La Salle Les Alpes: Churches, Chapels and Activities

There are several ways to plan a stay in La Salle-les-Alpes: explore historic churches and chapels, enjoy seasonal activities on the water and by bike, or choose hiking options to suit your available time. You can tailor your choice to whether you are most interested in architectural history, outdoor activities, or a particular programme.

Churches and chapels spanning different periods

The present-day Church of Saint-Marcellin was consecrated in 1532. In Les Pananches, the Chapel of Saint-Jean-Baptiste was built in 1509 under the patronage of the Annunciation; today, it is dedicated to Saint-Jean-Baptiste. The Chapel of Saint-Barthélemy has wall paintings dating from the second half of the 15th century. These religious buildings each highlight different aspects: architectural history, dedication, and surviving wall paintings.

Two chapels are also linked to heritage protection. The Chapel of the Penitents, Notre-Dame d'Espérance, was listed as a historic monument under a protection order dated 24 March 2015. The Chapel of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Les Pananches is also listed as a historic monument. If you are interested in cultural heritage, these different architectural and protection aspects can provide a theme for your trip.

Seasonal activities and hiking options

La Salle-les-Alpes has an indoor swimming pool with a 25-metre pool at the foot of the ski slopes. The pool is open seasonally, so check the current opening dates before planning your visit.

The weekly hiking programme includes themed half-day walks to observe the local flora and fauna and discover the area’s cultural heritage. It also includes night-time outings and storytelling events. The programme therefore covers topics from nature and cultural heritage to activities after dark. It also includes multi-day hikes with overnight stays in gîtes or mountain refuges. These differ from the half-day walks in duration and type of accommodation; check current dates for seasonal programmes.

Guided downhill mountain biking and bike park sessions are available for different age and ability levels, including at the Serre Chevalier bike park. As this is a seasonal activity, check the current operators and dates in advance. For rafting, the route runs from the Pontillas base in Villeneuve, La Salle-les-Alpes, to Briançon. Water conditions and dates should also be factored into your plans.

Routes and getting around

The Descente du Galibier runs from the Col du Galibier to La Salle-les-Alpes and is 28 kilometres long. The route length can help you work it into your day’s plans; conditions and operations may vary. The Pontillas gondola connects the snow front with the Méa plateau in about nine minutes. The beginner area is at the upper station. Check whether the gondola is operating before your trip.

If a seasonal activity is important to your trip, factor its dates into your hotel stay planning. This will help you match cultural attractions, the hiking programme, and activities with their respective timeframes before choosing your accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Réallon, Chabestan, Puy-Saint-Pierre, Molines-En-Queyras, Le Poët, Espinasses, Ancelle, Serres

See the main travel guide: Hautes-Alpes.