Serre-Chevalier

Discover Serre-Chevalier, the legendary resort in the Hautes Alpes

A natural alpine valley

Between the Écrins and Queyras mountain ranges, two hours from Grenoble and 20 km from the Italian border, Serre-Chevalier is one of the largest ski areas in Europe.

Nestled along the Guisane Valley, it comprises several villages: Briançon, Chantemerle (Saint-Chaffrey), Villeneuve (La Salle-les-Alpes) and Le Monêtier-les-Bains. In winter, its slopes are covered with powder snow; in summer, the mountains open up to hikers, mountain bikers and lovers of the great outdoors.

A setting carved out by the Alps

In Serre-Chevalier, the landscape changes with altitude:

• At the bottom of the valley (1,200 m), stone bell towers and larch houses line the Guisane River.

• Higher up, Swiss pine and larch forests reach up to 2,200 m.

• Beyond that, alpine pastures and rocky ridges dominate up to 2,800 m, with views of the Barre des Écrins.

The light is clear, almost metallic in winter, and soft and golden in late summer. The resort covers 250 km of slopes linked by 61 ski lifts. On average, there are 300 days of sunshine per year—a rarity at this altitude.

An immersive stroll through the valley

Imagine: it's a January morning, the air bites your cheeks, and the snow groomers have just finished their work. In Chantemerle, the terraces serve the first coffees as the cable cars begin their ballet. Higher up, at 2,400 m, the silence is broken only by the squeak of skis on fresh snow.

In summer, the chairlifts continue to run, but this time for hikers and mountain bikers. You cycle along the Guisane river, stopping to dip your feet in the icy water, then head back up to a hamlet where the smell of freshly cut hay fills the air.

 Iconic locations

The ski area

Spread over four sectors, it offers slopes for all levels: green and blue in the forest for beginners, long red panoramic runs, and technical black runs for the more experienced. The 1,600 m vertical drop allows you to ski non-stop from the summit of Yret (2,800 m) to Briançon.

Briançon and its Vauban fortifications

The highest town in France (1,326 m), Briançon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ramparts once protected access to the valley. Fun fact: in the 18th century, the inhabitants could see enemy troops approaching... several days in advance.

Le Monêtier-les-Bains and its hot springs

The Romans were already using its sulfur springs. Today, the Grands Bains offer 37°C pools, outdoor pools with mountain views, and wellness areas.

Chantemerle and the old cable car

Built in 1941, it was one of the most modern of its time. Now replaced, it remains a symbol of the valley's tourist boom.

The Col du Galibier

At 2,642 m, this is a legendary stage of the Tour de France. From the summit, you can see the Meije and Vanoise glaciers. Access is generally open from early June to late October.

Local life & events

Markets

• Briançon: Wednesday and Sunday mornings, Place du Champ de Mars

• Le Monêtier: Friday mornings, Place de l'Église

• La Salle-les-Alpes: Thursday mornings during the season

• Local products: sheep's cheese, mountain honey, génépi, artisanal charcuterie.

Festivities

• World Cup skiing and national competitions in winter

• Plume de Glace festival (crime fiction and literature) in spring

• Bread and Cheese Festival in July

• Grand Tour des Écrins trail run in August

Gastronomy Thanks to the region's dual cultural influence, you'll find both Alpine specialties (tartiflette, crozets) and Provençal dishes.