Embrun was built on an 80-metre-high puddingstone rock and overlooks the Durance. There are two distinct areas to focus on during a stay: the historic town centre with its buildings, and the Plan d’eau with its paths and water sports. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you’d rather explore the heritage sites or make time for activities on the water.
Old Town and Architectural History
In the old town, centuries-old buildings stand alongside houses with overhanging upper storeys dating from the 14th century and Renaissance houses. Portals, fountains, Lombard arcades and sculptures add to the historic streetscape. This variety reflects different styles and periods rather than focusing on a single architectural style. The historic centre is protected as a Site Patrimonial Remarquable.
The Maison des Chanonges is Embrun’s oldest civic building. It dates from the 13th century and has been listed as a historic monument since 1988. Since 2007, it has housed the Maison du Patrimoine de l’Embrunais, an interpretation centre dedicated to the heritage of the Embrunais. At Cathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Réal, Lombard-inspired architecture combines black slate with white limestone. The Tour Brune is a former keep of the archbishops of Embrun, whose construction began in the late 12th century.
Promenades and Landscape
The Promenade du bord du Roc is a scenic walking route from the cathedral through the gardens of the archbishop’s palace to the town walls. There are orientation and information signs along the way. The palace garden is now open to the public. The former archbishop’s palace has been listed as a historic monument since 20 September 2005; the listing also covers the ground of its eastern and western courtyards.
Between the Durance and the foot of the Roc lies the Plaine du Roc, a protected Natura 2000 site that is suitable for walking and jogging. Another option is the Tour du plan d’eau: it runs between the Plan d’eau and the Durance’s natural riverbed, is completely flat and accessible to everyone. You can start this route in the centre of Embrun, at the Tour Brune car park.
Plan d’eau and Activities
The Plan d’eau d’Embrun covers 27 hectares. Activities there include sailing, rowing, canoeing and kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and other leisure pursuits. The “Au Fil de l’Eau” path runs for 2.6 kilometres around the lake. Combining water-based activities with a circular route offers different ways to experience this part of Embrun.
The Mini Golf du plan d’eau d’Embrun features a landscaped garden with cascades, pools and rock fountains. Operating details vary by season, so check the information before visiting. Another cultural option is the guided tour “Embrun, coeurs et âmes”, which ends at the former church of Saint-Donat. Its availability depends on the current programme.
Choose Embrun as Your Place to Stay
If you’re looking for a hotel in Embrun, you can decide in advance what to focus on during your stay: the old town and its architectural history, walking paths around the Roc, or water sports at the Plan d’eau. The Plan d’eau is two kilometres from the town centre and is served by a free hybrid shuttle. As shuttle arrangements may change, check the latest information before planning to use it.
Discover more destinations: Névache, Le Poët, Aspremont, Ceillac, Laragne-Montéglin, Ribiers, Laye, Sigoyer.
For the regional travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.
