Where is Serre Chevalier France?

Serre Chevalier (a.k.a. Ser Che) is in the southern French Alps region of Hautes-Alpes, part of Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur.

The ski resort of Serre Chevalier is made of several towns & villages including Briançon, Saint Chaffrey, Chantemerle, La Salle les Alpes & Le Monetier les Bains.

The main centre is Briancon, 240km south of Geneva & 110km west of Turin. The Mediterranean coastal city of Marseilles is 260km to the south & makes an interesting starting point for a ski trip to the region.

Flights

Gateway airports for international travelers are Milan (MXP),Geneva (GVA) & Lyon St Expury (LYS). Due to the proximity of the TGV train line in nearby Oulx, Paris (CDG) is an option as well.

The regional airports of Turin (TRN), Chambery (CMF) & Marseilles (MRS) are options for travelers from UK & European flight origins.

Train & bus connections to Serre Chevalier's main city of Briancon from all airports is good, but time consuming.

Search here for a great deal on a flight to Milan Malpensa, Turin, Geneva, Marseilles or other European airport.

Private Transfers

The quickest & most cost effective way to Serre Chevalier from the airports, particularly with groups of three or more people, can be private transfer or rental car. A private transfer can also be organised for a pick-up from the Oulx train station for the final journey to Briancon or one of the other Ser Che Vallee villages.

Train & Bus to Briançon & Serre Chevalier

From the north, trains from Paris, Geneva, Lyon, Turin or Milan are conveniently met at Oulx train station by buses which swiftly complete the 30km trip to all Serre Chevalier towns and villages via Montgenevre. Bus tickets can purchased from the driver. The TGV stops at Oulx at least 3 times per day and regional trains from Turin make more frequent stops.

From the south, connections to Serre Chevalier by train at Briançon are possible via Grenoble & Gap. The trip from Marseilles to Briancon is straight forward but seriously time consuming.

Search & book train tickets to Oulx or Briancon.

Four bus trips a day link Grenoble directly to Serre Chevalier. Local buses link Briancon to the other Serre Chevalier base areas.

Driving to Briancon & Serre Chevalier

Most of the driving routes to Briancon from France, Switzerland & Italy are quickest via motorways (including the Frejus Tunnel from France), then Oulx & Montgenevre:

• Milan Malpensa airport - 240km (2¾hr) via the E64/E70.
• Turin airport - 120km (1½hr) via the E70.
• Geneva airport - 250km (3hr) via the A41/A43 (Chambery).
• Lyon airport - 240km (under 3hr) via the A43 (Chambery).

From Marseilles Provence airport the drive to Serre Chevalier (Briançon) is just over 3hr (260 km) via the N94 & A51.

An alternative route from the west is via Grenoble, La Grave & the over the scenic 2,058m Col du Lautaret. Check weather & road conditions before attempting this route.

Note that the Frejus Tunnel which crosses from France into Italy near Bardonecchia is quite expensive. Be prepared to be stung!

For hints, tips & warnings about getting to French ski resorts in winter, see our Travel in France page.

Car Rentals

Car rentals are most convenient at major airports but are cheaper in the cities. Be wary of any car rentals from Italy & France as they often are NOT winterised. Ensure they at least have snow-chains, but preferably winter tyres.

Search & book here for all car rentals.

Getting Around the Ski Resort

Once at Serre Chevalier it is best to ditch the car (if you have one) & walk or take the many free ski buses that link the valley villages. Car parking at all base areas comes at a cost & can be limited.

Nearby Ski Resorts

Several great ski resorts are close to Serre Chevalier. To the north, Montgenevre and the Via Lattea resorts in Italy, including Sestriere & Sauze d'Oulx offer some of the best value skiing & snowboarding in Europe.

A paltry 38km to the west is the legendary freeride mountain of La Grave which links with the huge ski resort of Les Deux Alpes.

To the south are the secret stashes of Puys St Vincent, Pelvoux & Queyras, plus the relatively unknown, but extensive, Risoul-Vars ski resort.