Restaurants, food and drink
Serre Chevalier is an excellent destination for the authentic mountain hut experience, and the mountain restaurants certainly don’t disappoint. La Peyra Juana, above the village of Monétier is a classic French mountain hut: friendly and popular with the locals. It is a great place to visit for the traditional French cuisine and delightful atmosphere.
Located in the tiny village of Fréjus, midway up the mountain, is the delightful Pi Maï restaurant. With an exceptional menu of grilled meats, steak and regional cuisine, this charming restaurant is an excellent destination for lunch.
Conveniently located above the Casse du Boeuf, the chalet style Bivouac de la Casse has a large terrace, which is ideal for catching some rays on a bluebird day. If that wasn’t enough, the tasty menu of burgers, tartiflettes and other delights are served with a smile by the friendly staff.
For excellent, traditional French cuisine off the mountain, head to either La Marotte or La Pastorale in Villeneuve. La Marotte and La Pastorale are two of the most popular restaurants in the resort and it’s not hard to see why. Both are tiny restaurants with a charming atmosphere and friendly service.
In Chantemerle Le Loup Blanc has a delightful interior of wandering wooden beams and charming decorations, giving the place a very traditional feel. The regional dishes are fresh and delicious and the meals are complimented by a fine choice of wines.
Après, bars, clubs and nightlife
The village of Villeneuve is the lively heart of Serre Chevalier, and the destination to head to for most of your après ski needs. La Grotte pub is situated at the base of the pistes – perfectly placed for après. Live bands and DJs keep this place thriving until late into the evening.
As the evening turns to night, head to Le Caves de Serre Chevalier, a lively nightclub and cocktail bar. It is the ideal destination for large groups and those looking to party into the early hours of the morning.
For a quieter experience in Villenueve head to 1420. Named after its altitude, this classy little bar has an incredible wine selection in its cellar, as well as a special choice of beers and spirits. Le Cocoon, is another good option, and a warm, cozy place for a drink.
At the foot of the Luc Alphand piste in Chatemerle, the Station is another great après ski destination. This popular bar has live entertainment most evenings and serves great food as well. Try the house special: fish ‘n chips.
Le Monêtier is the quietest village in Serre Chevalier but still has some of the nicest bars. The Blue Bird Cocktail Bar really stands out from the crowd. With a fantastic stone arch interior, and a splendid cocktail menu, this is one of the most elegant after-ski destinations in resort.
Shopping
The winding streets in the villages of Serre Chevalier are perfect for wandering and stumbling upon little shops. There are plenty of stores selling and renting winter sports equipment, and small supermarkets or delicatessens where you can grab a bite to eat.
Undoubtedly, the main destination to head to for all your shopping needs is Briançon. The highest town in France, there are plenty of shops selling a wide range of products. It is a great place to visit to look for gifts to take home to friends and family.
Spas and relaxation
Serre Chevalier is well known for the thermal baths in Monêtier, Les Grand Bains du Monêtier. The indoor pool is naturally heated and a wide range of facilities, including Jacuzzi, Roman baths and steam rooms ensure plenty of ways to relax. Visitors can also enjoy an extensive range of health and beauty treatments.
The Pure Altitude Spa at the Le Grand Aigle Hotel is ideal for all guests staying in Les Bez. This excellent spa has a unique décor, with vaulted stone ceilings, providing a fantastic ambience in which to relax. Facilities include a sauna and a whirlpool, with beauty treatments possible to reserve and pay for locally.
Arts, culture and events
Serre Chevalier is a uniquely fascinating ski resort for those interested in history. The walled old town and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Briançon has an incredible past. The old fortress was built in the 18th Century to help defend the town from invasion from the Duchy of Savoy.
At the end of the valley, the St Pierre Chapel in Monêtier has been converted into the delightful little Musée d’Art Sacré. The museum contains a fascinating collection of religious art dating as far back as the 15th Century, and hosts regular exhibitions.
Away from the traditional skiing and snowboarding, there are a wealth of winter sports activities available in Serre Chevalier. From the gentler activities of snowshoeing, to the high octane and extreme snow kiting, there is something to suit all tastes.
Bowling
At the base of the Luc Alphand piste is the bowling centre, Bowling des Neiges. Open every day during the winter from 10am until 2am, this is a great place to go to relax after a day spent skiing.
Dog-sledding
One of the most popular non-ski activities in any ski resort, there are several companies operating in Serre Chevalier which offer this experience. Dog-sledding is a great family past time. The dogs are cute (if noisy), the scenery is spectacular, and the experience is exhilarating – we highly recommend it.
Piste basher rides
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to prepare the slopes each night for the following days skiing? Well, this might be your opportunity to find out…
Running from the end of December to the end of March, the local lift pass office will allow guests to accompany snowplough drivers as they groom the pistes. It is a fantastic opportunity to experience the mountain in a whole new way and at unique times of the day.
Sunrise rides include breakfast and some night-time rides include dinner. Availability is limited and we recommend booking in advance.
Snooc
A cross between skiing and tobogganing, the Snooc is a revolutionary new way to get yourself down the mountain. The sport was first trialled in Serre Chevalier and we’re told it is very easy to do.
A single ski is connected to a small seat – all you have to do is guide yourself downhill. The experience includes climbing to the top of the mountain where you will assemble your Snooc. Tours and equipment can be organised locally.
Snowkiting
The Lautaret pass at the furthest end of the Guisane valley has the ideal conditions for snowkiting: gentle, rolling slopes and naturally windy weather. In 2016 the area hosted the Snowkite Masters, an international freestyle event. Today, a local snowkiting school can teach you how to snowkite using a snowboard or skis.
Walking, nordic walking and snow shoeing
There are approximately 25km of winter pathways in the Guisane valley and maps can be purchased at the local tourist office. Wandering the snowy trails is an excellent way to connect with nature and the tranquil, surrounding environment.
Snow shoeing is a fun way to explore areas of the winter landscape that are normally inaccessible on foot. Along with routes in the valley, there are six circuits in the mountain, some of which take you to the edge of the Ecrins National Park.
The mountain can be accessed with a foot passenger’s pass and snow shoe equipment can be rented locally.
Other activities:
- Cinema
- Ice driving
- Ice rink
- Night skiing in Villeneuve
- Tobogganing
