only in the 60s of the previous century. Now, these abandoned mines attract numerous tourists who come to see old equipment, much of which belongs to the 19th century. Mountain rivers of the region are also suitable for rafting.
Travelers with children will enjoy a visit to Grimp’in Forest – a forest camp with various amusements, escape routes, and rope ladders. Do not plan to spend just a few hours because the park is so interesting that you will want to spend a whole day there. There are many entertaining activities for children of different age and their parents. When you are tired head to the picnic area to relax and enjoy some food. Attentive staff speaks at least two languages and has safety of visitors as the main priority. All trails are marked with different colors, ranging from green (easy) to black (the hardest).
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