Briançon and the Clarée Valley: 6 must-see spots to explore by van or motorhome

Discover Briançon, a vibrant mountain town, and the wild Clarée Valley, with its Vauban forts, preserved villages and breathtaking Alpine scenery. Perfect for road-trippers seeking authenticity and wide-open spaces.

By the Le Campeur editorial team · 15 September 2026

Perched at 1,300 metres, Briançon is France’s highest town. With its UNESCO-listed heritage, sun-drenched ramparts and the nearby Clarée Valley, where nature rules supreme, it’s an ideal playground for your van or motorhome. Pack your hiking boots, camera and a healthy dose of curiosity: here are 6 unmissable stops.

Briançon’s Upper Town

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Briançon’s old town charms with its cobbled streets, colourful houses and mountain atmosphere. Don’t miss the Saint-Vincent Cathedral and Vauban’s ramparts.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping du bois Albert Campsite ★ 4.6 Forest setting by the Clarée, spacious and shaded pitches. 6 min drive, rating 4.6. › Route des Queyret, Chantemerle, Saint-Chaffrey Motorhome area ★ 3.7 Free 40-space car park facing the slopes, quiet and sunny. 6 min drive, water point. › Durance riverside parking Val-des-Prés Parking ★ 4.6 Free car park by the Durance, toilets and swimming. 5 min drive, rating 4.7. › Le Désert, Briançon Motorhome area ★ 3.7 Dedicated area near the old town, €1 per night. 13 min walk, ideal for short stops. › Picnic table parking with Briançon view Puy-Saint-Pierre Parking ★ 4.8 Stunning views of Briançon and its fort, flat area. 16 min walk, peaceful at night. ›

Fort de Pont-de-l'Alpe

This 19th-century fort, part of Briançon’s defensive system, offers stunning views over the Durance Valley. Its military architecture and fascinating history make it well worth a visit.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping du bois Albert Campsite ★ 4.6 Nature campsite in forest, by river with lake. 4.6/5, 5 min drive (4 km). › Route des Queyret, Chantemerle, Saint-Chaffrey Motorhome area ★ 3.7 Free car park facing Serre-Chevalier slopes. 40 spaces, quiet and sunny, 7 min drive (6 km). › Le Désert, Briançon Motorhome area ★ 3.7 Dedicated municipal car park, free from 7pm to 9am. €1 per night otherwise, 4 min walk. › Quiet parking near the river in Saint-Chaffrey Parking ★ 4.8 Secluded riverside spot, shaded and cool. 4.8/5, 5 min drive (5 km). › Picnic table parking with Briançon view Puy-Saint-Pierre Parking ★ 4.8 Panoramic views of Briançon and its fort. Flat area, quiet at night, 28 min walk. ›

Clarée Valley

Ranked among France’s most beautiful natural sites, this wild valley is home to alpine pastures, forests and crystal-clear streams. Ideal for hiking or picnics by the water.

Where to sleep nearby

2400 m altitude car park Saint-Chaffrey Parking ★ 5 Spectacular views at 2,400 m, exceptional starry skies. 5 min drive (5 km), free and quiet. › Camping du bois Albert Campsite ★ 4.6 Nature campsite in forest, by river and small lake. 5 min drive (5 km), rating 4.6/5. › Aire de camping-cars Les Marmottes Motorhome area ★ 3.9 220-space area at the foot of Montgenèvre slopes. 7 min drive (7 km), €22 per night. › Durance riverside parking Val-des-Prés Parking ★ 4.6 Free car park by the Durance, dry toilets and swimming. 5 min drive (5 km), rating 4.7/5. › Camping Huttopia La Clarée Campsite ★ 3.4 Family forest campsite, heated pool and natural setting. 45 min walk, rating 3.6/5. ›

Névache

This typical village, nestled in the heart of the Clarée Valley, is famous for its wooden chalets and Baroque church. A peaceful setting for a gourmet break or a bike ride.

Where to sleep nearby

Névache entrance parking Parking ★ 3.9 Flat and quiet car park at village entrance. Toilets and drinking water 2 min walk. › Camping de la Lame Campsite ★ 3.6 Riverside campsite in the Clarée Valley. Token-operated showers, limited electricity (23 min walk). › Camping Valle Stretta Campsite ★ 3.8 Mountain campsite 6 km away, preserved natural setting. Ideal for hikers, rating 3.9 (6 min drive). › Parking by the river Névache Parking ★ 4 Free car park near the river, very quiet in the evening. Easy access to restaurants (5 min drive). › Large high-altitude parking Bardonecchia Parking ★ 4.5 Free car park with views over Bardonecchia Valley. Rating 4.8, 7 min drive (6 km). ›

Lac de l'Eychauda

Reachable after a 2-hour hike from Névache, this high-altitude lake with turquoise waters is a hidden gem. Perfect for a refreshing swim or a moment of relaxation against the mountain backdrop.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping les 2 Glaciers Campsite ★ 4.5 4.5/5 campsite in exceptional Alpine setting, stunning views. 6 min drive (6 km). › Aire de camping-car Le Monêtier-les-Bains Motorhome area ★ 3.9 New area with electricity, near ski lifts. €15 per night, 6 min drive (5 km). › Parking by the river Vallouise-Pelvoux Parking ★ 3.4 Spectacular free car park, glacier and river views. 5 min drive (5 km). › Camping d'Ailefroide Campsite ★ 4.4 Natural campsite in the heart of the Alps, direct glacier access. 4.4/5, 6 min drive (6 km). › Peyre Queyra, Pelvoux Motorhome area ★ 3.7 Quiet area off the beaten track, shaded and flat. €10 per night, 6 min drive (5 km). ›

Col de l'Izoard

This legendary pass, at 2,360 metres, is renowned for its lunar landscapes and hairpin bends. A must for lovers of scenic drives and cycling.

Where to sleep nearby

Campsite De L'Izoard Campsite ★ 4.6 Forest campsite at 1,800 m, ideal for hiking. Rating 4.6, 34 min walk. › Izoard Pass parking Cervières Parking ★ 3.9 Panoramic car park at Col d'Izoard, Alpine landscapes. Free, direct access. › Roadside parking with view Cervières Parking ★ 4.6 Spectacular views at 2,200 m, quiet at night. Free, 4 min walk. › Village entrance parking with toilets Arvieux Parking ★ 4.7 Village car park with toilets and water. Free, 6 min drive. › Free parking with nearby restaurant Arvieux Parking ★ 4.4 Flat asphalt near a restaurant, valley views. Free, 36 min walk. ›

See all spots on the map