How about changing your perspective this summer? La Dolce Vita—the art of savoring the moment, taking the time to do nothing, letting your gaze wander toward the horizon.
We used to think it could only be found along the Mediterranean coast. But it also exists in the mountains. It has taken root here, in the Guisane Valley, among the larch trees and the peaks of the Écrins.
In Serre Chevalier Briançon, summer unfolds at your own pace. Here are six hidden gems to help you experience it your way.
HIGHLIGHT #1
Take the time to do nothing
A hammock, sunshine, a panoramic view… and the art of gazing at the sky
It might be the hardest thing to do on vacation: truly slowing down.
In Serre Chevalier Briançon, summer invites you to indulge in this kind of leisure.
A hammock strung between two larch trees, a turquoise lake nestled in a mountain meadow, a south-facing terrace high in the mountains—opportunities to unwind are everywhere.
Summer is also experienced in these moments of stillness. Between activities or instead of all the activities.
💡Top Picks:
> Visit Schappe Park in Briançon
> Pontillas Lake in La Salle-les-Alpes
> Colombiers Park in Chantemerle
> Casset Lake in Monêtier-les-Bains
for a relaxing afternoon with a view of the mountains.
No plans needed!
HIGHLIGHT #2
Lakes are everywhere...
High-altitude lakes, natural swimming spots, paddleboarding… every day is a fresh invitation to cool off
Lac des Fonts, Grand Lac, Lac de la Douche, Lac Cristol, and the lakes of Chantemerle and Villeneuve: in Serre Chevalier Briançon, water is a bountiful resource. Crystal-clear, cool, and accessible.
In summer, the high-altitude lakes become favorite destinations for both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers. Swimming is not allowed to protect a precious ecosystem and preserve the beauty of our mountains, but people happily picnic there or simply sit and take in the view of the Écrins.
💡Top spots for a quick dip:
>Eco-friendly swimming spots
> swimming pools
> the Grands Bains du Monêtier
HIGHLIGHT #3
A Cappuccino in Briançon’s Cité Vauban
Stroll through the heart of the fortifications listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it’s time for a cappuccino.
Briançon is a gem to be experienced, to be explored at a leisurely pace, and to be understood through its details.
Its Vauban fortifications, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encircle an upper town where time seems to pass at a different pace.
The main pedestrian street (Gargouille) is perfect for strolling. The outdoor cafés as the light falls on the ochre facades, the artisanal bakeries, the shops selling local products—everything invites you to slow down.
And then there’s that special moment, late in the morning, when the town regains its rhythm of life. That’s when Briançon’s “Dolce Vita” truly reveals itself.
💡 Insider tip: Head up to the Old Town in the evening, when the light bathes the ramparts in orange. The outdoor seating areas stay open late. Take the time to enjoy a drink with a view of the valley.
HIGHLIGHT #4
Le Grand Lac, facing the Écrins
A must-see that overlooks the Serre Chevalier Valley
There are places that are worth the trip all on their own. Le Grand Lac, nestled in the town of Monêtier-les-Bains, is one of them. Its water is an incredible blue-green color, with the Écrins range in the background.
The hike up is accessible to the vast majority of hikers. And the reward is well worth it: a panoramic view of the Écrins, the Pelvoux, and the glaciers in the distance.
You can have a picnic there, dip your feet in the icy water, and end up staying longer than planned. That’s what it’s there for.
💡 Insider tip: Set out early in the morning to enjoy the lake all to yourself. By midday, it’s the busiest spot in the valley during the summer—and for good reason.
HIGHLIGHT #5
The summit of the Peyrolle ridges: a night under the stars on the iconic peaks of Serre Chevalier
For those who want to take the mountain “Dolce Vita” to the next level, the Peyrolle ridges offer one of the valley’s most beautiful experiences: a sunrise from the heights, with the peaks of Serre Chevalier as a backdrop.
Backcountry camping, when done in accordance with the rules, is a way to experience the mountains in their most intimate form.
You pitch your tent in the evening, watch the stars appear one by one above the ridges, and wake up early to witness the first rays of sunlight on the peaks.
A timeless escape, accessible to intermediate hikers.
Please note: Bivouacking is also permitted within the Écrins National Park. Check with the Tourist Office before you leave to find out which areas are authorized and to learn about best practices.
HIGHLIGHT #6
How about a change of scenery this summer?
The mountain version of la dolce vita awaits you at Serre Chevalier Briançon
In Serre Chevalier Briançon, “La Dolce Vita” isn’t just another tourist program.
It’s more of a state of mind. Here, there’s no need to rush from one peak to the next.
We simply invite you to shift your perspective.
The flat horizon versus the mountain slopes. A café terrace versus an alpine pasture at 2,000 meters. A vibrating phone versus the tranquility amid the larch trees.
Another version of La Dolce Vita awaits you at high altitude—and it might just surprise you.
