Southern French Alps
From Briançon to Serre-Ponçon: An Unforgettable Alpine Adventure by Rail
Your gateway to Alpine paradise
Escape the ordinary and let the rhythmic clatter of train wheels transport you to France's most spectacular mountain playground. The overnight Paris–Briançon sleeper train offers more than just transportation, it's your first taste of adventure, carrying you through the silence to awaken in a world of snow-capped peaks and pristine alpine air.
Regional TER ZOU! trains weave through this mountainous tapestry, connecting charming towns like Gap, Embrun, and Sisteron. Leave your car keys behind and embrace slow travel at its finest. Each station becomes your doorway to three magnificent natural parks: the wild Écrins, the diverse Mercantour, and the rugged Queyras.
Briançon: where history touches the sky
Step off the train and into a living postcard. This UNESCO World Heritage fortress town perches at 1,326 meters, making it one of Europe's highest cities. Wander cobblestone streets where Vauban's military genius still stands guard, then challenge yourself on legendary trails like the GR 54 Tour de l'Oisans or GR 58 Tour du Queyras. For the truly adventurous, legendary mountain passes like Izoard and Bonette await each curve revealing vistas that will haunt your dreams long after you return home.
Gap: the beating heart of the Alps
This vibrant mountain capital pulses with authentic French alpine life. Morning markets overflow with local honey, mountain cheeses, and wild herbs, while café terraces buzz with locals sharing stories over steaming bowls of café au lait. When wanderlust calls, hiking trails fan out directly from the city center no need for lengthy transfers or complicated logistics.
Embrun: medieval jewel by crystal waters
Time seems to slow in this enchanting medieval town, where ancient stone buildings reflect in the turquoise waters of Lake Serre-Ponçon. This vast alpine reservoir one of Europe's largest artificial lakes transforms the landscape into a stunning blend of Mediterranean blue and alpine majesty. Dive into refreshing mountain waters, glide across the surface on a paddleboard, or simply stroll the scenic shores where lavender-scented breezes carry the sound of church bells across the water.
Sisteron: gateway between worlds
Dramatically positioned where mountains surrender to Provence's rolling hills, Sisteron earned its nickname as the "Gateway to Provence" through centuries of strategic importance. Its imposing citadel crowns a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views where alpine peaks gradually give way to Mediterranean garrigue dotted with wild thyme and rosemary.
Sleep sustainably, wake refreshed
Your alpine adventure doesn't have to cost the earth. Choose from an inspiring network of eco-certified accommodations, traditional mountain refuges, and welcoming gîtes where sustainability meets comfort. Wake up to birdsong instead of traffic, breathe air so pure it tingles your lungs, and fall asleep under star-filled skies unmarred by city lights.
Discover more about the magic of the Southern French Alps.