The Louk · 8 min read · Resort guide
IntermediatesTree-linedAuthenticValueFamilies
Serre Chevalier is a string of characterful old villages between historic Briançon and Le Monêtier, strung along one of the biggest ski areas in the Southern Alps. It gets famously good sunshine and has some of the best tree-lined skiing in France - a lifesaver in bad weather. It's relaxed, authentic and genuinely good value, with a wonderful thermal spa to sink into after skiing. A lovely choice for families and mixed groups who want the real France.
Altitude1,200–1,500m villages · up to 2,830m
Ski areaSerre Chevalier — ~250km
Best forIntermediates · tree-lined · value
SeasonEarly Dec – mid April
AirportTurin ~2hr · Grenoble ~2hr · Lyon ~2.5hr
Trip typeFamilies · value · relaxed
Budget££ · great value, authentic
⛷The skiing
Serre Che's ~250km stretch along the valley in four sectors above Le Monêtier, Villeneuve, Chantemerle and Briançon. The lower slopes are wonderfully wooded - great fun and sheltered when the weather closes in - opening onto sunny, open bowls higher up. It's mostly gentle-to-intermediate cruising with plenty for families, quieter runs around Le Monêtier, and enough off-piste and steeper terrain to keep experts busy.
- The tree runssheltered, atmospheric skiing - brilliant on a snowy day.
- Le Monêtier sectorquieter, higher and prettier - and the thermal baths at the bottom.
- Briançon sidesunny lower slopes and a UNESCO-listed old town.
📍 Official piste map & live lifts (serre-chevalier.com) →
The Louk tipFinish a day at Le Monêtier with a soak in Les Grands Bains du Monêtier thermal spa - outdoor pools in the snow. And when it's dumping, head for the trees; Serre Che does them better than almost anywhere.
🏨Where to stay
Luxury
- Hôtel Le Chaîlet du Coin (Villeneuve)Cosy, upscale alpine comfort near the lifts.
- Rockypop Vaujany-style aparthotelsFun, modern, good-value design bases.
Boutique & mid-range
- Hôtel Alliés (Le Monêtier)Charming, family-run and by the thermal baths.
- Hôtel Plein Sud (Chantemerle)Central, comfortable and handy for lifts.
Chalets & cosy
- Briançon old townStay in the UNESCO citadel for history and value.
- Catered chalets & gitesAuthentic self-catered options up the valley.
🍽Where to eat
On the mountain
- Le Bivouac de la CasseRustic, welcoming mountain hut with a big terrace.
- Le Peyra JuanaSunny slope-side lunches above Villeneuve.
- Pi MaôuCosy spot for a long mountain lunch.
In town
- Le Bidule (Le Monêtier)Warm, characterful and consistently excellent.
- La Table du Chazal (Villeneuve)Refined regional cooking, a local favourite.
- Le Pied de la Gargouille (Briançon)Great value in the historic old town.
🍾Bars & après
- La Grotte du Yeti (Chantemerle)Lively après institution as the lifts close.
- Le Frog (Villeneuve)Friendly British-style bar with sport and music.
- Le Loco (Chantemerle)Buzzy central spot for an evening.
- La BaitaCosy bar for a relaxed drink.
❄Off the slopes
- Les Grands Bains du MonêtierA superb thermal spa - outdoor pools in the snow.
- Briançon old townExplore the UNESCO Vauban citadel and ramparts.
- Snowshoeing & dog sleddingQuiet valley walks and husky rides.
🚁Getting there
The nearest airports are Turin and Grenoble (around 2 hours each), with Lyon around 2.5. Transfers run over the Monténèvre or up from the valley; the train reaches Briançon, then it's a short hop up to the villages.
Transfers & travel
- Resalp / Serre Che transfersShared & private services from Turin, Grenoble & Lyon.
- Ben's BusBudget shared transfers in season.
- Train + busRail to Briançon, then the local bus up the valley.
- Alps2AlpsShared & private, good value.
