Briançon (pop. 11,287), chief town of the Briançonnais, is Europe's highest town, picturesquely situated at an altitude of 1,200-1,326 m/3,940-4,350ft above the junction of the Durance and the Guisane. It was fortified by Vauban in the 17th century as a stronghold guarding the frontier with Italy on the Col de Montgenèvre. In 1815 it withstood a
siege by Austrian forces 20 times superior in numbers, and in 1940 held out against Italian attacks.
Near Briançon are the winter sports resorts of Serre-Chevalier and Montgenèvre.
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