Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, cycling… few spots can match the mountain sports on offer in the pine-clad Clarée valley. It was here, in the town of Briançon that the Tour De France’s most gruelling stage was battled out in 2017, as cyclists took off into the dramatic alpine scenery, winding up switchback roads to the mighty mountaintop of Col d'Izoard. The views, the villages, it is a place that has it all, including a cracking little campsite.
Set directly on the banks of the river Clarée, six kilometres outside of Briançon itelf, Huttopia La Clarée is a well-established campsite that has only recently been taken over and refurbished by the Huttopia brand. The result is a 22-acre camping expanse, with pitches spread among shrubs and backing into the pine trees of the hills, while facilities, new and modern, include a swimming pool, family-friendly washrooms and a refurbished reception building with Wi-Fi, a shop and a small pizzeria.
The best camping spots are down by the waters edge, where you can pitch your tent overlooking the river. Glampers, meanwhile, can pluck for one of their ready-pitched canvas lodge options, with separate rooms, proper beds and a functional kitchen space.
If you’re not pedalling, paddling or plodding in the great outdoors, then roaming the pretty mountain villages is another way to pass the time. Nevache, Val-des-Près, La Vachette and Les Alberts are all well worth a visit, while Briançon’s medieval fortifications – Vauban – in the very heart of the city, are perhaps the most remarkable sight, built into the rocks of the slope and wonderfully well preserved. It was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 is just a 10-minute drive from the campsite.