Serre Chevalier is often considered the hidden gem of south-eastern France and one of the most popular ski resorts for local French people. However, visiting the French Alps isn’t just a wintertime activity, there’s plenty to savour in the summertime too, from hiking to rafting, and Hôtel Le Monêtier is one of the communes which makes for a great base for discovering the region.
Hotel
Hôtel Le Monêtier offers stupendous views of the region including the snow-capped glaciers you can observe even during the summer months. Unlike some alpine resorts, they are open year-round especially as they are only a short drive from Briançon, which is the highest city in France at 1,326 metres. It is a relatively new hotel in the area which just opened pre-pandemic and even though the building dominates the skyline in the local village, it is still a boutique hotel with only 21 rooms.
The hotel delivers on a clean, minimalist Scandinavian style. The uncluttered nature of the hotel is self-evident as soon as you enter, as the restaurant reception doubles up as the hotel reception as well. There are plenty of wooden beams and exposed brickwork to exude that alpine resort vibe. Their website is particularly handy in helping you depict the scenery with their ‘go in winter’ or ‘go in summer’ option. The former page is littered with scenic white-powdered mountains and suggestions for off-piste mountain experiences whilst the latter is of photos of crystal-clear lakes and enjoying the great outdoors which is steps away from the hotel.
It is useful to know that they are pet-friendly, there is a 24 hr reception, free and unlimited Wi-Fi and free parking including electric car charging points. There is also an elevator to make sure people with accessibility needs are catered for.
Room
There might be only 21 rooms but there are seven different categories to choose from, ranging from cocoon to balcony family comfort rooms. All the rooms face the mountain peaks. The rooms are furnished to a high standard with a USB charging station and a large screen LED TV. You are provided with luxurious bathrobes, slippers and nourishing toiletries. The key point is to make sure you secure a room with a terrace and you’ll feel even more immersed in the breath-taking surroundings.
If you are visiting with family and/or friends, you can also consider an apartment if you are looking for extra space including open kitchens. They are situated 200 metres from the hotel building and are run independently from the hotel. The most spacious apartment can fit up to eight guests.
Food and drink
Their bar and restaurant, Stabatio is a gastronomic magnet in the village. Sometimes alpine cuisine can be rather stereotypical, think fondue, raclette or tartiflette – cheese is a religion when you are up in the Alps. However, at Stabatio, they are far more progressive with their menu. Deconstructed tuna and wakame sushi would be brave even by Shoreditch standards, but in the Alps, this is ground-breaking. Their offerings are not bound by geographical borders, so you get Greek gyros, Italian penne and a very vegetarian-friendly burger using soy steak, candied onions and Savoie cheese.
The giant wooden benches and relaxed open kitchen makes for a welcoming atmosphere, where you are more than likely to make new continental friends.
Their mountain-style breakfast is also worth highlighting, as they focus on using local produce only, so you might get exotic strawberry and apricot juices and an assortment of freshly made jams. The pastry section is a feast for the senses and you can be forgiven for indulging in a few, as you are more than likely to burn off the calories during your afternoon sporting adventures.
To do
It’s all about the great outdoors. Despite the hotel being in a commune outside of Briançon, it is incredibly well-connected. You are only a short stroll from the world-famous, Les Grands Bains du Monêtier where their thermal spring waters power their countless pool areas. From outdoor hot tubs to warming hammam, they have it all. You are also only a short stroll away from the starting point of a white water rafting experience with Jour de Raft. Paddling along the crystal-clear glacier waters from the Alps is one of those bucket-list items you must tick off.
In a nutshell
If you want to experience the Alps away from the typical tourist destinations, then head to Serre Chevalier. At Hôtel Le Monêtier, you’ll get a warm French welcome and an incredible location for you to explore the majestic mountains.
Factbox
Hôtel Le Monêtier, Le Monêtier-les-Bains offers rooms from £97 per night.
Address: 376 route de Grenoble, 05220 Le Monêtier-les-Bains, France
Phone: +33 (0)4 92 55 40 70
Website: lemonetier.com
