Top 5 Hiking Routes near Serre Chevalier

The delightful region of Serre Chevalier is full of quaint villages and hidden valleys just waiting to be discovered. Although mainly known as a ski resort, the area has over 370km of incredible hiking routes and more than enough to make a summer visit worthwhile. The best way to explore them is to use a hotel in Serre Chevalier as a base for your exploration and go out and do as much or as little of them as you like. Here are our top five trails.

5. Reallon to Saint-Firmin – 104km

Reallon in the Parc des Ecrins

The stunning GR50 hiking trail traverses the valley from north to south, offering some of the best hiking in all of France. Reallon to Saint Firmin is perhaps one of its most jaw-dropping sections, with picturesque lakes, mountains and meadows along the way. Although its sharp elevations make it a relatively challenging route, the scenery is an almighty reward and well worth the effort. It is almost impossible not to find a picturesque village on the trail, with Saint Firmin in particular renowned for its beauty. 

St Firmin

4. Mizoen to Briançon – 71km

Mizoen

This stretch of the GR50 begins with the beautiful flower-filled village of Mizeon. From high up on its hill, the village has incredible panoramic views over the Lac du Chambon, the Meije, and the Romanche gorges and up to the Taillefer ridge. From here, the route meanders along the valley and offers up some incredible views of La Meije Mountain. Villages worth visiting along the way include Le Monetier les Bains and Saint Chaffrey. 

Briançon

3. GR54 – 176km

GR 54 

The GR54 loops around the higher parts of the Parc National des Ecrins, France’s oldest national park. Taking approximately 12 days to complete, the beautiful trail is regarded as strenuous but not difficult by the experts. There are many great refuges along the way serving traditional French Alp cuisine, but it is also possible to camp out on the route should you wish to bring a tent.

2. Briançon to Nice - 209km

Nice - Côte d'Azur

Briançon to Nice is one of the most famous and rewarding treks that one can do. The views are divine and even during peak season it is not unheard of to not see a single person for days at a time. There are several medieval Alpine hill villages perched high up in the mountains to stop and recharge while enjoying some delicious fare, including Fort Queyras and St Dalmas le Selvage. The journey takes roughly a week and is relatively easy in terms of difficulty.


1. Les Boussardes circuit – 8.4km

Serre Chevalier

The Les Boussardes circuit is ideal for a single days hike out from the hotel at Serre Chevalier and well worth including in this list. The route is marked with heavenly hamlets that make for a welcome break on this steep uphill climb. You’re rewarded for your effort at the halfway point where there is a beautiful glacial lake with incredible views out across the region. Definitely not to be missed.