For those inclined to a bit of downhill alpine sliding (skiing/ boarding) then why not opt for the serene ski Mecca of Serre Chevalier, boasting 300 days of sunshine a year. Based in the French Alps, the resort provides excellent powder runs covering an area of 250 km.
Briancon bus service (TUB) provides reguler transportation all along the valley. so once you get there you’ll have plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to choose from that are in easy reach.
Still undecided where in Serre Chevalier to rest your head after a day on the slopes? Here are a few suggestions from each of the valley's resort towns -
Briancon
Nestled between two of the imposing forts Serre Chevalier is famed for Chalet Vauban, a house built for and named after the military engineer and architect of these impressive fortifications, Sebastien Vauban. Perfectly positioned on a quiet hilltop the Briancon chalet benefits from stunning views across the valley and of the piste. The chalet is set back from the main resort but is just moments from the centre of Briancon with its bars and restaurants as well as the town's ski lifts.
Spacious and beautifully presented inside ans out the chalet can sleep 10-12 guests with sauna, hot tub and ample living space. Catering can be arranged as well as transfers, nannying services and ski lessons.
Apartment Vauban is situated next door and offers additional rooms for large parties or other groups. Although connected both the Briancon apartment and chalet are entirely independent of each other with separate entrances, gardens and utilities. The apartment can sleep 8-10 guests and has its own hot tub and veranda with breathtaking views.
Chantemerle
The locally situated Grand Hotel, just 25 meters from the resort's main lift station and ski school meeting point, provides those avid mountain lovers the opportunity to stay in the thick of the action, on a mid range budget. In addition, the resorts’ numerous bars and restaurants are situated a mere 100 meters away.
Hotel Plein Sud Serre Chevalier is situated at an altitude of 1350 metres, 150 metres from the ski lifts and ski slopes, is a traditional style hotel, with 42 stylishly decorated rooms.
The hotel restaurant, Bruno’s, boasts an extensive wine list and international menu. In addition, the hotel offers a heated outdoor pool, massage services and sauna to help guests wind down after a heavy day on the mountain. The Briancon bus service (TUB) picks up just across the road from the hotel, allowing easy transportation all along the valley.
Villeneuve
Chalet Asters is a centrally located 3.5 star accommodation facility, with a 4 minute walk to the nearest ski lift and a 3 minute stroll to the nearest bars and restaurants. The open-plan lounge and dining room provide stunning views, as well as a hearty breakfast, afternoon tea and 3 course evening meal, to keep skiers and boarders well fuelled.
The 4 star Chalet Rivière provides a more homely style of accommodation, with well decorated and comfortably furnished facilities. Only 8 minutes walk to the Fréjus pistes and lifts and 8 minutes walk to the resort's shops and bars, the chalet is in a handy location for all those wanting an easy and relaxing skiing retreat.
Transfers to and from Briancon train station or airports are available through these hotels.
Le Monetier les Bains
Hôtel Alliey is a boutique hotel, based in the heart of the Alps and is only 300 meters from ski lifts. With 22 rooms in two traditional houses and access to the hotel spa, this luxury accommodation facility has everything for an alpine holiday.
For a more traditional slice of French accommodation, the L'Auberge du Choucas offers cosy accommodation in a 17th-century farmhouse. The guest rooms are elegantly decorated in French style décor and the 300-year-old dining room of the hotel's acclaimed gastronomic restaurant serves inventive and healthy cuisine. Ski lifts are close by, as are luxurious thermal baths.
On arrival in Serre Chevalier either by Briancon train station or through organised transfers, inter resort transportation is very reliable and cheap with the Briancon bus service for skiers and holidaymakers.
For those planning a retreat here there is ample accommodation options to cover all budgets, tastes and interests. From lounging in the day spa to carving down the endless powder runs, all ages and stages will thoroughly enjoy a trip to Serre Chevalier.