Serre Chevalier is a vast ski area — the biggest in the Southern French Alps — made up of a string of villages dotted along the bottom of an alpine valley surrounded by superb slopes. Beautiful as well as varied, Serre Chevalier is also one of the few big French ski regions built around characterful old villages. Tucked into the Hautes-Alpes, this is an appealingly picturesque yet low-key choice for a winter or summer mountain holiday. The best places to stay in Serre Chevalier range from private chalets to characterful auberges; all brim with classic charm.

Increasingly popular with those dreaming of great skiing or snowboarding and less crowded slopes, the Serre Chevalier area prides itself on its 250kms of interconnected runs, which zip along mountainsides and through unspoilt woodland. Come during the summer for rock climbing, paragliding, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. Four lifts remain open to take trekkers and mountain bikers up the mountain during the summer season, and there are 10 trails between 2500 and 1350m.

As well as the main villages of Le Monêtier-les-Bains, Villeneuve and Chantemerle, there are nine other villages or hamlets in the region. Most feature cobbled streets, historic buildings and traditional cafés or bars. More modern hotels tend to be located out of town, so these communities have retained their easygoing feel and authentic charm. Do take the time to stroll around before or after your day's skiing; many of these family-owned eateries serve terrific regional fare. The smallest of Serre Chevalier's main villages, Le Monêtier is the site of our pick of the best places to stay in Serre Chevalier — it's well worth a vist!

The Best Places to Stay in Serre Chevalier

For Traditional Charm

• L'Auberge du Choucas offers 12 traditional rooms with exposed wooden beams and quilt-topped beds set above an acclaimed gourmet restaurant. A charming, tranquil choice for keen foodies or heritage buffs in the village of Le Monêtier-les-Bains. Just minutes from the slopes, and set in a 17th-century building.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY Chalet

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Grenoble Airport or to Turin Airport, both around two hours from the Serre Chevalier region. Alternatively, hop aboard a night train from Paris or Lyon to nearby Briançon and drive across from there.
• The Alps are wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel between December and March for the best skiing conditions in the Serre Chevalier Valley. If you're looking to hike in the mountains, come between May and August for warm sunshine, beautiful landscapes and temperatures of around 17-20°C.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Briançon.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Hautes-Alpes.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Serre Chevalier