Embrun

Visit Embrun, Provence

Embrun is a town about 30 kilometres east of Gap in the Hautes-Alpes department of France (in the Provence region), sitting on a cliff above the Durance river and below Mont Guillame.

This attractive location has led to parts of the town and surrounding countryside being over-developed but the town has retained its historical centre and there are some interesting sights to discover.

Explore Embrun

Start a visit in the centre of the old town, around the Place Barthelon - home to the town hall and some shady cafes - and the surrounding streets.

Strolling through the streets, many pedestrianised, you will discover a typical Provencal town, plenty of shops and cafes, buildings of historical interest painted in pastel shades, and a variety of architectural highlights and decorative old fountains in unspoiled little squares.

The most important historical monuments in Embrun are the Cathedral Notre Dame du Réal and surrounding streets. The Lombardy style cathedral is especially impressive, above all for its unique decorative facade with a large central 'rose' window, but be sure to enter to see the fine organs and the treasury.

The adjacent 13th century square donjon - the Tour Brune - was once part of the defensive walls of Embrun.

Other highlights of note in Embrun include the Archbishop's garden and walk to a viewpoint across the river, and the understated beauty of the 13th century Maison des Chanonges (decorated only with a carving of a lion eating a goat).

Attractions nearby

Embrun is at the eastern end of the popular leisure lake of Lac de Serre Poncon, and conveniently placed for excursions into the mountains.

See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Hautes-Alpes (the region and department for Embrun) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Embrun: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*;

Suggested places to visit near Embrun, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Ecrins National Park 41km; Colmars-les-Alpes 44km; Serre Chevalier 47km;

Embrun tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Lac de Serre-Poncon - site of natural beauty (13km) : Place Forte de Mont-Dauphin - national monument (15km) : Col d'Allos - site of natural beauty (31km) : Queyras - regional natural parc (33km) : Domaine de Charance - remarkable garden (35km) : Col de la Bonette - site of natural beauty (36km) : Poligny - town of art and history (38km) : Col de la Cayolle - site of natural beauty (39km) :

See more places and a map at places near Embrun