Guest Hook Travel Guides Serre Chevalier in the Alps | Page 5
5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS...
1
The Skiing...
2
Chalet de Peyra Juana...
3
The Cycling...
4
Briancon...
5
Les Grands Bains...
Serre Chevalier has 250km of pistes, enough to keep the keenest skier
on the slopes from dawn till dusk. Just 200m from the door of Chalet
Chamoissiere, our favourites are Cibouit and Yret runs in Monetier,
then take the Cucumelle chairlift to ski the Vallons du Cucumelle, one
of the best red runs in the Alps. Watch out for the new 6 man chairlift
which whisks you back to Monetier in just over 5 minutes, and find a
guide to take you to some great off-piste routes.
A simple mountain hut with simple good food, just off the Rochamout
piste in the Monetier sector. Keep to the skier’s right as you head down
to the bottom of the station. A large plat du jour will feed the hungriest
skier, and there are huge mountain salads, cheeses and pasta dishes
too. Get there early or be prepared for a wait for a seat at the shared
tables. The warm friendly atmosphere and wood-burning stove are just
the thing on a cold snowy day.
In Summer, Serre Chevalier is often on the route of the Tour de France,
and is close to several of the famous climbs. Head out early when the
summer sun is at it’s coolest, but don’t forget the bad weather gear, as
it can even snow in July at the top of the Col du Galibier and Lauteret.
Mountian bikers have a great selection of downhill routes to choose
from if they take the chairlifts up the mountain.
The walled town is a UNESCO world heritage site, built by the French
military architect Vauban in the 17th century. A beautiful collegiate
church, fortresses and sundials add to the atmosphere. Don’t miss
the Mediaeval festival in early July when there are crafts, falconry, and
mediaeval costumes on show with the townsfolk joining in the fun, or
the Bastille day fireworks on the Champ du Mars.
Monetier-les-Bains, as its name implies is home to two thermal springs,
and has been used since Roman times. A new Roman themed spa is just
200m from Chalet Chamoissiere, with views of the mountains frome
hot pools. Inside relax in Roman style baths, saunas and hot tubs. Don’t
miss the Vaucluse waterfall on the upper floor, and the relaxation pool
with music.