Comfortably nestled in the heart of the Guisane Valley, Serre Chevalier ski resort is one of the largest in the Southern Alps. Since its creation in 1941, with the installation of the Chantemerle cable car, the domain has gradually expanded to accommodate more and more visitors and activities. Today, it has about 81 marked trails, representing 250 kilometers of gliding, as well as about ten kilometers dedicated to Nordic skiing. This vast domain is suitable for all lovers of the snow, no matter your preferences : quiet skiing and family initiations, off-piste in high mountains for experienced skiers or peaceful walks in the middle of the larches, everyone finds its account.
Situated between 1200 and 2830 meters above sea level, Serre Chevalier is spread over four municipalities : Briançon, city of Art and History, Saint Chaffrey and its station Chantemerle, La Salle the Alps and the resort of Villeneuve and Le Monêtier les Bains. The scope of the estate allows a diversity of landscapes, and architectural patrimonies, all equally incredible. At the top of the resorts of Briançon and Villeneuve, picnic areas at altitude allow you to appreciate all the beauty of the region. A little relaxation break between two descents at over 2000 meters of altitude during which you can contemplate a 360 ° panorama on the surrounding peaks. Moreover, these spaces are equipped to satisfy all your desires : barbecues, free wifi access, plug and deckchairs. What more ?
In summer, the stations of Serre Chevalier remain very dynamic and full of life. If you feel the soul of an adventurer, let yourself be tempted by the via ferrata or paragliding. Thrills guaranteed ! Mountain biking is also one of Serre Chevalier's most popular activities. Go to the bikepark, where you will find nearly 30 kilometers of organized descent. Want to go with family or friends ? The domain has 190 kilometers of trails (of variable levels) labeled by the French Cycling Federation.
In terms of heritage, passionate about history have inevitably heard of Briançon. Located at more than 1300 meters above sea level, this unique city is known for its imposing fortifications dating from the 18th century. Gigantic ramparts, majestic forts... It is the favorite architect of Louis XIV, the military engineer Vauban who is behind these masterpieces of defense architecture. From their heights they watched and proudly protected the valley. Today, most of these buildings are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
If you are rather nature, you will find your happiness in the Hautes-Alpes. The Domaine of Serre Chevalier is located at the gateway to the Ecrins National Park. This vast mountain territory is full of a multitude of unique landscapes. To get a closer look, hike over 700 kilometers of marked trails. At the foot of the summits, go along the Durance or the Drac, large rivers that cross the park peacefully. You will discover in Serre Chevalier all the charms of the Hautes-Alpes in the heart of a preserved nature.
THE HIGH ALPS
Between Provence and the Alps, the Hautes-Alpes offer contrasts that do not lack charm. There are of course the superb landscapes of high mountains but also the softness of the reliefs of average altitude and the small villages of blond stone that recall the south.
In summer, the Hautes-Alpes are a paradise for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. With nearly 7000 km of itineraries, the department offers an extraordinary natural diversity in the regional parks of the Queyras, the Baronnies Provençales or the Ecrins National Park. You will also be able to discover its fabulous landscapes by bike or mountain bike, facing the mythical passes of the Tour de France : Galibier, Izoard. But many other outdoor activities await you in this beautiful area : mountaineering, climbing, sailing on the Serre-Ponçon lake, rafting and kayaking in the white waterways (Argentière-le-Bessée), fishing, golf, Paragliding, ballooning...
In winter, the department cuts white and offers a vast playground where snow and sunshine are guaranteed by the high altitudes and the proximity of the south. But, again, you will be able to choose your ambience between the major resorts of international renown (Serre-Chevalier, Montgenèvre...), the more intimate villages of the Champsaur and Haute-Romanche or the large Nordic Clarée, Gap-Bayard estate, Queyras...). On the program : alpine skiing, cross - country skiing, snowshoeing, sled dog teams but also freeride within the world spot of La Grave-La Meije.
Summer or winter, you can marvel at the beautiful heritage of the Hautes-Alpes. In Gap, enjoy the many fountains that dot the streets but also the Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Arnoux Cathedral and the Penitents' Chapel. In Briançon, admire the Vauban fortifications and the old town (the parish church, the Grande Gargouille...). Then discover the Vauban fortress of Mont-Dauphin, the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Réal d'Embrun, the pure sky of the astronomical observatory of the Pic de Bure and the unmissable villages of Saint-Véran, Serres, Rosans or 'Orpierre. On the road, enjoy the time of the meals to taste the traditional dishes of this beautiful terroir : tourtons du Champsaur, donkey ears of Valgaudemar, seille de Veynes, trout of Châteauroux-les-Alpes...