Our valley
In the heart of the Parpaillon massif, Crévoux has retained the charm of a simple mountain village. Its inhabitants have managed to preserve this wilderness setting and their tranquility without giving in to the sirens of mass tourism. The Crévoux ski resort is one of the oldest in the Alps, and has been welcoming tourists and skiers since 1937.
Today, Crévoux draws its strengths and its assets to its history. You will discover a real safe heaven where the scenery and tranquility are assured. A natural interlude, far from the frenzy and bustle of yout daily life…
Agriculture is still very present in the valley. Several cattle and sheep farms animate and maintain the mountain during the summer. The cheeses, organic and produced from local milk, are found on the markets or on your plate, in the restaurant of the station. In summer, pasture on the Parpaillon slope or in the stable in winter under the ski resort, you can watch them milking the cows every day at 6 p.m. and buy milk from the milking or local cheeses.
Perched at 1600m above sea level and surrounded by peaks flirting with the 3000m, Crévoux is the highest village in the Serre-Ponçon region, just over 130 inhabitants are living there year round. The village is composed of 4 hamlets. La Chalp, at the bottom of the valley, is the gateway to a fantastic hiking reservoir in summer and hosts one of the largest Nordic areas in the Southern Alps in winter with almost 45km of slopes.
When you return from your walks, take the time to stroll through the alleys of the hamlets. Push the door of the chapel to discover its cross made by a shepherd of the valley and made up of 365 wooden branches. Just behind the chapel is the common oven. You will surely come across volounteers from Amis du Pain association who offer tours of the hamlet and baking bread in a standard oven on Sundays in summer and winter.
The Chef-Lieu is the only one of the 4 hamlets to be installed at the Ubac, on the left bank of the torrent. On the village square, do not forget to look up to observe the bulb bell tower of St Marcelin church. Its shape is unique in the region. This church built in the 14th century, bears the name of the first bishop of Embrun who died in 374. A little higher, a rural museum traces the life of yesteryear in the valley.
It is at the Chef-Lieu that you will find most of the shops and the apline ski resort. Inaugurated in 1937, it is the legacy of the area of access to paid holidays and of a social tourism project that deeply marked the history of the village. Historically dedicated to family skiing, Crévoux ski resort has evolved over time. Now it also attracts freeride enthusiasts who find here a huge natural playground on the north slope of the Ratelle ridges.
Nestle at the bottom of the immense cliff on the southern slope of the valley, Praveyral once housed a slate quarry slates had a reputation for lasting over 100 years. Several houses in the valley are still there to testify. Finally, at the bottom of the valley, Champs Rond is a mysterious enclave invisible from the road, refuge of the Winter Fairies who prepare each year the works of art that will mark out the Fairy trail. An artistic and poetic hike surrounded by nature, at the bottom of the La Chalp Plateau.
Other places to discover during a stroll in Crévoux:
