Briancon, along with Jausiers, is one of the highest major
towns in the Alpes.There are many little villages that are higher. At 1200m altitude it is the starting point for biking many of the
mountain passes in the area. These include the Col du Lautaret, Col du
Galibier, Sestriere (a ski resort over the border in Italy), Col du Glandon, Col de la Madeliene. The road across
Col du Lautaret takes you to Le Bourg d’Oisans and Alpe-d’Huez. This is a
popular ski resort and a very famous climb in the Tour de France. Some chose to
spend the rest day riding their bikes to Italy (or at least trying to find the
Italian border).
After breakfast (croissant/coffee at the camp kiosk) I chose
the rest option and after attending to tent repairs, bike maintenance (new
brake pads) and washing, I went to the town of Briancon on my bike (2.5km from
camp) and bought a baguette (ham/cheese) at a boulangerie/coffee shop, then
rode up to the old Briancon town and took the obligatory tourist photos.
After buying postcards and cycling back to camp, I watched the German sprinter Andre Greipel win the 5
th stage
on the TDF on tele.
Dinner consisted of Steak/Frittes (a beef rissole and French fries and a hint of salad). Off early to bed to prepare for a big day tomorrow (Galibier)
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| memorial and gardens Briancon |
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| main street Briancon "Old Town" - a springwater drain runs in the middle |
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| Briancon "Old Town" |
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| Briancon "Old Town" |
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| Briancon "Old Town" |
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| Briancon "Old Town" |
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| Briancon "Old Town" |
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| Briancon "Old Town" |
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| Briancon "Old Town" |
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