Mountain Bike Rental Chantemerle — Bikes Near the Bike Park Gondola
Chantemerle is the bike park hub of Serre Chevalier. The gondola that accesses the descent network departs from here, and the rental shops are within a short ride of the station. If your trip is focused on lift-accessed riding, this is the right place to pick up your bike.
Why Rent in Chantemerle
The main advantage is proximity. You collect your bike, ride directly to the gondola, and are on your first descent within 30 minutes of arriving at the shop. No car, no bike rack, no wasted time. Over a week of bike park days, this logistics advantage is significant.
- Gondola base within riding distance of all rental shops.
- Full range of downhill, enduro, trail, and e-MTB stock.
- Full-face helmets and body armour available at most shops.
- Busiest rental location in the valley — book ahead in peak season.
- Pump track and beginner trail area at the gondola base.
Bikes Available in Chantemerle
Chantemerle shops carry the widest range of park-ready bikes in the valley. For cross-country and trail riding, Villeneuve or Briançon may have a better hardtail range. See the Serre Chevalier rental guide for a full valley overview.
- Downhill bikes (170–200mm) — largest selection in the valley.
- Full-suspension enduro (150–165mm) — well stocked.
- Trail bikes, hardtail and full-suspension — available.
- E-MTBs — available, but Villeneuve has more stock.
- Kids bikes — available at all shops.
Bike Park Access
The gondola runs from the Chantemerle base (Serre Ratier station) to 2,483m. A day pass is required and sold at the gondola base — it is not included in rental. The park covers 25 descents across all ability levels and runs daily from late June through mid-August, weekends only in early June and late September.
- Gondola operates daily late June to mid-August.
- Weekends only in early June and late September.
- Day pass bought at the gondola base.
- Half-day pass from midday available.
- First gondola typically 9:30am, last descent around 5pm.
Booking in Peak Season
Chantemerle is the busiest rental location in the valley. In late July and August, downhill bikes and e-MTBs are often fully booked by mid-week. If your dates are fixed, book as soon as possible.
- Book at least 5–7 days ahead in July and August.
- Arrive early on day one — gondola queues build from 10am.
- Confirm bike park opening dates before travelling.
- Bring a full-face helmet or rent one — mandatory on black runs.
- Credit card required for deposit (€400–€600 for DH bikes).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the mountain bike rental shops in Chantemerle?
Rental shops are clustered near the village centre and the gondola base. Most are within a 5-minute ride of the Serre Ratier gondola station. The tourist office can provide a current map of shop locations.
Can I rent a downhill bike in Chantemerle?
Yes. Chantemerle shops stock the largest selection of dedicated downhill bikes in the valley, with 170–200mm travel, coil shocks, and flat pedals. Expect to pay €60–€75/day. A separate bike park day pass is required.
Is Chantemerle the best place to rent an e-MTB?
It is convenient if you're staying in Chantemerle, but Villeneuve tends to have a wider selection of e-MTB models. If you're mainly planning trail riding rather than bike park days, Villeneuve or Briançon may be a better rental base.
Plan your trip
Mountain Bike Rental Shops in Briançon and Serre Chevalier
We have made every effort to ensure this information is accurate. Prices, availability, and services may vary — we recommend checking directly with the provider before booking.