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. Expect a very French experience, with plenty of good Gallic hospitality in the value for money hotels and chalets.
Briancon is the typical French town that stands as the gateway to the valley, and it is the largest of the settlements. It is the main centre and the start point for many lifts and so can be a very handy place to base yourself. In addition, this is where the majority of the restaurants are. Les Monetier Les Bains is famous for its thermal springs and is also the highest of the villages at 1500m. This is the place to stay if you are serious about skiing to the door and want easy access to the tougher terrain. Chantemerle is a nice village with a good mix of hotels and apartments whilst the purpose-built village of Villeneuve is convenient for the skiing and dominated by apartment blocks.
One of the best luxury accommodation venues in the area is Chez Bear, a converted farmhouse above Briancon, and if food is your thing consider staying at Alliey with its Michelin Starred restaurant. Rif Blanc is a family-run hotel with a popular local bar for a more modest budget, and Plein Sud offers a contemporary feel in contrast to the mostly traditional buildings.
