Summer

Serre Chevalier in Summer
Monetier-les-Bains and the rest of the Serre Chevalier area is just as beautiful in Summer as it is in Winter. Why not spend your summer holiday here?

The main ski lifts from each village open between early July and early September for the enjoyment of walkers and mountain bikers. Cycle or walk through Europe's largest larch forest, or catch the lift up and enjoy lunch in one of the mountain restaurants before following one of the marked routes back down the mountain.

Briancon
The walled town of Briancon is worth a visit too. Designed by the French military architect Vauban, and with a beautiful 18th century collegiate church, there is something for everyone in the cobbled streets, with plenty of restaurants, bars and ice-cream cafés to enjoy. There is a mediaeval fair in mid-Summer with arts, crafts and events for all the family to enjoy. Guided tours of the military fortifications are available. The tourist office website has details of this summer's activities. 

Plants and Flowers
The mountains are a great place for rare plants and flowers, and the botanic gardens on the Col du Lauteret features plants from mountainous areas throught the world. You can even buy some specimens for your rock garden. More details of opening times here at the Jardin Botanique website. 

On the water
If you prefer the water, you can raft or kayak down the river Guisane, which is one of the best rivers in Europe for white water sports. Trips by raft or kayak can be booked in the village at Jour de Raft near the Tourist Office. If you prefer your water sports to be more relaxed, swim in our heated pool at Chamoissiere, or pay a visit to Les Grands Bains, Monetier's Roman-themed thermal spa. Further afield there are boat trips and sailing on the Lac du Serre Poncon, a large artificial lake on the Durance river between Briancon and Gap, which is just over an hours drive. 

On two wheels
There is something for all of you who enjoy life on two wheels in Serre Chevalier. Mountain passes for motorcyclists and Tom Pidcock wannabes as well as regular visits by the Tour de France. We have BMX parks for the young and adventurous and both Downhill and Cross-Country mountain bike trails for those that prefer their cycling to be more rugged. There are paths along the valley for the more timid along the valley between villages. 

A new website has been launched with details of cycling trails in the area. There are free bike wash stations in Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Monetier-les-Bains, and bike hire is just 200m from the door. 

Bike Park Serre Chevalier 

Summer Ski Lifts
 Briançon (Prorel Gondola)
 Open from 1st July to 27th August 2023 (9.30-16.15)

Chantemerle (Ratier Gondola and 2nd stage Serre Chevalier cablecar)
Open from  1st July-27th August 2023 (9.15-16.45)

 Villeneuve -Casse du Boeuf Chairlift 
Open from 1st July to 27th August  2023 (9.30-16.15)

Monêtier les Bains-Bachas Chairlift 
Open from 1 July to 27 August (9.30-16.15)

Out of season
Spring is a time for many of the locals to take a break after a very busy winter. The village will be quiet and the pool opens only at weekends once the ski season is over, and the French Spring breaks have ended. There are several holiday weekends where things will be busier. 

Quiet days in Autumn can be wonderful with beautiful autumn colours over the landscape. Days are usually pleasantly warm and nights cool. But occasional sharp showers or even the first snows of winter may appear.  It is still a wonderful time to visit, but a few things to bear in mind. Restaurant owners often take a break at these times, known as inter-season. Although this means some of them won't open at all, there are usually one or two available in the village.  The bakery and butcher may only be open in the morning, and there may be restricted opening times for the supermarket. We can advise if you wish to visit during the interseason months. It is a great time for walking, relaxing and taking in the scenery. For more information about Chalet Chamoissiere please go to our Apartment page. Pool is closed from mid-September to the start of the ski season in mid-December.

by Helen Beaumont