CoLivingList

Cloud Citadel - Mountain Coliving in the French Alps

A historic UNESCO-listed mountain coliving in Briançon, France, offering a cozy, community-focused home base for outdoor enthusiasts and digital nomads.

About This Space

Cloud Citadel is a beautifully renovated 19th-century house nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage citadel of Briançon, the highest town in France. It offers a warm, family-like atmosphere where residents can work productively in stunning coworking spaces with panoramic mountain views and then unwind together. The space is designed for nature lovers, with a strong emphasis on community through weekly family dinners, organized outdoor adventures, and shared living in a cozy, well-equipped home. It's the perfect blend of productive remote work and an active, inspiring alpine lifestyle.

Biggest Pros

  • Incredible mountain views from the house and coworking spaces
  • Exceptionally well-equipped and organized communal kitchen
  • Strong, welcoming, and family-like community atmosphere
  • Perfect location for outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, via ferrata)
  • Beautiful, historic, and cozy house with ample common areas

Biggest Cons

Unique Selling Point

A historic UNESCO World Heritage-listed mountain residence offering a unique blend of alpine adventure, a tight-knit community, and productive remote work with breathtaking views from every window.

Neighborhood

Situated in the picturesque, UNESCO-listed old town (Vauban Citadel) of Briançon. The area is charming and historic, with local cafes, bars, and restaurants within walking distance, though the coliving itself is perched on a hill above the main town.

Community Vibe

Warm, family-like, and highly engaged community focused on outdoor activities and shared experiences.

Social Events

Community life is actively facilitated with weekly 'family meetings' to plan activities, shared family dinners, community lunches, and organized events like game nights, movie screenings, and skill-sharing sessions. The hosts are deeply involved in fostering connections.

Typical Resident

Outdoor enthusiasts, digital nomads, and remote workers passionate about mountain sports like hiking, skiing, climbing, and cycling. Residents are generally active, health-conscious, and value a strong sense of community.

Amenities

The spacious, multi-story house is thoughtfully designed with a focus on community and comfort. It features multiple dedicated coworking areas with epic views, a famously well-equipped kitchen, cozy chill-out rooms, a yoga/fitness space, and ample room for socializing and storage.

  • Multiple coworking spaces with mountain views (formal, informal, and a Zoom room)
  • Exceptionally well-equipped communal kitchen with every appliance
  • Free coffee and tea
  • High-speed WiFi
  • Comfortable chill room with projector
  • Yoga/workout room
  • Dining room
  • Laundry facilities (paid use)
  • Outdoor gear storage
  • Ergonomic office chairs and additional screens
  • Fireplace in coworking area

Location & Accessibility

Located in a stunning but remote alpine setting. The coliving is within the historic citadel, perched on a hill, offering incredible views but requiring a walk up/down to access the main town. A car is highly recommended for flexibility and accessing the vast array of outdoor activities.

Public Transport

Briançon has a train station with connections, including a direct night train to Paris (~10 hours). The nearest major airports are in Lyon, Grenoble, and Turin, Italy. From there, travel involves trains or BlaBlaCar rideshare services.

Car Considerations

A car is highly recommended for maximum flexibility to explore hiking trails, ski resorts (Serre Chevalier), and the surrounding valleys. Parking is available. Be mindful of mountain passes and potential tolls when routing via Italy.

Walkability

The old town and some amenities are within walking distance, but the coliving is atop a significant hill, making every trip to the lower town a workout. The local town is walkable, but for most outdoor activities, transport is needed.

Key Distances

Within the UNESCO citadel (old town). A walk down the hill to the main town center for groceries and more restaurants. Close proximity to the Serre Chevalier ski resort area for winter sports.

Challenges & Tips

The altitude and hill location require good fitness. Travel to/from Briançon takes time and planning. For winter visits, ensure your vehicle is prepared for mountain conditions. The remote location means fewer big-city amenities but unparalleled natural access.

Lifestyle Activities

Social & Cultural

A strong calendar of community-led social events fosters deep connections among residents.

  • Weekly family dinners and meetings
  • Community lunches
  • Board game nights
  • Movie nights with projector
  • Skill-sharing sessions
  • Pub quizzes and picnics

Wellness & Fitness

Dedicated space for yoga and fitness, complemented by an active outdoor lifestyle.

  • Yoga in the dedicated studio/laundry room
  • Home workouts
  • Access to nearby thermal baths and wellness centers

Outdoor & Adventure

The primary draw, with endless year-round mountain activities right on the doorstep.

  • Hiking and trekking
  • Skiing and snowboarding at Serre Chevalier
  • Via ferrata and rock climbing
  • Mountain biking and fat biking
  • Snowshoeing and ski touring
  • Ice climbing
  • Dog sledding
  • Rafting (in warmer months)

Ratings

Community Vibe: 4.7/5
Amenities: 4.5/5
Social & Cultural: 4.6/5
Wellness & Fitness: 4.2/5
Location & Accessibility: 3.8/5
Outdoor & Adventure: 5/5