Villeneuve / La Salle-les-Alpes The heart of the valley
Villeneuve - La Salle les Alpes
The Heart of the Valley
It is the central town of Serre Chevalier Briançon, playfully hugging the contours of the landscape, rooted since time immemorial where the valley widens and offers space for expansion.
It is the town whose five hamlets, taking advantage of the open space, have settled on either side of the Guisane River: Villeneuve and Le Bez on the right bank, La Salle, Les Pananches, and La Chirouze on the left bank; and whose four alpine hamlets cling to the north-facing slopes (Fréjus and Goudissard) and the south-facing slopes (Puy-Chirouzan and Puy de La Salle). It is undoubtedly the town that shines, constantly balancing tradition and modernity.
Centered around the climbing wall, towering like a totem that sets the tone, the dynamic town of Villeneuve showcases its array of activities. A visit to the Guides’ Office is enough to realize that Villeneuve climbs, hikes, flies, rides, runs, and paddles.
On the lush green snow slope at the base of the Casse-du-Bœuf chairlift, mountain bikers—backpacks on their backs and helmets securely fastened—set off for the high-altitude bike park.
At the Pontillas recreation center, hikers, walking poles in hand, set off along the marked trails.
At the natural swimming area, young swimmers and adults alike can enjoy crystal-clear, chlorine-free water (which is gentle on the skin and eyes); natural swimming offers significant environmental benefits. The biotope system replicates the natural cycle of the ecosystem in a closed loop.
No chemicals are released into the environment or the water system.
Budding skateboarders try out tricks on the concrete ramps while rafters get ready to tackle the torrent.
At the mini-golf course, concentration is at its peak despite the shouts of joy from the trampoline jumpers. From climbing rocks to the zip lines inthe tree-top adventure course, from pedal karts to the indoor pool, Villeneuve is constantly on the move.
In the old village, the shops in the traditional houses with their colorful facades bring this lively postcard scene to life.
The sun floods the terraces. Charming as can be, this old village exudes Alpine character.
Its history is told at the “Autrefois mon village” museum, housed in the Sainte Luce Chapel. Higher up, perched on the slopes overlooking the valley, the hamlet of yesteryear is still centered around the 15th-century Saint-Marcellin Church, its fountain, and its community school, which is still in operation. Pastoral life, as it was in the days of sundials, is still evident as you wander through the narrow streets lined with barns and vegetable gardens leading all the way to the pastures. Heritage tours explain the sacred art and tell the story of rural life in the land of sausage and cabbage!
Did you know?
In the 1950s and 1960s, Léon Agel, the lyricist of the famous song “Mon amant de Saint-Jean,” invested his royalties in the Place de l’Aravet, where he built several residences and financed the cable car.
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