Serre Chevalier (Hautes-Alpes) – Summer 2026 is shaping up to be particularly busy in the valley of Serre Chevalier Briançon. Bike park, mythical mountain passes reserved for cyclists, major festivals, new activities at altitude, fun trails for families, and international sporting events… The alpine destination wants to confirm its rise as a must-see summer resort in the Southern Alps.
What's new: a large aerial adventure course
This is one of the main new features for Summer 2026. From August, Serre Chevalier will open a new fun trail in the Chantemerle sector, accessible from the high-altitude area.
On the agenda: a 1.5 km family trail featuring a huge 80-metre suspension bridge, giant slides and interactive exhibits on mountain wildlife, flora and the environment.
Designed for families, this new route will connect the zipline arrival and the Grand Alpe picnic area to the Ratier plateau.
The objective is clear: to offer a more accessible and contemplative immersive experience, in a resort that is now looking to appeal to both sports enthusiasts and holidaymakers seeking fresh air and nature.
Outdoor activities
The bike park and high-altitude thrills
It's impossible to talk about Serre Chevalier without mentioning cycling. With 55 mountain bike circuits, 11 bike park trails, and several legendary mountain passes nearby, the valley remains a paradise for two-wheeled enthusiasts.
The mountain bike area will open progressively from 20th June with the Villeneuve sector, before the full opening of the area in early July.
Riders will find:
- 2 green runs
- 6 blues
- 2 reds
- 1 black
But also the giant zip line at Chantemerle, 1100 metres long, capable of propelling participants to nearly 100 km/h over the valley.
Another very popular activity is mountain karting. These small, engine-less vehicles allow you to hurtle down natural terrain tracks with sensations similar to a summer toboggan.
The legendary mountain passes reserved for cyclists
Galibier, Granon, Izoard… The great names of Alpine cycling will once again take centre stage this summer.
As every year, Serre Chevalier will be organising its «Cols Réservés», with several legendary roads closed to car traffic in the morning. This is a rare opportunity to climb these giants of the Alps in ideal conditions.
The «Tournée des Grands Cols», from 29 June to 3 July, will even allow you to tackle five major climbs in five days:
- Galibier
- Granon
- Scale
- Izoard
- Agnal
Les Grands Bains du Monêtier and the new La Rotonde spa
After a day of exertion, it's hard not to mention the Grands Bains du Monêtier. The water park, supplied by naturally hot water, remains one of the valley's main attractions.
A major new feature this year is the new «La Rotonde» spa, conceived as a premium wellness space with views of the summits. This positioning confirms Serre Chevalier's commitment to also developing an offering focused on relaxation and high-end experiences.
Events not to be missed
The Briançon Motorcycle Festival
This is the event of the summer. From 12 to 14 June, Briançon will host the first edition of the Briançon Moto Festival at Parc de la Schappe.
Walks, concerts, demonstrations, exhibitors and motorcycle culture will be on the programme in an atmosphere that should attract people from well beyond the Hautes-Alpes.
The Tour de France on the Galibier
The Tour de France will once again pass by the mythical Galibier pass on 25 July 2026 during the 20th stage linking Bourg d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez.
A few days earlier, amateurs will also be able to test themselves on this stage during «L'Étape du Tour».
The Picnic Factory
It has become the valley’s signature event. Throughout the summer, local farmers and producers invite visitors to put together their own picnics using local produce, all in a friendly atmosphere with live music.
Appointments will take place:
- 20 July in Le Monêtier
- 27 July in Briançon
- 3 August in Chantemerle
- the 10th of August in La Salle-les-Alpes
The Vauban Mountain Trail
Following the success of the 2025 event, Briançon will once again host a round of the Mountain Running World Cup on 18 and 19 July.
Two formats are planned:
- a vertical ascent of 6 km
- a classic 14 km race
With the Vauban ramparts and the peaks of the Écrins as a backdrop.
Our top pick: birdwatching walks
This is undoubtedly the most unexpected experience of the summer. Accompanied by Lizza, a mountain guide, visitors will be able to take part in immersive outings focused on bird songs.
The principle: slow down, walk gently, listen to the mountain differently. An activity that goes against the grain of fast consumer tourism, perfectly suited to the current evolution of the summer mountain.
Where to stay in Serre Chevalier?
Silky House
Recently opened, this 4-star hotel offers an elegant and contemporary atmosphere in the heart of Briançon.
Serra Neva MMV
A new 4-star residence opening at the end of 2025, it will further enhance the resort's premium offering.
Camping Les Deux Glaciers
For a more natural experience, the Monêtier-les-Bains campsite has undergone significant renovations and expansion ahead of summer 2026.
Where to eat in Serre Chevalier
La Table du Cairn
A sophisticated address in Le Monêtier-les-Bains, renowned for its seasonal cuisine and fresh produce.
Le Quinze Neuf
One of the most renowned steakhouses in the Hautes-Alpes, with wood-fired cooking and matured meats.
Le Rustique
In the Vauban district of Briançon, this unique restaurant offers diners the chance to eat in old carts or sledges, embracing a thoroughly mountainous atmosphere.
How to get to Serre Chevalier
By train
Briançon remains one of the few French resorts accessible by direct overnight train from Paris.
Connections also exist from Marseille, Valence, or Italy via Oulx.
By car
From Grenoble or Marseille, several routes allow you to easily reach the valley.
By plane
The nearest airports are:
- Turin
- Lyon
- Milan
- Marseille
Serre Chevalier, in brief
Between its mountain villages, Briançon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its 300 days of sunshine per year, and the peaks of the Ecrins National Park, Serre Chevalier continues to cultivate a unique position in the French Alps.
Sportier, more accessible, and more vibrant than ever in the summer, the valley now aims to establish itself as a fully-fledged four-season destination.
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