Learn Bridge in 4 Days!

The perfect chance to combine learning bridge, walking, wonderful food, great company and much more in beautiful surroundings. Mother and daughter, Dinah and Claudia Stocken will be hosting the break which is aimed at complete beginners or near-beginners. Dinah has many years’ experience teaching bridge, particularly to beginners, and she has a great many fans amongst our regular StockenBridge guests who love her clear explanations and friendly manner. We think that with a small group size (between 4 and 16 guests), you will be able to advance quickly and should be able to complete the full beginner course during the stay.

Serre Chevalier, in the Southern French Alps, has spectacular mountain scenery with a mediterranean climate, and is the sunniest in France, with 300 days of sunshine per year on average. France’s best kept secret! Our first bridge holiday was held at Chalet Marmottes and we have been back many times since. A firm favourite with StockenBridge guests.

Click to see photos and read about our wonderful trip in June 2014.

Chalet les Marmottes

Chalet les Marmottes, situated in the centre of the old part of Chantermerle village, is an old French farmhouse, lovingly restored by Denis and Karin Lucas to provide accommodation for up to 16 people. 

The chalet is typically alpine with exposed beams throughout and the bedrooms are all individually decorated in a chalet-style with wooden floors, lovely mountain views and en-suite bathrooms. The living room, where we will play bridge, is full of character and the separate dining area on the first floor has a large south-facing balcony with fabulous mountain views. There is also a private garden with decked terrace where we can play bridge or sip well-earned aperitifs after bridge and walking. 

Walking and other activities

There are two afternoon guided walks scheduled with our popular walking guide, Mike, who is extremely knowledgeable about the local history, flora, fauna, and mountain geology, taking you off the beaten track to see nature first-hand. The mountains in Serre Chevalier are absolutely spectacular in June with the wild flowers at their glorious best and the snow-capped peaks contrasting with the azure blue skies - the best time to visit! 

With a packed programme of bridge and walking, you will have plenty to keep you busy, but you can also visit the nearby old fortified town of Briancon, the highest town in Europe. For those feeling a bit more active, Serre Chevalier is a paradise for cyclists, whether on a road or mountain bike. If all this sounds like too much work, hire an electric bike and you can tackle any hill without even breaking into a sweat. There is also white water rafting on the River Guisane a few minutes away, or why not relax in Les Grand Bains de Monetier, one of Europe’s largest thermal baths.