Serre Chevalier Information

Apres-ski

The main villages that make up the ski resort are not especially lively. However there are some bars worth visiting for some animated après-ski in Serre Chevalier.

Among the best options are popular wine bar 1420 (tel: +33 492 554 110; www.1420serrechevalier.com) and Auberge Mont Prorel (tel: +33 492 202 288; www.hotelmontprorel.com) at the gondola base in Briançon.

Le Triptyque (tel: +33 492 241 494), opposite the church in Chantemerle, is a popular bar and restaurant, which doubles up as a live music venue with different acts performing each week.

In Le Monêtier, the friendly Bar L'Alpen (tel: +33 492 244 349) is head of the nightlife in the area, with live sports and occasional live music.

Eating out

Serre Chevalier has a moderate range of restaurants for visitors to choose from. The majority of these are family-run and serve French mountain dishes or traditional local recipes.

Le Loup Blanc (tel: +33 492 241 427; www.restaurantleloupblanc.com) is one of the best eateries in the resort, with everything from great steaks and fondues to raclette and foie gras.

In Briançon, Le Passé Simple (tel: +33 492 213 743) specialises in mountain dishes and 17th-century cuisine.

In Chantemerle, Le Petit Chalet (tel: +33 492 240 579) also serves superb Alpine dishes, while in Le Bez, Le Bidule (tel: +33 492 247 780) comes highly recommended.

If you're in a rush, Le Royal (www.atributeto.fr/leroyal) serves up fast food that won't leave a nasty taste in your mouth.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Among the winter sports activities on offer in Serre Chevalier is ice skating on rinks in Le Monêtier and Villeneuve and an indoor ice rink at Briançon. There's also ice driving, snowshoeing, skijoring and sleigh rides in and around the resort. A casino, indoor golf, snowkiting and Nordic walking are also all available.

For those seeking repose, there's a large thermal bath complex, Les Grands Bains (tel: +33 492 400 000; www.lesgrandsbains.fr), in Le Monêtier les Bains. It has an outdoor pool equipped with jet fountains, chutes, relaxation zones and a hot tub. A smaller swimming pool and spa complex can also be found in Villeneuve.

Come evening, visitors of all ages can unwind at the various cinemas in the main villages or try their luck at the Bowling Des Neiges bowling alley (tel: +33 492 431 002) in the Serre d'Aigle shopping centre.

Family fun

Serre Chevalier is popular with French families, so expect very busy slopes during the school holidays. There is a reason why local families choose Serre Chevalier: each village has its own range of facilities and activities for children.

One of the best childcare options is Les Schtroumpfs (tel: +33 492 247 095; www.garderie-villeneuve.com) in Villeneuve, which caters for children from nine-months-old to six years.

Among the organised events for children is the Festival for Young People, which takes place in December. During this four-day event, the resort puts on a range of workshops, shows and games for children to enjoy.

Retail therapy

Options in the resort are limited for shopaholics, with little more than skiwear retailers and rather predictable souvenir shops in Serre Chevalier to explore. However, the 17th-century upper quarter of Briançon is worth a visit even if just to window shop.

One of the more unique gift shops is Penelope Creates (tel: +33 492 241 790; www.penelope-creations.com) in Chantemerle, which sells painted wooden plaques and t-shirts.

Splashing out

The Circuit de Glace (tel: +33 492 247 844; www.circuitserrechevalier.com) in Villeneuve offers ice-driving lessons, which are not only fun, but can also come in handy when driving on icy roads back home. Options range from 20-minute spins to whole courses.

Hotels

Serre Chevalier provides good value lodgings with its atmospheric hotels and traditional chalets. The majority of accommodation in Serre Chevalier is in the form of moderately priced and family-run hotels, which have a great ambience. But there are also a few catered and self-catered chalets, ranging from budget to luxury, in and around the various villages.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap