Where to stay - Serre Chevalier - France

Made up of around a dozen villages that stretch along the road between the old walled town of Briancon and Grenoble, Serre Chevalier is actually the name that this group of traditional settlements operates under as a ski resort. This isn't the place to come for the classic ski holiday experience, but perhaps it is better for it. One thing to be said about it is that here you will get a very French experience, with plenty of good Gallic hospitality in the value for money hotels and chalets, as well as eating in the unpretentious but excellent restaurants of the area.

Best for

Luxury
Try Chez Bear – a farmhouse converted chalet that sleeps 10, set above Briancon.

Food
If you’re after serious local cooking, stay at Alliey for the Michelin-star food.

Friendly service
Rif Blanc is a family-run, friendly hotel with a popular bar.

Traditional
Chatelas is a prettily decorated simple chalet by the river.

Modern
For a modern feel, the British run Plein Sud is worth a visit.

The villages

Briancon

This is the typical French town that stands as the gateway to the valley, and it is the largest of the settlements. Perched on a hill surrounded by old walls, it now makes for an amazing walk through tiny cobbled lanes and ancient buildings. There is an Olympic ice rink and a swimming pool with sauna and Jacuzzi, and also bowling. As it is the main centre, it is here that a lot of the lifts go from, and so can be a very handy place to base yourself. In addition, this is where the majority of the restaurants are.

Le Monetier Les Bains

Famed for its hot spring baths, this is the highest village in Serre Chevalier, and it is from here that you can also reach the highest point at 2830m. At 1500m, the village takes on the heavy weight of the snow for most of the winter and the north face runs here offer a variety of excellent blacks, including the challenging Tubuc or the particularly impressive Tut de Grand. The nearest lift to the village is the 'Bachas' at Pre Chabert. It's a seven minute walk, but the free shuttle bus that goes up the main road is an easier way to travel in ski boots.

Villeneuve

This purpose-built ski village with cobbled streets is a central and convenient place to base yourself, and home to shops, bars and apartment blocks. It has central access to skiing spread along the valley. You can drive on ice at the Circuit de Glace, or go for a skate. Home to Baita disco and jazz club and the Bridge Club every Tuesday in the Centre Olympique de Serre Chevalier. The tiny rustic hamlet of Le Bez is also nearby.

Chantemerle

Midway between Briancon and Villeneuve, Chantemerle is a typical ski resort village with its main square, sports shops, supermarkets, bars and extensive parking. An assortment of apartments, hotels, chalets and small residences are dotted all over the village. It has an ice-rink, fitness centre 'L'Altiforme', a library, karaoke and La Dune nightclub.

Accommodation

Chalets

There are some fantastic traditional rustic Alpine chalets dotted around, and some that are not so fantastic, so it’s worth a little investigating. Hannibal’s’ Marmottes and Chez Bear are both wonderful farmhouse conversions.

Hotels

A good feature to this string of villages within Serre Chevalier is the range of attractive family-run hotels, offering good value services.

Self-catering

Good for those on a budget, there are plenty available across the resort offering a good range of options, some even with a little bit extra on offer. The Hameau du Rocher Blanche has a pool, gym, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room on offer.

See our list of guidebooks