Le Monêtier-les-Bains is a town in the Hautes-Alpes, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, 14 km northwest of Briançon.
Its vast territory of nearly 98 km² ranges from 1397 to 3659 m above sea level, occupying the upper valley of Guisane, a river which rises on the summit of Lautaret.
Dotted with lakes and high mountain areas, the town includes a town and several hamlets and since the 1950s, Le Monêtier-les-Bains has been one of the towns in which the resort of Serre-Chevalier has developed.
The village appeared in the Middle Ages with the establishment of a monastery created by Benedictine monks from the Abbey of Novalaise (Italy) in 1020, which gave its name to the town. Later, Le Monêtier is known for its anthracite and graphite mines (operated from the 16th century until the 1970s) then, in another economic field, as the center of a book peddling network. In 1760, 38 booksellers from the locality were established in the major cultural cities of Europe (France, Italy, Spain, Portugal). Finally, its thermal waters have been exploited since 1715.
Nowadays, tourism is the main activity of the town (1100 inhabitants), in winter (skiing) as in summer (hiking in the Oisans massif and the Écrins National Park, hydrotherapy). If we add the richness of its heritage, so many arguments that justify a stopover or a stay!
In terms of heritage, several sites deserve attention on Le Monêtier. This is the case of various religious buildings protected as historical monuments such as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, erected from the 15th century on the site of a primitive chapel. Remodeled in the 17th century after the Wars of Religion with the addition of a "Lombard Romanesque" type bell tower (1617), we can see inside its organ case (19th century) and above all a mural painting from the 15th century representing Saint-Eloi as a blacksmith. Guided tours in season: information on +33 4 92 24 98 98.
Next, see the Saint-Claude church, built in the hamlet of Casset, on the banks of the Guisane, at the gates of Lautaret. Endowed with a round bell tower covered with scale slates and pierced with twin bays, it was rebuilt in the 18th century and has a monumental portal surmounted by a triangular pediment in the neo-classical style of the time. Inside, the furniture is original (tribune, pulpit, baptismal font). Contact the town hall for a visit on +33 4 92 24 40 04.
We must then mention the Saint-Martin chapel with its 15th century murals evoking Genesis and the life of the Virgin and the Saint-André chapel whose construction spanned from the 14th to the 16th century and which was restored in 2014. Here again, in addition to its portal with carved capitals, it is its mural frescoes brought to light in 1951 which constitute its richness. They date from the 15th century and to showcase them, the stand was dismantled. They evoke the Last Judgment and the heavenly Jerusalem... To be discovered only during guided tours: inquire on +33 4 92 24 98 98.
The Saint-Pierre chapel, also listed, dating from 1640 (nave) and 1753 (bell tower), formerly served by the Penitents, houses a remarkable museum of sacred art presenting a collection from 31 chapels or churches in the area. There are polychrome wooden statues and furniture, goldsmithery and liturgical ornaments dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Their exceptional quality testifies to the vitality of religious practice in a region long marked by the difficult daily life in the high mountains... Open on Tuesdays and Thursdays and guided tours on Fridays. Information on +33 4 92 24 98 98.
In a different genre, but still evocative of the heritage and past of the town, to see the Rotunda (also called the pavilion of "drinkers") at the level of the thermal spring, and which dates from 1715 when the exploitation began for therapeutic purposes (in particular for digestive problems) of the hot waters (45 degrees) springing from this place. Today, the site has regained its vocation. Since 2008, the Grands Bains de Monêtier have been a modernized and vast "thermo-ludic" space of 4,500 m². For thermal purposes, whirlpool baths, a salt water pool, a Roman trilogy are available, but also equipment more dedicated to well-being and an original space which combines Roman tradition (hot water baths) and traditional baths. dry and hot Irish. Closed on Mondays. Information on +33 4 92 40 00 00.
Note also that guided tours of the town are offered in season. Contact +33 4 92 24 98 98.
As far as sports and "nature" activities are concerned, the center of the town is located near the winter sports resort of "Serre-Chevalier Vallée-Briançon". Created in the 1940s when the first cable car was installed, it is now the most important resort in the Southern Alps.
From 1200 to 2830 m in altitude, its ski area covers part of the territories of Monêtier but also Briançon, Puy-Saint-Pierre, Saint-Chaffrey, La Salle-les-Alpes and Pelvoux.
In terms of alpine skiing, 59 ski lifts serve 81 runs (13 black, 30 red, 26 blue, 12 green, 8 "discovery" areas and 10 fun areas). The resort, open from mid-December to the end of April, is popular with families and seasoned athletes alike, and some of the trails are traced through larch forests.
A snowpark allows the practice of new disciplines.
Ski lift pass from 40.50 euros per day.
A branch of the French ski school is established. Information on +33 4 92 20 30 57.
The Nordic area has 45 km of trails divided into 16 loops. It also includes a biathlon stadium. The site is also suitable for snowshoeing.
In summer, other disciplines are preferred: climbing, hiking on 300 km of marked trails, adventure park, swimming pool, skate park and white water sports (kayak, canyoning).
All information on winter and summer activities on the resort on +33 4 92 24 98 98.
In the village of Monêtier, three outdoor tennis courts are available in July and August. Price: 10 euros per hour. Contact +33 6 86 98 73 50.
Apart from the hiking loops starting from the Serre-Chevalier resort, walks of varying difficulty allow you to discover the natural heritage of the territory such as the Pic Ombière, the Col du Galibier (2642 m), the picturesque hamlet of Le Casset with its 19th century grain mill, the Col du Lautaret (2058 m) or the Aiguillette du Lauzet which rises above the hamlet of the same name and its equipment dedicated to climbing (not to mention a via ferrate). So many paths during which you can enjoy remarkable viewpoints and a high mountain environment with unique and protected biodiversity. Maps and information on +33 4 92 24 98 98.
From June 15 to September 15, a market on the Place de l'Eglise showcases local products.
On the third weekend of June, "Alps Epic" offers a Grande Traversée VTT des Hautes-Alpes.
The last Sunday in June, St. Peter's Day, with games, dances and concerts.
During the third decade of July, the "Messiaen au Pays de la Meije" festival takes place in the town (organ concerts).
The first weekend of August, wood festival with craft exhibitions and logging demonstrations, hauling on horseback...
Monêtier Market
- From 8 july to 4 september 2024
- Place de l'Eglise
- Seasonal market.
