Briançon and its lights at dusk — ©Briançon, in the Hautes-Alpes|Serre Chevalier Briançon

New accommodation and activities to discover in the French Southern Alps

A dream come true this winter

Hotels which are both authentic and ultra-cocooning open onto the snow-covered peaks, unusual experiences in the middle of nature to awaken your senses, contemplate and escape… This 2025-2026 winter, the French Southern Alps will be more than ever a source of wonder.

The Briançonnais and the Pays des Écrins

Responsible, steeped in history or warm and friendly

New accommodation with character

In green mode: Résidence-Club Le Serra Neva, Serre-Chevalier: just next to the Pontillas gondola, this 4-star residence-club boasts 164 2-8-person apartments. Kids club, sunny terrace… and outdoor heated pool with a view over the mountains! The little extra: its resolutely responsible positioning, with 300 m2 of solar panels and a green roof. (Open from December 20 2025)
Heritage mode: La Maison des drapiers (The Social Club), Briançon: this intimate 10-room hotel with its elegant and timeless decor has invested the former Aristide Albert library, in the Cité Vauban. (Open in December 2025).
History and well-being mode: Garrigae La Caserne de Briançon & Spa ****, Briançon: nestled in a 19th-century barracks, this 83-room establishment gracefully blends military heritage and contemporary comfort. Bistronomique restaurant and Cinq Mondes spa.
Backpacking mode: Auberge de Jeunesse l’Hostel BodyGo, Briançon: a friendly accommodation with a dormitory and shared kitchen. Fresh, home-made food.

©Restaurant project for the Garrigae La Caserne de Briançon Hotel & Spa in Briançon, in the Hautes-Alpes department|Garrigae La Caserne de Briançon & Spa ****

The trees of the Rainbow Forest — ©The Rainbow Forest in Les Vigneaux, in the Pays des Écrins|MLachaud

Poetic funfair and rainbow forest

Magical activities

In Pelvoux-Vallouise, Igloo Pelvoo is now Pelvoo Village, a fun, poetical mountain funfair! Come and see its attractions under their domes: a magic roundabout for the enchanting aspect, distorting mirrors to play with your reflection, a maze to use your grey cells. Pelvoo Village is also a cinema and a virtual area, stands, a marmot palace, gentle moments with the animals and of course, lots of sweets! In Les Vigneaux, in the Pays des Écrins, the brand new Forêt Arc-en-ciel (rainbow forest) takes you off on an extraordinary sensory trail in the middle of nature to explore with the family. Listen to the « song » of a tree, play with cards inspired by the Celtic alphabet, make your own personalised mandala… Along an accessible path, you will awaken your senses when you come into contact with the trees. And be more rooted than ever!

Ubaye-Tal

Comfortable or all-inclusive

New accommodation where you can let go

Le Prieuré**** in Pra Loup: after two years of renovation, the hotel in the hamlet of Les Molanès, the former 12th-century priory just next to the gondola, is opening its doors once more to reveal a cosy, highly comfortable atmosphere, where natural materials rub shoulders with stone facing and artworks. Local dishes, a wood-fire, sauna, heated outdoor pool and Nordic bath with a view over the mountains… here, everything is designed for slowing down. A real reconnection bubble.
Sowell Hôtels l’Alpe Blanche et Sowell Family Vars****in Vars: beside each other, these two establishments offer novel all-inclusive formulas (restaurant, picnic, drinks and ski passes) to mountain lovers. For a holiday without a care and a controlled budget.

The swimming pool at the Hotel Le Prieuré de Pra Loup with the mountains in the background — ©The Hotel Le Prieuré de Pra Loup, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department |Hôtel Le Prieuré

Old black and white photograph of a ski resort — ©La machine à remonter le temps, an event organised by Val d'Allos|Office de Tourisme du Val d'Allos

Wind back the clock and admire the peaks

Activities where you can press « pause »

Ready to set off on a journey into the history of skiing and mountain life as it once was, its habits and traditions? In the Val d’Allos, La Machine à Remonter le Temps, a sensory interactive experience, invites you to touch, listen and observe. A fun activity for all (register with the Office de tourisme). In a more contemplative mode, Pra Loup is inaugurating its panoramic top spot. Let yourself be gently rocked while you daydream in front of the snow-covered peaks. Everything you need for a successful Instagram post!

Resorts on the Côte d’Azur

Near the sea, and ever nearer the stars

A new journey to the sky! In January 2026, Valberg will inaugurate its Maison Départementale de l’Environnement et de l’Observation, which houses the biggest planetarium in the South-East. The oldest resort in the Alpes-Maritimes confirms tha it is definitely THE place to be to see the stars. Because, in addition to being part of the Réserve Internationale de Ciel Étoilé (RICE) Alpes Azur Mercantour, which rewards the quality of its night sky, Valberg has a planetary walking trail dotted with installations linked to astronomy and monolithic works resembling Land art. In Isola 2000, a new orientation race on the slopes invites you to explore, armed with a map, the ski area as you have fun. And lastly, La Colmiane invites you to venture behind the scenes in the life of a groomer (Saturdays from the Christmas holidays to March 7). Free of charge, prior booking. Enjoy your winter in the resorts of the French Southern Alps!