Top 10 Things To Do in the French Alps This Summer Huckster''''s Ski Lodge

Via Ferrata

Serre Chevalier’s fantastic valley offers up endless locations for rock climbing. There are locations suited to all levels from novice to intermediate. Our favourite spots include Le Casset (this has a fantastic lake too where you can SUP or just take a dip), and Le Rocher du Bez in La Salle les Alpes (see picture). This climb is only 30 minutes from our chalet in Villeneuve and suitable for everyone, including kids! There’s also a little section where you can actually go inside the cliff itself.

White Water Rafting & Kayaking

What better way to cool off than on one of Europe’s best rivers? An exhilarating experience, and so much fun!

Mountain Biking

With Le Tour de France in full swing, you can't help but feel inspired to hit the trails by bike. The mountainous alpine terrain has much to offer should you want to explore the region’s biking trails. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try VTT - all terrain cycling. Serre Chevalier has an awesome Bike Park with 11 different downhill ‘pistes’ taking you up to 2,450m high. You can catch a lift from Villeneuve which will take you straight to the park. The Casse du Boeuf Quad chair is open every day until 31st August.

Cool Off in the Lakes

Lac du Pontillas, La Salle les Alpes - This lake in Serre Chevalier is just a stone’s throw away and somewhere you can go swimming, paddle boarding, hire pedalos, or even play mini golf!

Biological Swimming Lakes -There are two naturally-filtered outdoor bio pools in Serre Che for swimming or just lazing around. One in Saint Chaffrey and the other, Baignade Biologique, is in La Salle les Alpes. This pool has a nice little beach and is supervised too!

Serre Che Adventure

Be at nature in the trees on Serre Che Aventure's high ropes balance course and feel the breeze while you zip wire through the canopies. Push yourself to the limits with their adventure catapult and bungee jump!

Le Grand Bains du Monetier

This natural thermal spa is a must! Think far-reaching views of the mountains and indulgent spa treatments. Relax in their jacuzzi or try out their Roman Baths with varying temperatures, designed to tone and detoxify your skin.

Mille 8's La Piscine

We’d definitely recommend a day at the pool here. The leisure complex includes a covered indoor pool, whirlpool baths, hot tubs, grotto, an indoor waterfall, a slide, and water play areas for children. The wellness area features steam baths, saunas, and a relaxation area, and there is also a fitness area with a gym and cardio training machines should you want to keep in shape while you're there.

Rosuel National Park

Over in Vallandry, Julies loves to hike up to the lake in the Rosuel National Park. So peaceful and a great spot for a picnic. There's also a mountain hut bar/ restaurant you can stop up at. Rosuel is the gateway to the main Vanoise National Park and a great starting point for several mountain hikes.

Archery and Donkey Rides

Not far from our lodge in Vallandry is Les Lanches. Here you can try your hand at archery or visit the donkeys. You can actually enjoy a three to six day hike across the mountains by donkey. A great way to get close to nature and see some small animals along the way.

Have You Seen the Straw Statues?

If you haven't heard of the Straw Statues of Valloire, you've got to take a look. You can travel to them just across the Col du Galibier from Serre Chevalier. Each year, the town hosts a Straw and Hay Sculpture Contest during the Summer and these are on display for all visitors to see. It's amazing what can be made out of these raw materials. Find out more here.