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.
In Briançon, to the northeast of the newer district of Ste-Catherine, built on the slopes above the valley, is the old town or Ville Haute with its triple circuit of walls. The church of Notre-Dame (1718) was also designed by Vauban.
With a fine collection of high altitude plants, this garden - Station Alpine du Lautaret is one of the highest gardens in Europe. It is of particular interest to those interested in examining a variety of plants grown mainly for a high altitude environment.
Col de Lautaret in the French Alps.
Address: Station Alpine du Lautaret, Col du Lautaret, F-05220 Monetier-Les-Bains, France