Ski and wellness in the Southern Alpes

The interconnected resorts of La Joue du Loup and Superdévoluy are the venues for your first day in the Dévoluy massif. A charming little ski resort, La Joue du Loup boasts a family-style atmosphere, wooden chalets and lively snow front, ideal for a gentle warm-up. Situated on the other side of the mountain, Superdévoluy offers a more contemporary and expansive ski area. If the weather is temperamental or you simply fancy switching things up a bit, hop over to the Dévoluy Sports Centre, where you’ll find a climbing wall, indoor sports amenities and plenty of fun activities on offer. And why not end the day gently with a soothing massage after your efforts on the slopes? The O’dycéa-Les Bains du Dévoluy spa, located in La Joue du Loup, comes complete with a hammam, saunas and outdoor heated pools with mountain views…

Next stop: Serre Chevalier valley, one of the Southern Alps’ largest ski areas, with slopes winding between larch trees and panoramic mountain views, plus a variety of terrains suitable for intermediate and seasoned skiers. Long runs await you here – some easy and others more technical -, together with relaxing breaks on sunny mountain terraces. After your skiing session it’s time to head to Les Grands Bains du Monêtier in Le Monêtier-les-Bains: a delicious spa, where you’ll find naturally-heated thermal baths along with a musical cave and outdoor area gazing over the peaks – the perfect way to prolong your day. For a cosier atmosphere, opt for the Maison Alliey spa or Grand Aigle Hôtel spa, complete with a hammam, sauna and yoga classes.

Today’s adventures in Serre Chevalier will be taking you to the Nordic ski area to experience a fresh new angle on the mountains. Here, cross-country trails wind through gorgeous larch forests, with layouts suitable for beginners and more experienced skiers alike. Groomed routes and easy loops promise a leisurely excursion at your own pace, perfect for lapping up the scenery. The atmosphere is quieter here – almost silent -, inviting you to slow down and truly appreciate the sunlight and invigorating air. In the afternoon, you’ll be heading to Briançon: the town’s Aquatic Centre features lap pools and play areas, ideal for relaxing or enjoying some quality time with all family. A stone’s throw away, the Cinq Mondes spa at the Hotel Garrigae, set inside the town’s former barracks, offers massages and treatments in a gorgeous stone and wood setting. A delightful day, combining heritage and wellness.

Its time for a change of scenery in the charming village resort of Montgenèvre, located on the Italian border at an altitude of over 1,800 metres. Montgenèvre is part of the vast, Franco-Italian ski area called La Voie Lactée (The Milky Way), connecting various French and Piedmontese resorts. Skiers enjoy a particularly vast playground here, alternating wide, panoramic pistes, wooded areas and sporty descents. The ski lifts departing from the snow front allow you to travel easily from one side of the mountain to the other, while the landscapes embracing the surrounding summits spark the uniquely exhilarating sensations found only at high-altitude resorts. Between two runs, take time to admire the winter light and savour a drink or bite to eat on a sun-drenched terrace, before setting off again to explore more of the ski area.

After several fabulous days on skis, it’s time for a spot of pampering at the Espace Durancia. This vast balneotherapy centre, located just a skip and a jump from the snow front, offers heated indoor and outdoor pools with expansive views over the snowy peaks. Massage jets, a counter-current pool and relaxation spaces await to soothe aching muscles, in a beautiful setting filled with natural light. Part of the Durancia centre, the Nuxe spa perfects your wellness experience with a tempting range of face and body treatments curated for sporty guests. Alternatively, you can simply settle down on a sun lounger facing the bay windows to admire the scenery. This quieter day is a great opportunity to rest and recharge your batteries before heading on to the next Southern Alps ski resort.

Les Orres is the venue for the final stage of your alpine adventure: its ski area boasts remarkable views over Serre-Ponçon lake, Écrins National Park and the peaks of Parpaillon. The slopes, alternating forested and more open areas, are suitable for both families and confirmed skiers seeking challenging descents. And if you fancy a change from skiing or snowboarding, the Sports & Innovation Centre features a range of simulators and indoor activities, ideal if the weather is playing up. In a different vein, the Alpin Spa invites skiers and non-skiers alike to sit back, relax and make the most of the hammam, jacuzzi facing the summits and panoramic sauna. Take time to simply stroll around the resort too, to enjoy the winter entertainment or savour a gourmet treat on a sunny terrace before heading to Embrun for the night.

Last but not least, after the fast-paced, powerful summits it’s time to return to the gentle rhythm and soothing lifestyle of Aix-en-Provence. Stroll amid the plane trees on Cours Mirabeau, lap up the lively atmosphere of the town’s squares and admire the ochre façades, radiant in the winter sunlight. Dotted with cultural centres, fountains, fashion boutiques and craft shops, the little lanes of the old quarter are an invitation to relax and roam. And of course, you’ll want to linger longer on a café terrace to drink a coffee, savour some local specialities and reflect on your exploits on the slopes, while soaking up the Provençal sunshine. A resolutely novel way to wind up your tour, combining heritage, lifestyle and the inimitable quality of light of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur…