The drive is so easy from the UK. The French motorways have great service stations and lots of picturesque roadside rest points. The scenery from Grenoble to Serre Chevalier is stunning; mountains, waterfalls, glaciers. Most of our guests use the Eurotunnel ‘Le Shuttle’ from Folkestone to Calais. The journey time from Calais to Serre Chevalier is nine to 10 hours.
Here’s a brief guide to driving out:
From the Dunkerque or Calais ferry ports or Eurotunnel hub, head for the following major cities in turn: Reims, Dijon, Lyon, Grenoble, then for Briançon. The drive is extremely easy all the way.
[box]
Heavy snow forecast for Serre Chevalier and nearby?
When driving from Grenoble to Serre Chevalier you will drive over the Col du Lautaret mountain pass at 2000m+ so snow chains are recommended (but not always essential). The pass closes if there is a big storm – if you’re worried, call the information line which has a recorded message on +33 (0)4 92 24 44 44. If you don’t speak French, text Melanie or call her on +33 (0) 6 79 46 24 84 and she will call on your behalf.
[box]
If the Col du Lautaret pass is closed, you have two options:
a) best option – return to Grenoble and head in the direction of Chambéry, then for the Tunnel Fréjus (approx. 45 € charge). This tunnel takes you into Italy from where you can head towards Cesana, then take the road to Montgenèvre. You will drive over the Col du Montgenèvre mountain pass which is very reliable (it seldom closes), and follow the road all the way to Briançon and onto your accommodation,
b) next best option – head back to Grenoble but follow signs to Gap. This can be a long trek due to winding roads but the views are spectacular. When you reach Gap follow signs for Briançon and onto your accommodation.
[/box]