Although Autumn  may come  early, and the nights start to draw in colder, the daytime temperatures are still pleasant and ideal for walking. The trees begin to take on their vivid colours, and the animals start to prepare their nests for winter. As Serre Chevalier is in the middle of a larch forest. it is particularly colourful. Chalet Chamoissiere , our apartment in Monetier-les-Bains is well-placed to enjoy the autumn

There are many opportunities in the Serre Chevalier valley, from a gentle stroll along the riverbanks, to a full days hike on the GR54 (Grand Randonée) . Suitable maps are available in the village newsagents, and there is a book of some of the most popular routes in the apartment. The route from the Pont de l’Alp (park opposite the Auberge des Amis towards the Col du Lauteret) to the Grand Lac du Monetier (map IGN TOP 25 No 3535 OT) takes a good four to five hours passing waterfalls, marmot colonies, and perhaps some ibex

A trip to the Val de Clarée , between Briancon and Montgenevre is another possibility. A protected area, once earmarked for an autoroute,  the author Emilie Carle who was brought up in the valley, successfully helped to save it from development .You can read her book ‘Wild Herb Soup’ which describes her difficult life there in the early 20th century. There is a copy of the book in the apartment in both French and English.

Bouquetin and chamois are shy but can be seen if you sit and wait patiently, golden eagles may be spotted circling high in the sky. and wolf tracks have been seen in the area, possibly wandering from Italy, just a few miles away.

Climbers will find many marked routes up the cliffs in both  Plampinet and at the head of the valley in Nevache, and there are several Via ferrata routes.