Briancon & UNESCO


Following an attack on France in the summer of 1692, the then King, Louis the Louis XIVth, sent his military engineer and architect, Vauban, to build fortifications around the town of Briancon and on the surrounding mountains to prevent enemies from occupying them.

To celebrate the 300th anniversary of Vauban’s death, his works have been awarded the coverted UNESCO status in 12 sites across France including the town of Briancon in the Hautes Alpes.

At the heart of Brainçon is the fortified old town, dominated by the Fort du Chateau. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2008, the medieval town dates to around 800 BC. Its imposing forts and defences, much enlarged from 1700 under the direction of renowned military architect Vauban, give the town an enchanting feel and are well worth exploring. At 1320m it is the second highest city in Europe giving it a unique architectural style.

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