Located in a geographically transitional zone, formed by the valley of the Durance on one side, and surrounding areas rising to elevations near 3000m, Embrun (870m), has a climate among the driest and sunniest of the Alps. This is the reason why it is rightly nicknamed the "Nice of the Alps", due to its temperate climate. Embrun is also surrounded by mountains, and unspoiled nature.
The town is included in the peripheral zone of Ecrins National Park, with fully equipped ski stations such as Les Orres, Vars-Risoul, Reallon Crévoux.
Embrun was the capital of the Alps during the Roman Empire, as an Ecclesiastical metropolis, it was the seat of a bishopric since the 4th century with Saint Marcellin, then Archbishop until the French Revolution. Later in the 17th century, it became a military town, fortified by Vauban.
The Embrunais (people of Embrun) are also known for their love for food, as there are numerous local products to enjoy.
Not to miss in Embrun
- Notre Dame du Réal Cathedral (12th and 13th centuries) : Perched on a rock, Notre-Dame du Réal Cathedral looks down on the town of Embrun. Built at the end of the 12th century, the building illustrates the transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic styles. The porch of lions, influenced by the Lombard masters, used to welcome the kings of France and pilgrims coming to pray to the Virgin.
- The Chanonges house (canons)
- The Brown Embrun Tour, a square donjon of the 12th century, the only remnant of the medieval wall
- The Archdiocese garden and the Archbishop walk, belvedere on the Durance waters and the surroundings of Embrun
- The lake, fed by the waters of the Durance, at the entrance of Serre-Ponçon Lake
- Abbey Boscodon (12th century), near Embrun : Set in a beautiful landscape surrounded by mountains, 1,150m above sea level, the abbey of Boscodon is a remarkable 12th century monument, a masterpiece of monastic religious art, with a pure Romanesque style reminiscent of primitive Cistercian art. Today the abbey is inhabited by a community of monks and nuns who manage the site and open its doors to the public.
- The Embrun internment camp 1940 - 1944
Getting there
Air:
- Turin (170 km)
- Marseille (210 km)
- Lyon (240 km)
Train:
- Paris-Embrun
- Marseille-Embrun
- Arrival at SNCF station Embrun
By car:
- From Grenoble: 140 km
- From Marseille: 210 km
- From Nice: 240 km
Services
Restaurants: There are numerous restaurants in Embrun and its surrounding areas
Accommodation: Please contact us for more information regarding your stay.
Visiting
The town: Guided tours of the town
Embrun Cathedral:
- The cathedral is open to the public all year round
- Winter: 8.45 am to 6.30 pm – Sundays: 10.00 amto 6.30 pm
- Summer: 8.45 am to 7.00 pm – Sundays: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
- Guided tour of Notre Dame du Réal Cathedral and its Treasury once a week during all school holidays
- Guided tours for groups available throughout the year
Special Events
- Cultural events, exhibitions, conferences, concerts, etc. throughout the year. See the programme on the website : www.tourisme-embrun.com (External link)