'I ditched the beach for an all-inclusive mountain break and it was a revelation'

I didn't know what to expect when I touched down in France this summer, ready for a break that was a far cry from the usual beach holidays offered over summer.

I was staying at Club Med's Serre-Chevalier in the Alps, but I didn't know much about the brand other that it was all-inclusive and a little quirky at times. The resort is typically a winter destination, but was recently refurbished to welcome summer guests seeking sunshine beneath the high Alpine peaks.

While I'm not much of a ski buff, I love to ride my bike. I also grew up holidaying in the Lake District, hiking up fells in the drizzle, so the idea of an active mountain escape sounded right up my street.

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The journey from Lyon airport to the resort was spectacular; we were instantly treated to the sights of the Col du Lautaret - a famous mountain pass often used in the Tour de France. You can spy glaciers and snow-peaked caps from the top, but in the short 20km drive down into the valley - and the resort - the sea of white has been replaced by lush green meadows and sun-kissed chalets.

There's no denying that Club Med's Serre-Chevalier resort is the jewel of the valley. The ski chalet has recently been refurbished to support summer sports, and it was quickly evident from my arrival as walking poles were hung from the entrance while lycra-clad cyclists returned from a day of adventures.

I was staying in a deluxe room which came with a balcony, and overlooked the main entrance and towering mountains. The room itself was spacious and had a lounge-like area where I could relax after a tiring day exploring all that Serre-Chevalier had to offer.

As for the food, Club Med offered two options: the Le Vauban buffet-style restaurant (with its impressive gluten-free options - something I truly appreciated as a coeliac), and an a-la-carte venue for when you want a more intimate dining experience. I mainly hit the buffet as it had plenty for me to fuel up before heading out to the valley.

It was tempting to just stay in the resort and move between room, pool and the buffet, but one of the big draws of the area is what lies just on the edge of the resort.

During my time there, I walked up a local peak, conquered three colossal Cols, took a beginner cycling class and soaked up the thermal waters of the Les Grands Bains of Monêtier.

I love cycling, so being able to ride up some iconic climbs I watch on TV every summer was incredible - two of the three I cycled up were part of the advanced group. Booking this activity was very simple; all I had to do was visit the activity booth the evening before and put my name down.

Road cycling is just one of the activities they offer: hiking, trail running and mountain biking are all included, while others such as climbing, rafting and paragliding can all be signed up for at an extra cost. Each activity had different groups for an individual's relevant skill level. On the road bike, this meant beginner sessions were about clipping and pottering around the valley while advanced sessions took to the clouds up the famous passes. Once the cycling was done, it was back to the hotel to discover some of the quirkier side of what Club Med has to offer.

There are nightly shows, and one evening I watched a man dressed as a vaguely Disney-like character perform karaoke on stage. It’s not always my thing, but it was fun and added to the resort’s carefree charm.

Overall the main hubs of the hotel have a nice buzz. The pool was a highlight with views of the local peaks, and it was just a few steps away from the bar where you could get a variety of different drinks.

While Club Med isn't the cheapest of options, I felt that overall the price is more than reasonable given that my package included the stay, activities, food, drinks and return flights. Serre-Chevalier is firmly a resort that I can see myself returning to over and over again!

Book the holiday

Seven nights all-inclusive stay at Club Med Serre-Chevalier, French Alps from £2,103 per adult (based on double occupancy) with return flights from London Heathrow (LHR) with transfers included. Price based on departure date 24.08.25. Book now at www.clubmed.co.uk/r/serre-chevalier/s or call 03453 676767.