Saint-Chaffrey at the foot of the ski slopes

Saint-Chaffrey, a village in the Hautes-Alpes, is the gateway to the Serre-Chevallier Vallée ski resort. At the heart of the village is Europe's longest cable car, a remarkable feat inaugurated in 1941. This 4-kilometre wonder climbs a staggering 1,133 metres. "It connected Chantemerle to the top of Serre-Chevalier, a link that eventually gave the resort its name," explains Sylvain Gruzza, an engineer at MG Concept Ingénierie, with whom we worked on the Alpes d'Huez project. "This is how skiing and tourism developed around Saint-Chaffrey. It has become the economic epicentre of the valley," he adds.

In 2021, the town celebrated the 80th anniversary of the cable car, which is listed as a historic monument. To mark the occasion, Saint-Chaffrey decided to redevelop its public spaces, "which include the heart of the resort and the snow front at the foot of the famous black piste, named "Luc Alphand" in honour of the multiple alpine skiing world champion and native of the village," explains Sylvain Gruzza.
 

Designed for the present with an eye to the future

The local authorities of Saint-Chaffrey wanted the newly redeveloped public space to adapt to the four seasons. The site is used to:

• welcome the public - people going to the shops, the tourist office or their accommodation;
• play a role in creating future practises that respond to climate change;
• host many events and celebrations throughout the year. 

“That is why the council wanted a remarkable project that would showcase the area by day and by night," explains Sylvain Gruzza.
 

VALINTA, a versatile lighting solution with advanced lighting technologies

Carole Blando, from the city's technical department, and Damien Hisseli from SCOP SUDATI (the installer) worked with MG Concept Ingénierie, an engineering company that managed the project in partnership with Axe Saône, a landscape architecture firm, to make the project a success. 

The local authorities had clearly stated that they wanted a lighting solution that would: 

• ensure the public realm meets the different needs; 
• create a safe environment for everyday mobility; 
• enable various events to take place throughout the year.

The VALINTA SCOPE Midi luminaire range, designed by Michel Tortel, was chosen to light the square with the cable car. This lighting solution has a refined, elegant design that adds a touch of charm and distinction to the environment. They are mounted on steel masts with a wood finish that harmoniously blend in with the snow front. Their unique mounting system made installation quick and easy.

The luminaires deliver a warm white light (2,700K) to guide people safely through the area at night. 

VALINTA SCOPE Midi RGBW floodlights equipped with DMX controls and gobos, were also installed. “They provide atmospheric lighting on the square, with programmable colours that change the perception of the public space as events unfold,” explains Sylvain Gruzza. 

In total, 4 columns with 5 VALINTA SCOPE Midi RGBW and 3 VALINTA SCOPE Midi were installed on the square.