Discover the villages of Serre Chevalier

Sure, in Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon, you're at an altitude of between 1200m for Briançon and 2642m for the Col du Lautaret, but you're still in the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region. In the valley, which is white in winter and green in summer, you'll find three villages and 11 hamlets, each with its own special atmosphere.

Chantemerle - Saint Chaffrey

It was the first village in which the resort was built, and it is still the liveliest of the three. In 1941, one of the longest cable cars in Europe was inaugurated for a brand new resort. In Saint Chaffrey you'll find the gondola and chairlifts that will give you access to the entire ski area, while at the bottom of the slopes you'll find the many terraces of restaurants and bars. Chantemerle - Saint Chaffrey has plenty of hotels and tourist residences to accommodate you during your stay. It's also the most festive area, with plenty of entertainment and evening events organised in summer and winter alike. You can go mountain karting and ice karting here, as well as zip-lining down the mountain. In the village centre, you can see a number of interesting sights, including the church tower, the chapel of Saint-Arnould, the drawbridge and the architecture of the stone and wooden houses. In summer, when the heat is on, a dip in the Baignade Bio de Chantemerle natural swimming pool is a must in the resort. A great setting with a view of the mountains and clear, chemical-free water.

Where to go for a drink in Saint Chaffrey? This is a not-to-be-missed address for having a beer and watching a match, as well as playing darts, pool or table football. A festive atmosphere guaranteed for a night out with friends.

Villeneuve - La Salle les Alpes

The place to be for winter sports fans, with direct access to the ski area. Villeneuve really is the village for sports enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities on offer including cross-country skiing, fat biking, ice skating, dog sledding, paragliding and the Deval'Bob toboggan run. This is also where the Serre Chevalier Snow Trail takes place in January, with routes ranging from 8 to 20 km. You can also discover the Place du Touron, the church and the wash-house. Also worth seeing are the colourful facades of the houses in the old village of La Salle les Alpes and its chapel, which houses the Autrefois mon village museum. For accommodation during your stay, there's Club Med and UCPA Grand Serre Che. La Salle les Alpes is also renowned for its white-water sports and fishing in the Guisane.

Monêtier les Bains

This is the spa par excellence, with a lively village centre. You can spend a day at the Les Grands Bains spa and leisure centre in Monêtier, but it's also a perfect place for beginners, with a large snow-front area, as well as for skiers with a very good level, with challenging runs.

Monêtier les Bains is also home to two legendary mountain passes: the Col du Galibier, a challenge for cyclists but rewarded with an extraordinary panorama, and the Col du Lautaret, world-famous for its snowkite spot.

In terms of culture, the Musée d'Art Sacré, housed in the former Pénitents chapel, is home to statuettes, sacred vestments and other works of art that would have been stolen if they were still in the valley's many chapels. A must-see even for non-believers, with well-written explanations to interest every member of the family.

Where can you enjoy a good cocktail in Monêtier les Bains?

The Blue Bird Cocktail Bar is the place to go for the best cocktails in the resort. With its neat, cosy and subdued interior, you can choose one of the creative cocktails on the menu or stick to a classic cocktail that will be no less delicious. Don't forget that too much alcohol is dangerous for your health, so consume it in moderation.

Briançon, a town of art and history

Fortified by Vauban, Briançon is well worth a visit for a trip back in time. At the end of the 17th century, Louis XIV needed Vauban to build ramparts to protect France from attacks by the Duke of Savoy. Two high forts make it even more impregnable.

Stroll through the narrow streets and admire the colourful houses, the sundials painted on their walls, the squares and the many fountains.

Where to stay to visit Briançon?

Close to the centre, the Domitys Les Aiglons apartment hotel and its many facilities make for a great stay in Briançon.