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Puy-Saint-Vincent · Vallouise valley

Activities

Not a tourist office directory: a selection of what we love doing around the chalet, summer and winter. Open the map in full screen to explore it: each point opens its card, and switching seasons changes the valley.

Map of activities around the chalet

The map is explored in full screen, where each point opens a card. The activities shown follow the selected season; the full list is further down the page.

Approximate driving times from the chalet. The mountain passes are open in summer only.

Winter

The view from the chalet in winter: the village and the valley under snow
The Pelvoux and Puy-Saint-Vincent ski areas in winter
Photo : Ben.popeye, CC BY-SA 3.0

On the slopespistes, lifts

The Puy-Saint-Vincent ski area right by the chalet, peaceful cross-country skiing at the head of the valley, and Serre Chevalier for a change of scene.

  • Puy-Saint-Vincent ski area

    Alpine skiing≈ 5 min from the chalet

    The chalet's own ski area, from 1,400 to 2,750 metres: runs for every level and long descents through the larches. Our tip: be on the first lifts, when the snow is at its best and the slopes are yours.

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  • Cross-country skiing in Pelvoux

    Cross-country skiing, snowshoeingEasy≈ 15 min from the chalet

    Nordic ski loops at the head of the valley, peaceful and facing the peaks. Ideal for a day without lifts, or to introduce those who have never worn skis.

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  • Serre Chevalier

    Ski resort≈ 45 min from the chalet

    One of the largest ski areas in the Southern Alps, between Briançon and Le Monêtier-les-Bains. For a change of scene mid-week, once you know Puy-Saint-Vincent by heart.

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  • Pelvoux-Vallouise ski area

    Alpine skiingEasy≈ 15 min from the chalet

    A small family ski area at the head of the valley, facing the Pelvoux massif. Fewer people, gentle runs: ideal for children's first turns.

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  • Montgenèvre

    Ski resort≈ 1 h from the chalet

    A border resort above Briançon, linked to Italy through the Milky Way ski area. Known for its reliable snow: a safe bet early in the season.

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  • La Forêt Blanche, Vars and Risoul

    Ski resort≈ 50 min from the chalet

    Two resorts linked by the slopes, among the larches. A large, sunny ski area, just under an hour from the chalet via Guillestre.

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  • Les Orres

    Ski resort≈ 1 h 05 from the chalet

    Above Embrun, runs that plunge towards the Serre-Ponçon lake. For skiing with the lake as a backdrop.

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Les Grands Bains, Le Monêtier-les-Bains
Photo : Pierre5018, CC BY-SA 4.0

Relaxing & indoors

For stormy days, heavy Thursday legs, or children who need something other than snow.

  • Les Grands Bains du Monêtier

    Hot springs≈ 50 min from the chalet

    Open-air hot pools surrounded by snow. The best remedy after a week of skiing: go late in the day to watch the light fade on the peaks.

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  • Écrins National Park visitor centre

    Visit, indoor activity≈ 10 min from the chalet

    In Vallouise, to understand the mountains you see from the chalet: wildlife, plants, glaciers. A good outing on a rainy day with children.

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  • Briançon ice rink

    Visit, indoor activity≈ 35 min from the chalet

    An indoor ice rink, home of the Diables Rouges, the town's hockey team. Public sessions according to the schedule: something to do on an afternoon when the snow is too heavy.

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Ski touring in the Briançon area
Photo : krishna naudin, CC BY-SA 2.0

Naturesnowshoeing, viewpoints

The mountains in winter, away from the lifts: among the larches, on the ice or up on a summit, at your own pace.

  • Snowshoeing among the larches

    Cross-country skiing, snowshoeingEasy≈ 5 min from the chalet

    Above the village, snowshoe walks through the larch forest, suitable for all ages. Go in the afternoon: the light on the Écrins is worth the trip.

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  • Freissinières ice falls

    Climbing, mountaineeringVery hard≈ 25 min from the chalet

    An ice-climbing site renowned far beyond the Alps. For experienced climbers only — or to discover with a high-mountain guide, who provides the equipment.

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  • Introduction to ski touring

    Ski touringChallenging≈ 10 min from the chalet

    Climb under your own steam, ski back down in powder, far from the pistes. To get started safely, go with a local guide: they know the day's snow.

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  • Puy-Aillaud

    ViewpointEasy≈ 15 min from the chalet

    A hamlet perched above Vallouise, at the end of a winding road. In winter, the snowshoe walk from the village offers one of the finest views of the valley.

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Summer

The view from the chalet in summer: the village, the valley and the snow-capped peaks
Mountain biking on a ridge in the Hautes-Alpes
Photo : Denis Sirac, CC BY 4.0

Thrillsbike park, white water

In summer the fun carries on: on two wheels, on the Durance river, or on the water of the largest lake in the Southern Alps.

  • Serre Chevalier bike park

    Mountain biking, bike park≈ 45 min from the chalet

    Downhill trails served by the lifts, from flowing tracks for beginners to committing lines. Full protection recommended, rental available on site.

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  • Mountain biking in the Vallouise valley

    Mountain biking, bike parkModerateStraight from the chalet

    Forest tracks, farm roads and trails along the Gyronde river: the valley is great to explore by bike, as a family or for a sporty ride.

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  • Rafting on the Durance

    White waterModerate≈ 15 min from the chalet

    In L'Argentière-la-Bessée, the Durance offers white-water runs for everyone: rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed. The surest way to cool off in mid-August.

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  • Serre-Ponçon lake

    Lake, swimming≈ 1 h from the chalet

    One of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, with turquoise water: swimming, paddleboarding, sailing. For a beach day without losing sight of the mountains.

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  • Canyoning in the Fournel

    White waterChallenging≈ 15 min from the chalet

    Jumps, natural slides and abseils in the gorges of the Fournel torrent. Always with a qualified instructor, who provides the wetsuit and chooses the route to suit the group.

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  • La Roche-de-Rame lake

    Lake, swimmingEasy≈ 20 min from the chalet

    A small lake with supervised swimming in summer, beside the Durance. Grass, shade and water gentler than the mountain torrents: the children's beach outing.

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  • Paragliding over the valley

    Paragliding≈ 5 min from the chalet

    Take off from the heights of Puy-Saint-Vincent, in tandem with an instructor. Twenty minutes in the air above the Vallouise, the chalet somewhere below.

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The Glacier Blanc, in the Écrins massif
Photo : Francofranco56, Public domain

Hiking & via ferrata

The Vallouise valley is one of the gateways to the Écrins National Park. Glaciers, high lakes, cliffs: enough to fill several summers.

  • Glacier Blanc hut

    Mountain hutChallenging≈ 35 min from the chalet

    The valley's legendary hike: from the Pré de Madame Carle, a trail climbing to the foot of the largest glacier in the Écrins. Leave early, the road and car park fill up fast in summer.

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  • Lac de l'Eychauda

    HikingModerate≈ 20 min from the chalet

    A glacial lake at the foot of the seracs, at the end of a steady climb from the hamlet of Chambran. The water is icy, the view worth every step.

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  • Ailefroide

    Climbing, mountaineering≈ 25 min from the chalet

    The climbing mecca of the Southern Alps: boulders and multi-pitch routes among the pines, for all levels. Children find a huge playground beside the torrent.

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  • Les Vigneaux via ferrata

    Via ferrata≈ 10 min from the chalet

    Ten minutes from the chalet, a via ferrata to experience the void in complete safety. Gear rental in the valley; for a first time, a guide makes it far more relaxed.

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  • Croix de Toulouse via ferrata

    Via ferrata≈ 35 min from the chalet

    Above Briançon, a via ferrata that ends with the whole fortified town at your feet. Combine it with an afternoon in the old town.

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  • Freissinières valley and Dormillouse

    HikingModerate≈ 25 min from the chalet

    An unspoilt valley with waterfalls and, at its far end, Dormillouse: a hamlet with no road, reached only on foot. A hike that feels like travelling back in time.

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  • Glacier Noir viewpoint

    ViewpointModerate≈ 35 min from the chalet

    The other glacier of the Pré de Madame Carle, covered in rocks, below the south face of the Barre des Écrins. The viewpoint trail is shorter than the Glacier Blanc one, the view just as striking.

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  • Cascade de la Pisse

    HikingEasy≈ 20 min from the chalet

    A spectacular waterfall on the road to Ailefroide, a few minutes' walk away. Easy, refreshing, perfect for a late afternoon with the family.

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  • Vallon des Bans

    HikingModerate≈ 30 min from the chalet

    At the end of the Entre-les-Aigues road, a wild side valley climbing towards the Bans hut. Torrent, larches and marmots: the valley's quiet side.

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  • Clarée valley and Névache

    HikingEasy≈ 1 h from the chalet

    North of Briançon, a valley of meadows, alpine chalets and high lakes. Summer shuttles run to the head of the valley; cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

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The Casse Déserte, below the Col d'Izoard
Photo : Olgierd Rudak, CC BY-SA 4.0

Passes & panoramas

The great passes of the Southern Alps are an hour's drive away: Lautaret, Galibier, Izoard. Open in summer only, they can be driven, cycled or ridden, for views you won't find anywhere else.

  • Col du Lautaret and its alpine garden

    Mountain pass≈ 1 h 05 from the chalet

    At 2,058 metres, facing the glaciers of La Meije. The pass's alpine botanical garden brings together thousands of mountain flower species: best seen in July.

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  • Col du Galibier

    Mountain pass≈ 1 h 20 from the chalet

    Above the Lautaret, one of the legendary passes of the Tour de France, at over 2,600 metres. From the top, the Northern and Southern Alps in a single glance.

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  • La Grave and the Meije glaciers

    Ski resort≈ 1 h 20 from the chalet

    A village clinging to the slope opposite La Meije, with a cable car up to the glaciers, summer and winter. A day in the high mountains without crampons.

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  • Col d'Izoard and the Casse Déserte

    Mountain pass≈ 1 h from the chalet

    Between Briançon and the Queyras, a lunar landscape of scree and rock needles, the Casse Déserte. Drive it, or cycle it if you're feeling brave.

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All year

The village of Vallouise
Photo : Denis Roux, Public domain

Villages & heritage

Vauban fortresses, mountain villages and old mines: the valley has a history, and it can be explored all year round.

  • Vallouise

    Village≈ 7 min from the chalet

    The valley's village: the church of Saint-Étienne, its lanes of old houses and the sundials painted on the façades. For fresh bread in the morning or an evening stroll.

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  • Briançon, Vauban's fortified town

    Heritage≈ 35 min from the chalet

    The highest town in France, encircled by Vauban's fortifications, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk up the Grande Gargouille, the main street with its water channel.

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  • Mont-Dauphin fortress

    Heritage≈ 30 min from the chalet

    Another Vauban fortress listed by UNESCO, set on its promontory above the Durance. Superb at the end of the day, when the pink stone catches the light.

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  • Fournel silver mines

    Visit, indoor activity≈ 15 min from the chalet

    In L'Argentière-la-Bessée, silver mine galleries worked since the Middle Ages, visited with a helmet on. The valley's history, seen from the inside.

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  • Embrun

    Village≈ 45 min from the chalet

    A small town perched above the Serre-Ponçon lake, with its Notre-Dame-du-Réal cathedral. Perfect for combining sightseeing and a swim on a sunny day.

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  • Saint-Vincent chapel

    Village≈ 5 min from the chalet

    The village chapel of Puy-Saint-Vincent, with its 15th-century wall paintings. A short stop, within walking distance of the chalet on a fine day.

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  • Château-Queyras fort

    Heritage≈ 55 min from the chalet

    A fortress standing on its rock in the middle of the Guil valley, remodelled by Vauban. The gateway to the Queyras, the nature park next to the Écrins.

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  • Saint-Véran

    Village≈ 1 h 15 from the chalet

    One of the highest villages in Europe, at over 2,000 metres: larch-log houses, sundials and fountains. Listed among the most beautiful villages in France.

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  • Boscodon Abbey

    Heritage≈ 1 h from the chalet

    A 12th-century Romanesque abbey deep in a state forest, above the Serre-Ponçon lake. A place of silence, to combine with Embrun.

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The valley is waiting, winter and summer alike.

Choose your dates: the chalet is minutes from the slopes and the trails.

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