Cité Vauban: A Fortress City in the Alps
Explore Cité Vauban, a UNESCO site in Briançon: Discover 17th-century military architecture and stunning Alpine views in this historic fortress city.
Cité Vauban, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Briançon, France, is a remarkable example of 17th-century military architecture designed by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban. This fortified city, perched high in the Alps, offers visitors a glimpse into France's military past and stunning panoramic views.
A brief summary to Cité Vauban
- 1 Prte de Pignerol, Briançon, 05100, FR
- +33492202949
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestone streets and exploring the ramparts.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the mountain climate can change rapidly.
- Visit the Heritage Department at Porte de Pignerol for information on guided tours and events.
- Explore the shops and restaurants within the Cité Vauban to experience local culture and cuisine.
- Take advantage of the panoramic views from the ramparts for memorable photo opportunities.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Briançon train station, head north on Avenue de la République. Turn left onto Rue de la République and continue towards the old town. Cité Vauban is located at 1 Prte de Pignerol, approximately a 10-minute walk. This route is straightforward and allows you to explore the town.
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Public Transport
Briançon has a local bus network called AltiGo. Several bus lines serve the Cité Vauban area. Check the AltiGo website or local bus stops for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single bus ticket costs around €2. The main stops on the AltiGo network - Champ de Mars, Gare SNCF, Espace Sud and Place de l'Europe - provide regular connections throughout the day.
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Parking
If driving, parking is available outside the Cité Vauban. Parking in the city center is charged from Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 7 PM, and is free on Sundays and public holidays. There are several outdoor parking areas and three underground parking garages. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €3.2 for 3 hours. For residents, monthly parking passes are available for €25.
Discover more about Cité Vauban
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sestriere Skiing Hill
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Uappala Sestriere
19.2 km
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Olympic Village in Sestriere
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Hotel Savoy Sestriere
19.5 km
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Marmotta di Sestriere
19.6 km
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Colle Sestriere
19.6 km
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Sestriere - Ufficio del Turismo
19.7 km
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Residence Nube d'Argento
21.1 km
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Parc national des Écrins
30.9 km
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Rifugio Levi - Molinari
31.0 km
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Rifugio Luigi Vaccarone
35.4 km
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Refuge des Glaciers Alt:3200m
36.2 km
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Colle delle Finestre
36.9 km
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Le Diable au Cœur
40.5 km
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Roman Amphitheatre
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Unmissable attractions to see
Fontaine dite Persens
0.3 km
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Via Ferrata Croix De Toulouse
0.4 km
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La Schappe
0.6 km
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Three Heads Fort
0.8 km
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Fresque Gloire à l'alpinisme
0.9 km
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Le Bas Monetier
1.0 km
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Fort de la Lausette
7.0 km
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Départ sur la piste Forêt
7.5 km
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Tyrolienne Géante Serre Chevalier
7.5 km
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Serre Chevalier
7.5 km
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Puy La Salle
8.0 km
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Villeneuve (Serre Chevalier)
8.8 km
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Départ clos Gauthier
9.4 km
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Fort de Lenlon
9.5 km
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Croix de la Salcette
9.6 km
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Essential places to dine
Restaurant les Ecrins
0.2 km
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Le Relais du Pelvoux
12.9 km
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Appart'hôtel & Restaurant Le Glacier Blanc
12.9 km
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Restaurant Le cadran solaire
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Ristorante Du Grand Pere
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Refuge du Pré de Madame Carle
18.1 km
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La Cioca
18.4 km
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Bar Ristorante Monte Rotta
18.6 km
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Ristorante Colombiere
19.0 km
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Ristorante Misun La Font
19.1 km
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Trattoria La Rognosa
19.1 km
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Last Tango Ristorante Grill
19.1 km
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Osteria BarbaSel
19.2 km
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La Vineria Del Colle
19.4 km
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GranDuca Sestriere Ristorante
19.5 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
La Trouvaille
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Le Loup et L'Agneau
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Bleu Marine
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La Boutique
0.8 km
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King Jouet Boutique
0.8 km
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Casa Cosy
0.9 km
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Marlie Concept Store
1.0 km
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La Vie Claire
1.1 km
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Centre Commercial Grand'Boucle
1.2 km
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VIVAL-Casino
13.4 km
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King's
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L'atelier-Boutique
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La Cave Du Barbu
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8 À 8
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Librairie Presse de la Vallouise
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rooftop La Coquille
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ICE ROCK CAFÉ Hôtel /Restaurant /Bar
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Le Monde d'Après - Brewpub
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L' Alpen
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Teleca Bar
19.0 km
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Tabata
19.5 km
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Black Pepper
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Spotti Bar Sestriere
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Sassy Lounge
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Sestriere Cafe' S.R.L.
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Bar dell'orologio
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Biboski
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Robe Di Kappa Cafè
19.5 km
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Baraldo
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Le Bistrot
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