Located close to the Italian border, Serre Chevalier boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Although that statistic may make some snow lovers nervous, its north facing slopes, reaching high with a big proportion above the tree line, together with extensive snow making capabilities on lower slopes, make the resort relatively snow sure. Serre Chevalier is made up of no less than thirteen villages (three main ones); its base is spread out for 6km (4 miles) along the Guisane Valley floor from the old town of Briancon, Europe`s highest and the location of France`s first ski school in 1902, up to the Col du Lautaret.
The geography of the place is slightly complicated and probably not worth getting too involved with, however you can access the north facing larch-lined slopes above the resort`s many villages first of all from Briancon itself, which was lift-linked in to Serre Che as recently as 1989 by a 6 seater gondola. The next community as you move up the valley is that of Saint-Chaffrery, known as Serre Chevalier 1350, with two hamlets of which the best known is Chantemerle. Next up is La Salle les Alpes, dubbed Serre Chevalier 1400, which contains five villages, the best known being Villeneuve which has the most facilities and attractions of any of the villages in the valley. Finally Monetier les Bains, or Serre Chevalier 1500, with the other six villages, the largest Monetier itself. Apres Ski Relaxed and informal with a number of popular bars to choose from. • Chantemerle: Le Yeti bar for cheap beers during happy hour or the Kitzbühel bar, a friendly French bar where they serve 'Luc Alphand' beer • Villeneuve: Look in at the lively Le Frog and Loco Loco bars with excellent music. Good night clubs include La Baita and Bam Bam. Eating Out Very reasonably priced and lots of choice • Pizzas from approx. €9 • 3-course meal with wine from €20 • Cheese or meat fondues from €23 including wine and dessert. • Chantemerle: La Cabassa for pizza and pasta dishes, Loup Blanc for traditional local food. Try L'Arbre a Pain, an excellent lunchtime suntrap. • Villeneuve: La Marotte for fine French cuisine, La Pastorale for specialities cooked on an open fire and for a special treat, try the excellent La Bidulle fish restaurant. Activities • Fitness centre with sauna, jacuzzi and gym (Chantemerle and Villeneuve) • Torchlight descents • Ice skating rink (Chantemerle and Villeneuve) • Parapenting • Indoor heated swimming pool (Villeneuve) • Floodlit ice driving circuit (Villeneuve) • Indoor Equestrian Centre with carriage rides and sleigh outings. Other Amenities • Night time skiing or a Friday evening in Villeneuve on the Mickey lift • Cinema • Historic Briançon with its medieval fortress and modern sports centre with top-class ice hockey matches (5 mins from Chantemerle or Villeneuve). |
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calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras
