Where to Stay in the Serre Chevalier Vallèe
Serre Chevalier Vallee accommodation is spread across four base areas along the 15km between the main town of Briançon and the pretty village of Le Monêtier-les-Bains. The intermediate villages of Chantemerle - St Chaffrey & Villeneuve-La Salle complete the foursome. Where exactly to stay depends on what sort of experience one is seeking. For the best access to the entire ski area, Chantemerle is perfect - central plus close to lifts & slopes. For the most authentic French Alps village experience, Le Monêtier-les-Bains is the place to stay. For the most affordable places to rest one’s head for the night, Briancon wins, plus it is a fantastic mix of snow & history with the car-free walls of the historic old town.
There are several caveats with Serre Chevalier lodging options and locations. Numerous dated and relatively ugly, high rise apartment blocks front the ski resort in several locations (notably around Villeneuve-La Salle), and despite the advertising, it can be difficult to feel part of a real village. The bulk of the accommodation is self-catering apartments. Typically for many large French ski resorts, there are relatively few hotels, particularly of the 4 & 5- star variety. The lower part of Briancon near the gondola station can be a concern after-dark so tread warily!
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Ski-In Ski-Out Accommodation at Serre Chevalier
If it is available, the best ski-in ski-out lodgings at Serre Chevalier are at the top of the Ratier gondola at 1,900m altitude in Le Refuge du Grand Hôtel. There are a range of rooms available including dormitory beds & deluxe doubles, it is a wonderful place to commune with the mountain and get first tracks. It also has the distinct advantage of being a short stagger from Serre Chevalier's best après ski bars. Other ski-in ski-out hotels are located adjacent to the lower slopes, above the base village of Villeneuve-La Salle les Alpes. Try the Le Grand Aigle Hotel & Spa.
Briancon (Serre Chevalier 1200)
Briançon (sometimes also referred to as Serre Chevalier 1200) is one of the Powderhounds favourite to stay when skiing Serre Chevalier. The main reason is its proximity to Briançon’s old Cite Vauban fort at the top of town, which is just so full of character. It’s a wonderful place to stroll on a snowy evening after a satisfying meal in one of the restaurants. Car-free, staying in an apartment or hotel within the walls of the old town is a great choice. Whilst not truly convenient to the ski slopes, the old town fort provides the sort of unforgettable snow holiday experience that you can’t get anywhere outside Europe. Try the Hotel Auberge de la Paix or a self-contained apartment like the wonderful Maison a Tour.
Down the road towards the Prorel gondola, two other good hotel options are worth looking at. The Rue Centrale's restaurants, bars and nightspots are Briancon’s most vibrant after dark. Close to the gondola base are a huge number of apartments, some of which seem quite seedy after dark. Away from the seediness, try the traditional Hotel Edelweiss & Hotel de la Chaussee.
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Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Serre Chevalier 1500)
Le Monêtier-les-Bains (sometimes also referred to as Serre Chevalier 1500) is the best & most aesthetic of the valley's villages and the next best place to stay when skiing the region. Steaming waters continually flow through the roadside gutters, reminding everyone that this is first & foremost a spa town. The village is a short stroll down the hill to the Bachas chairlift & the excellent, but busy ski slopes and lifts of the Pre Chabert beginners area. Ata slightly higher elevation than other valley villages, Le Monêtier les Bains is also the most likely to be fully snow-clad. The best of the local digs is the Hotel Alliey & Spa. An alternative is the Hôtel Restaurant Le Monêtier. For an affordable option with good availability at short notice, try the modest Hôtel Résidence Les Colchiques.
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Chantemerle (Serre Chevalier 1350)
Chantemerle (sometimes also referred to as Serre Chevalier 1350, or oddly listed as being in Saint-Chaffrey) has a small quaint old town right next to the slopes plus some good hotels & services right near the ski slopes & lifts. Access to the mountain is excellent via the Ratier gondola - one of Serre Chevaliers best lifts. Chantemerle is often confused with nearby St Chaffrey, which is located across the road and further from the ski lifts, and indeed many of the Chantemerle accommodations have their address as Saint Chaffrey. Who knows what is going on! Check out the The Grand Hôtel & Spa NUXE Serre Chevalier, quality rooms at Cristal Lodge, or apartments at Lagrange Vacances Le Hameau du Rocher Blanc.
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Villeneuve - La Salle Les Alpes (Serre Chevalier 1400)
The town of Villeneuve - La Salle les Alpes (sometimes also referred to as Serre Chevalier 1400) is the major slopeside resort village in the valley. A nearby ‘old town’ has been relegated by the large developments closer to the ski slopes and only holds passing interest. Some great slopeside hotels are near the base of the lifts like the beautiful, Hotel Rock Noir & Spa. As mentioned earlier, the Le Grand Aigle Hotel & Spa is one our top picks in the resort. Close to the lifts and on the main road, The Christiania Hotel & Spa is also worth a look. There are a host of holiday rental apartments available too, but standards vary greatly. Access to the ski slopes has improved recently with the new Pontillas gondola replacing two old clunkers that were well past their used-by dates.
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