As the ancient capital of the region and old papal city, Embrun's nickname is "the Nice of the Alps". This because of its warn, sunny climate: a mountain climate which remains mild at this relatively low altitude (871 m) very much influenced by the nearby mediterranean sea.
The town stands on the top of a cliff (known as "Le Roc d'Embrun") and looks over the river Durance. The old town is built on the "Roc", but the modern built up area goes right down to the artificial lake. Unmarked by the wars and jealously conserved by the inhabitants, the old town is full of memories, old buildings, porches, fountains, sculptures and two historical monuments: The Notre Dame du Réal Cathedral and the Brune Tower (12th and 13th centuries)