Walking in the Brianconnais
40 walking routes in the French Alps exploring high mountain landscapes near Briançon
By Andrew McCluggage
Guidebook of 40 walks around Briançon in France. Walks for all abilities ranging from 1½ to 7hrs. The book focuses on the stunning valleys of Clarée, Cerveyrette, Ayes, Durance and Guisane, and includes the magnificent Alpine landscapes around Vallouise and Montgenèvre.
Seasons
From May to October. Some high peaks and cols will be snow-covered until late June and the main walking season therefore runs from the middle/end of June to the end of September.
Centres
Briançon, La Grave, Le Monetier-les-Bains, Montgenèvre, Névache, Vallouise
Difficulty
All abilities are catered for. Walks from 1½ to 7hrs graded easy, medium, hard or very hard.
Must See
5 stunning valleys around Briançon - Clarée, Cerveyrette, Ayes, Durance and Guisane; magnificent Alpine landscapes around Vallouise and Montgenèvre; beautiful peaks, lakes and valleys; historic hill forts.
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Overview
The 40 walks in this guidebook explore the stunning landscapes around Briançon. Walks range from 4 to 21km, and cover the valleys of Clarée, Cerveyrette, Ayes, Durance and Guisane, as well as the area around Vallouise and Montgenèvre. All the routes are circular and graded from easy to very hard, so there is a walk to suit all abilities.
Alongside detailed route descriptions and maps, the guidebook provides practical advice on when to visit and the best bases for exploring the region. There are notes on plants and wildlife, and information on the many hill forts in the area. Stunning photographs add to the appeal of this informative guide.
The Briançonnais is a stunning mountain wilderness packed with snow-capped peaks, idyllic valleys, pastures full of wildflowers, sparkling alpine lakes, historic hill forts and a labyrinth of quiet paths. With a rural charm and a milder climate than the northern Alps, it is a region ripe for discovery, and this guide is the perfect place to start. -
Contents
Contents
Introduction
Valleys of the Briançonnais and Montgenèvre
History
Wildlife
Pastous
Plants and flowers
Getting there
Getting around
Weather
When to go
Where to base yourself
Accommodation
Safety
Food and drink
Via ferrata
What to take
Maps
Using this guide
Clarée Valley
Walk 1 Col de Dormillouse
Walk 2 Fort de l’Olive and Fort de Lenlon
Walk 3 Col des Thures
Walk 4 Lac Noir
Walk 5 Refuge de Buffère by the Côte Rouge
Walk 6 Pic du Lac Blanc, Lac Laramon and Lac du Serpent
Walk 7 Col des Muandes
Walk 8 Tour of the Massif des Cerces
Montgenèvre
Walk 9 Le Chenaillet
Walk 10 Fort du Gondran
Walk 11 Mont Chaberton
Cerveyrette Valley
Walk 12 Alp du Pied
Walk 13 Fort de la Lausette and the Peygus
Walk 14 Col de Bousson
Walk 15 Lac des Cordes
Ayes Valley
Walk 16 Lac du Plan Vallon
Walk 17 Col des Ayes
Walk 18 Fort de la Croix de Bretagne and la Grande Maye
Walk 19 Lac de l’Orceyrette
Durance Valley
Walk 20 Lac Palluel and Lac Faravel
Walk 21 Lac de Fangeas
Walk 22 Dormillouse High Circuit
Walk 23 Crête de la Rortie
Walk 24 La Grande Cabane
Walk 25 La Blanche
Walk 26 Chapelle St Hippolyte
Walk 27 Croix de la Salcette
Walk 28 Cime de la Condamine
Walk 29 La Croix d’Aquila
Guisane Valley
Walk 30 Briançon and Fort des Salettes
Walk 31 La Croix de Toulouse
Walk 32 Circuit of le Grand Area
Walk 33 La Grande Peyrolle by the Crête de Peyrolle
Walk 34 Grand Lac de l’Oule
Walk 35 La Cime des Conchiers
Walk 36 Lac de Combeynot
Walk 37 Les Arêtes de la Bruyère
Walk 38 L’Aiguillette du Lauzet Circuit
Walk 39 Lacs du Glacier d’Arsine
Walk 40 Plateau d’Emparis
Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Hill forts
Appendix C Useful contacts
Appendix D Bibliography and further reading -
Updates
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Reviews
Cicerone's hiking guides never fail to disappoint
Cicerone's hiking guides never fail to disappoint, and this new addition is no exception. The French Alps are perfect for getting your adventure fix when you don't have the means to travel too far, and the hiking opportunities are fantastically varied. The 40 walks detailed here can all be found in the tranquil and lesser-known Brianconnais, where you'll find the highest city in France nestled among realms of pretty, snow-dusted peaks and ethereal wildflower meadows. Each circular route includes a detailed map, full description of the route and a summary to help you select routes based on your ability and hiking preferences, with something for everyone to choose from.
Adventure Travel magazine
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Andrew McCluggage
Andrew McCluggage was born in Northern Ireland where he still lives with his wife and two children. A hill-walking and mountain biking fanatic, he spends a large part of his time in the Briançonnais. After two decades as a corporate lawyer, he decided to do something more interesting and started writing walking guides.
You can follow Andrew on Instagram and facebook: @knifeedgeoutdoor
