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.