La Brigue became part of France after World War II, when Italy was forced to hand it over in September 1947 under the terms of the Peace of Paris.

After World War II, France asked for the annexation of the territories of Tende and Brig, and obtained them according to the provisions of the Treaty of Paris signed on 10 February 1947, which entered into force on the following 15 September.

Only citizens who resided in the area at the time of the referendum, with at least one parent born in the countries concerned or who could prove that they were domiciled there before the seizure of power by the fascists in Italy in 1922 were admitted for the vote.

Looking across the village to the northwest, high rocky cliffs tower over La Brigue.Many of the buildings are of natural stone and many are nicely renovated with pastel facades and green lauze doorways and steps.

The Shrine of Our Lady of the Fountains is the home to a huge 15th-century painting (cycle of passion) by the painter Giovanni Piemontese Canavesio, and is a major tourist destination.