L'Argentiere-la-Bessee travel guide
Visit L'Argentiere-la-Bessee (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France)
Book a visitThe village of Argentiere - and the associated silver mines of L'Argentiere-la-Bessee - are located in the Fournal Valley surrounded by mountains to the south-west of Briancon. Note: there is also a town called Argentiere near Chamonix, so pay attention if you use a GPS to get here!
Explore L'Argentière-la-Bessée
France This Way review: the majority of visitors come here for the scenery and outdoor attractions, and to visit the silver mines, rather than to visit the town
Silver mines
During the second half of the 19th century, the town was a very busy centre, due to the silver mines found here. The silver mining started with the Romans and continued until the start of the 20th century, with a brief resurgence due to aluminium mining. By 1910 all mining activity had stopped.
It is only in recent years that the mines have been reopened, this time as a tourist attraction, and you can now visit the mines and also see the tools and methods used for the silver mining in the associated museum, a popular and interesting tour that takes about two hours (not suitable for small children or people with limited mobility because quite a lot of slopes and steps are involved).
Argentière-la-Bessée town
In the town of L'Argentiere-la-Bessee you can see the 16th century Church of Saint-Apollinaire on the banks of the Durance river, especially known for the 16th century frescoes on the walls. The other main religious monument here is the 12th century Chapel Saint-Jean, in an attractive hillside setting and built on the site of a much older church.
There are also a sprinkling of traditional old buildings and farmhouses around the village.
Activities in the region
During the winter Argentiere is better known as a ski resort, and all year around it acts as a gateway to the Ecrins National Park with many opportunities for hiking, canoeing, rock-climbing and outdoor sports in the mountains.
You can find more travel ideas in the Hautes-Alpes guide and the Provence guide.
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Hotels in L'Argentiere-la-Bessee
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Map of L'Argentiere-la-Bessee and places nearby
Visit near L'Argentiere-la-Bessee with France This Way reviews
Briancon
The town of Briancon is best known for its extensive Vauban fortifications, and also has lots to discover in its old town
Briancon guide
Mont-Dauphin
The fortified mountain town of Briancon, one of the highest towns in Europe, is dominated by its historic fortifications
Mont-Dauphin guide
Serre Chevalier
Serre-Chevalier is an extensive alpine ski region, based around Briancon and incorporating many resorts and villages
Serre Chevalier guide
Ecrins National Park
Ecrins National Park is a very popular and very scenic National Park in the heart of the French Alps
Ecrins National Park guide
Nevache
The picturesque mountain village of Nevache is well placed to explore the scenic Vallée de la Clarée
Nevache guide
Embrun
The historic centre of Embrun is usually visited at the same time as the leisure lake of Lac de Serre Poncon
Embrun guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Hautes-Alpes
Tourist classifications for L'Argentiere-la-Bessee
L'Argentiere-la-Bessee is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: L'Argentiere-la-Bessee, Briancon, Provence, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.7953, longitude 6.56
Plan your visit to L'Argentiere-la-Bessee, Hautes-Alpes
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Briancon: secteur sauvegarde (13 km)
- Briancon fortifications (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (14 km)
- Mont-Dauphin place forte (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (15 km)
- Place Forte de Mont-Dauphin: national monument (15 km)
- Vallee de la Claree: grand site of france (21 km)
- Queyras: regional natural parc (24 km)
- La Meije: site of natural beauty (31 km)
- Jardin alpin du Lautaret: remarkable garden (33 km)
- La Grave: most beautiful village (34 km)
- Lac de Serre-Poncon: site of natural beauty (35 km)
- Aiguilles d'Arves: site of natural beauty (41 km)
- Cirque de Viso: site of natural beauty (42 km)
Market days in L'Argentiere-la-Bessee, France
Regular market(s) are held in L'Argentiere-la-Bessee each Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at L'Argentiere-la-Bessee (Francais)