Language immersion experience brianÇon
Expand your French fluency during an immersion experience in Briançon through local interaction, study, and cultural experiences.
What people have said
Full immersion in the French language and local culture in Briançon
is an experience like nowhere else.
"All in all it was a fantastic week in a spectacular mountain setting, with Briancon being a lovely historic town." (Kirsty)
"I liked the fact that everything was centered on Briançon—the history, geography, and natural history—and that you connected the classroom lessons with the field trips." (Jenny)
"The course was a perfect mix of study and cultural visits in a stunning environment. "(Valerie)
About Briançon and its astonishing surroundings
Celebrating Nature, people, history and culture
Asfeld Bridge, old town Briançon
Briançon in the past
A land of passage in the Middle Ages, at the crossroads of five valleys, the Briançonnais was then part of the vast Dauphiné region. In 1343, it introduced a system of governance that was unprecedented at the time, the "Escartons", an original social organisation that gave the valleys a degree of management autonomy.
Briançon was the capital of the Escartons and the heart of important trades and fairs as well as a crucial passage for armies. It became a fortified town in the 14th century. In the 17th century, Vauban, a military architect, transformed the city into a fortified and garrison town.
Briançon became guard of the border in the following centuries with the construction of a true barrier of forts. A strong religious presence shaped the Ville Haute.
Rue de Roche, old town Briançon
Briançon today
Situated at an altitude of 1326m, it’s the second highest town in Europe after Davos in Switzerland. It is situated 30 minutes away by road from the Italian border.
Nestling at the foot of the Ecrins National Park and the Queyras Nature Reserve, Briançon has peaks of over 4000 m. The mountain landscape is omnipresent, dominating the urban landscape.Briançon is on UNESCO's World Heritage List for its Vauban fortifications, mountain military architecture unique in Europe.
After mountain sports, heritage is one of the main tourist attractions for the town, which can see its population of 11,950double in Winter and Summer.The people of Briançonnais cultivate well-being and the art of mountain lifestyle. The region's climate has a lot to do with it: 300 days of sunshine a year - the equivalent of Nice - and crystal-clear air, which has forged its reputation as one of the best places in the world to enjoy the climate.
Mountains around Briançon
Accomodation
There is a whole range of possibilities in Briançon itself (hotels, Airbnb, studios, apartments, chalets) and also out of town, provided you have transport.
If you wish to stay in Briançon, there is no need for transport, everything is within walking distance (but it is steep!).
Organising accommodation will be your responsibility entirely.
How to get to Briancon
Briançon is remarkably accessible by public transport given its geographical situation.
Except for the sleeper train, most journeys will take between 4 or 5 hours. These are a great way to get an idea of the regions you go through to arrive in the second highest town in Europe!
Note that all travel arrangements to and from Briançon will be your responsibility entirely.
- By train : a sleeper train takes you directly from Paris to Briançon.
- By train from Marseille to Briançon
- By bus from Marseille to Briançon
- By bus from Lyon airport to Briançon via Grenoble
- By bus from Grenoble airport to Briançon
- By train, then bus from Turin in Italy
Except for the sleeper train, most journeys will take between 4 or 5 hours. These are a great way to get an idea of the regions you go through to arrive in the second highest town in Europe!
Note that all travel arrangements to and from Briançon will be your responsibility entirely.