Walking in the Brianconnais - Andrew McCluggage

Walk in the Briançonnais and discover one of the French Alps' most rewarding yet lesser-known mountain regions, where five spectacular valleys radiate out from the historic fortress town of Briançon through landscapes of snow-capped peaks, wildflower meadows, sparkling alpine lakes, and ancient hill forts. With a milder climate than the northern Alps and a wealth of quiet paths, the Briançonnais is a region ripe for discovery. Suitable for walkers of all abilities, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook describes 40 circular walks around Briançon, covering the valleys of Clarée, Cerveyrette, Ayes, Durance, and Guisane, as well as the magnificent alpine landscapes around Vallouise and Montgenèvre. Routes range from 4 to 21km and take between 1.5 and 7 hours to complete, with walks graded from easy to very hard. Choose from 40 circular walks in the Briançonnais, exploring five stunning valleys and the high mountain terrain around Vallouise and Montgenèvre, with routes taking in alpine lakes, historic hill forts, flower-filled pastures, and some of the finest ridge walking in the southern French Alps. Plan your Briançonnais walking holiday for the ideal season, with guidance on local conditions showing why mid-June to the end of September offers the best walking weather, when high cols and peaks are clear of snow and the valleys are at their most beautiful. Benefit from clear grading and detailed route descriptions for every walk in the Briançonnais, with routes rated from easy to very hard, 1:50,000 maps included for each route, and practical information covering distance, walking time, and terrain to help you choose routes suited to your ability. Find practical holiday planning advice for the Briançonnais, with notes on the best bases including Briançon, Névache, Le Monêtier-les-Bains, and Vallouise, plus comprehensive information on accommodation, food and drink, getting there, and getting around the region. Deepen your experience of the Briançonnais with sections on the region's geology, history, wildlife, plants and flowers, and the fascinating network of historic hill forts that punctuate the high ground around Briançon. Plan your French Alps walking adventure with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. Immerse yourself in the wild valleys, high peaks, and alpine landscapes of the Briançonnais, one of the southern French Alps' most beautiful and accessible walking destinations.