A beautiful but windy walk over Col des Thures brought us to Nevache where thundershowers nudged us on to a bus headed to Briancon to avoid getting soaked. This means we pick up an extra rest day to explore this historic walled fortress city. We bypassed the strategic Col de Montgenevre where Napolean, Charles VIII, Charlemagne, and Caesar marched their armies back and forth across. Sorry Caesar, we're goin' to Briancon!Briancon is dramatically perched on top of cliffs high in the mountains. 300 years ago when informed that neighboring Savoie's army was poaching territory, Louis XIV dispatched Vaubaun, his military architect and engineer to build a fort to guard France's eastern frontier. Today, Savoie is a French provence and Briancon the second
highest major city in Europe after Davos. It's also home to an impressive cathedral. As if Louis added, "Vaubaun, build a big church too - those guys in the mountains are major heathens!"
We luckily found the charming and inexpensive Pension des Ramparts located within the city walls. A scene out of an old French movie, the pension had the basics: petit dejeuner and an afternoon crowd gathered around the bar watching the Tour de France. A great place to explore, kick back, and relax!
highest major city in Europe after Davos. It's also home to an impressive cathedral. As if Louis added, "Vaubaun, build a big church too - those guys in the mountains are major heathens!"
We luckily found the charming and inexpensive Pension des Ramparts located within the city walls. A scene out of an old French movie, the pension had the basics: petit dejeuner and an afternoon crowd gathered around the bar watching the Tour de France. A great place to explore, kick back, and relax!
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