# Briançon

A ski-resort, which is listed on UNESCO’s world heritage sites, can be located in only one place in the whole of france, namely in Briançon, the second highest town in Europe. The historical town with an altitude of 1326m owes its status to its famous fortifications, which are a part of France’s 12 Fortifications of Vauban; named after the master builder of Ludwig XIV, Sebastian Le Prestre de Vauban.

Even today the historical part of the city, the so-called Cité Vauban, also known as the upper city, dominates the original garrison city. The erection of the remarkable fortification began here at the start of the 18th century.

In the middle of the fortification lies the Fort des Trois Têtes, which can also be visited. The fort is connected to the old town with the historical bridge „Pont d’Asfeld“, which crosses the Durance gorge. A further passageway called „Communcation Y“ leads, in contrast to this, directly to the Fort du Randouillet. 2 further forts and a circular rampart complete the ensemble, in common with the old town of Briancon, which is also called Gargouille. This picturesque district with its small alleyways owes its name to the identically named water channel from the middle ages, which still runs through the old quarter today and along which run the majority of shops, hotels, bars and restaurants.

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