A Vacation Insiders Guide to Serre Chevalier & Briancon

Serre Chevalier & Briancon A Vacation Insiders Guide

THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR

A YEAR ROUND MOUNTAIN DESTINATION...

Back in 2001 my wife and I ditched the real world and decided to tour France for six months. Whilst my wife knew France fairly well, having lived in Marseille and Paris, I knew very little.

I’d grown up thinking of France in an ashamedly stereotypical way - baguettes, onions, berets - you get the picture. We were taking six months out for personal reasons so France itself was not the motivator, it was simply close to the UK. It’s fair to say I didn’t expect France to “wow” me.

How different the reality was. I was totally unprepared for such diversity of landscapes. From the rugged coastlines of Brittany, the rolling garden of the Loire, the spectacle of moving from the Jura Mountains to the Alps and meeting Mont Blanc head on, the glitz of St Tropez, the aggression of Marseille, the Pyrenees, Boredeaux wines, Toulouse-Lautrec, and on and on. I haven’t even mentioned Paris!

So it’s no surprise that I felt the same diversity when I started working with Helen Beaumont. Her apartment is located in Serre Chevalier, a village in the French Alps. Of course you think ski and of course you’d be right. But it’s so much more than ski. It’s also a fantastic summer destination as the landscape changes into something entirely different. As you read through Helen’s inside guide to Serre Chavalier and Briancon you’ll feel her love of the area, you’ll get her experienced local tips and thoughts, and you’ll see some of the beauty of a truly year round destination.

E: andy@vacationinsiders.com W: www.vacationinsiders.com

Serre Chevalier

MEET YOUR INSIDER

HELEN BEAUMONT...

I am a wife, mother of 2 and a pharmacist by profession.

I enjoy my work, but work to live, or rather work for my ski trips and holidays in France!

We first visited Serre Chevalier in 2001 on an Easter ski trip.

We’d only skied a few times, and mainly in the more well known resorts of La Plagne and Flaine, so it was a gamble trying somewhere new. But we’d managed to rent a reasonably priced apartment, and had heard the snow was deep, so we headed off via London Gatwick to Turin airport.

We arrived mid afternoon and, with two hungry boys in tow, headed to a local creperie. We were immediately struck by how approachable and friendly everyone was, even if we had to use our French more than usual! This, combined with the very reasonable prices on our bill, meant we were already starting to warm to the place!

As this was an extra trip we decided against ski lessons, opting instead to ski as a family for the whole week. We had a great time by day, skiing some of the 250 km of pistes. And by evening we soaked up the atmosphere in the old village of Villeneuve, enjoying the local trout caught fresh from the river behind the restaurant.

On some nights we chilled out in the apartment with a home cooked dinner using fresh ingredients from the local shops. By the end of the week, we had really fallen in love with the place, and I couldn’t wait to go and book up for the next ski season.

Contact Helen: Simply click any of the buttons below to find out more about Helen's vacation rental in Serre Chevalier...

“Once we had seen the views and the location, we were certain this was the right place for us!”

Alternatively feel free to call Helen direct on +44.7808.762.513

We returned the following winter and again for a short break in January 2003. However, it was really a summer holiday to a different part of France that made us consider owning our own property. After some searching in the Loire valley for a small house, my husband Julian mentioned he would prefer a home in Serre Chevalier to anything else. I agreed, it felt much more familiar to us, and so our search began!

We viewed many apartments over a couple of different trips and found nothing that suited us. It wasn’t until our final trip that we were introduced to the new Chalets de la Chamoissiere development. We’d seen the details, but had decided the only affordable option was a studio apartment, which was too small for us. The agent explained that the studios we’d discounted as being too small had now been made larger and changed to a one bedroom apartment. Once we had seen the views and the location, we were certain this was the right place for us!

What really sold it was seeing the area through the different seasons during our search. During the summer we realised that there was just as much to do there as there was in the ski season. The place was buzzing, there were white-water sports, mountain biking, climbing and hiking too. The mountains were green, and the views amazing. We had definitely found home.

What the Reviews Say:

HELEN’S REAL SERRE CHEVALIER & BRIANCON...

For us, the real Serre Chevalier lies in its diversity.

We love skiiing and that’s how we first discovered the area. But, as we experienced the place through different seasons, we quickly realised the area’s 250 km of ski pistes are just half its attraction. At heart Serre Chevalier and Briancon is what you want it to be. Whether that’s a high-mileage ski resort, a quiet family resort or a cultural experience.

Summer finds a buzzing 17th century town in Briancon. Its city walls, fortresses and large collegiate church dominate the hillside. Walk through flowerfilled meadows alonside gushing streams, or scale high mountain peaks; the choice is yours. Follow in the wheel tracks of Bradley Wiggins on the famous cols of the Tour de France, or take a chairlift up the mountain for a thrillseeking downhill mountain bike ride on the VTT trails.

White water sports just add to the excitement.

In Winter, each village has its own individual atmosphere. 13 villages are spread along the valley, with farming communities intermingling with tourists and skiers. Traditional old village houses still house the sheep

and cows in the lower floor during the winter months.

Atmospheric old village bars and restaurants are built into vaulted rooms, and roaring fires warm you after a day on the pistes. Modern comfortable apartments and hotels provide pools and saunas for their guests.

Join the skiers on the slopes for 250km of some of the finest skiing in France, or hire a guide to discover some great off-piste routes. Meet in one of the mountain restaurants for lunch, warmed by a vin chaud.

Outside of the holiday seasons, the villages are quiet and cows and sheep graze on the hillsides.

Autumn sees the beautiful colours of the largest larch forest in Europe and the first sprinkling of snow on the mountain tops.

Buying an apartment here has allowed us to really appreciate the area throughout the whole year, experiencing every season. We love the place and the atmosphere, it’s vibe and it’s pace, which can be anything to anyone. For us that’s the real Serre Chevalier and Briancon!

Helen’s Favourite Local Produce...

Sheep’s cheese (Brebis) , foie gras and patés can be bought fresh from the farm at Les Guibertes, a small hamlet just outside of Monetier.

Saucisse and many other local products including baguettes, croissants, etc can be bought at all of the local markets.

Local wine, grown further south, can be bought from Astier (on the Champ du Mars in Briancon), or from Geant/Casino shopping centre

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.

THE PRACTICAL STUFF...

Where is the Nearest Airport?

Turin Airport is 110km from Serre Chevalier. Flights from London Gatwick (BA and Easyjet), Stanstead (Ryanair) and charter flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. Grenoble is 120km away and is served by Easyjet, Jet 2, Monarch and Ryanair from several UK airports.

Are There Train Links?

Briancon Railway station is in the Serre Chevalier valley. A bus service connects with the ski villages. Overnight sleeper train service from Paris Austerlitz. Alternatively Oulx-Bardonecchia just over the border into Italy is served by faster TGV trains from Paris (Paris-Milan).

How Easy is it to Get Around?

A car is not essential as all the villages and Briancon are connected by a regular bus service. Private or shared transfers can be arranged with the Alpine Transfer Company (http:// www.alpine-transfer-company.com/) from either Grenoble or Turin airports

What’s the Weather Like?

Serre Chevalier is one of the sunniest Alpine resorts with up to 300 days of sunshine per year. Occasionally windy and cold in January to warm and sunny with plenty of snow on the ground in April. Pleasant summer temperatures in the mid 20’s C make it an ideal destination for an active summer holiday.

How Far Does My Money Go? A meal for two with wine will set you back around 50€, lunch on the mountain 30€, coffee 2-3€, bottle of wine from 16€ in restaurant, 4€ in supermarket.

A pichet/carafe of house wine (50cl) will be about 7€. There is certainly something for every budget!

Where Can I Hire Ski Equipment?

Ski and boot hire from 75€ with Skiset. All villages have branches of Twinner, Skimium, Ski Republic and Sport 2000

HELEN’S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY...

What makes Serre Chevalier so unique is the combination of old village French charm with modern apartment options. Many are within easy reach of ski lifts. Additionally there’s something to suit every budget. And, if you really need any further proof, take a look at these examples, all of which are available to rent by the week...

Helen’s Very Own...

An ideal holiday home for a couple or young family, sleeps up to 4 people. It has one double bedroom, and comfortable sofa beds in the lounge which leads to a sunny south-facing terrace with fantastic views of the mountains.

Visit Helen's Website to Find Out More

Helen Suggests...

Apart from my own, there are some excellent choices looked after by my friend Melanie who also looks after my apartment for me. All the apartments are high quality, many with spa facilities, pools, etc Visit the Eureka Ski Website

Helen Suggests...

A 17th century chalet and apartment called Chalet Vauban in a small hamlet just outside of Briancon.

It gives an alternative location at the other end of the valley and a little bit of history.

Visit the Chalet Vauban Website

We're here to help if you need...

We get it, searching for the perfect place to stay can wear you down. So allow us to help you. Below are some suggestions to help make life easier. But if you're really stuck drop us a line and we'll try to help.

Places to Search...

Vacation rentals are growing in popularity. It's not just the extra space and freedom, but it's very often because the owners are personable and focused on service. The widest selection can be found on sites like HomeAway, VRBO and FlipKey

OR Ask for Referrals...

As you trawl VRBO and other vacation rental sites you may come up against "sorry we're booked" responses. But owners frequently know other owners in the same area. So, if you come up against booked places just ask the owner if they can refer you!

OR Just Ask us...

Through our work with Helen, as well as our connections to other owners, we can help guide you in your search. Just drop us a line, let us know what's vexing you and we'll lend you a helping hand we're not a travel agency but we can offer some tips!

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