Choral singing and hiking retreat in Haute Maurienne at Bessans
In summary
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Sports
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Duration14 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationVanoise Massif / Bessans
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions111.56 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover a unique choral singing workshop dedicated to exploring an original and varied repertoire , different from that usually worked on in a choir. Under the attentive and dynamic direction of an experienced choir director , you will progress in a stimulating atmosphere that fosters listening skills , vocal precision , and the joy of singing together.
Open to choir members with regular practice, this workshop also welcomes motivated beginners wishing to learn in a structured environment. The teaching combines reading sheet music and ear training , facilitating everyone's integration and making the repertoire accessible, even without extensive musical experience. Please note: the duration of the workshop is insufficient to address significant vocal difficulties.
The program concludes with a concert in the church of Bessans , highlighting the collective work accomplished during the week.
Two options are available:
- Choral singing for half a day , with free time for the other half of the day.
- Choral singing and hiking , combining artistic practice and active exploration
The price includes only the singing workshop. The hiking option is offered as an additional activity for those who wish to enrich their experience.
The highlights
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Option for singing alone or singing and mountain hiking
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A singing experience with a qualified team
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An exceptional accommodation located in the heart of the Haute Maurienne Vanoise
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h
Management
French
In the morning or afternoon, for approximately three hours, you will dedicate yourself to choral singing with a choir director, a vocal technique teacher, and a pianist. In addition to the group work, individual or small group vocal technique sessions will be offered. These dedicated times will allow for in-depth work on your voice, in a workshop format separate from the choir.
Program
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Arrival at La Bessannaise
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning: Arrival at La Bessannaise.
1:45 pm: Welcome meeting in the Charbonnel room.
Afternoon: Acclimatization hike.
For those registered only for the choral singing workshop (without hiking), singing activities begin on Tuesday. You have the option of arriving on Sunday to enjoy Sunday afternoon and Monday free time. Arrival on Monday is also possible, upon request at reception.
Day 1 -
Hiking trip
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Day hike with picnic.
For those registered only for the choral singing workshop (without hiking), singing activities begin on Tuesday. You have the option of arriving on Sunday to enjoy Sunday afternoon and Monday free time. Arrival on Monday is also possible, upon request at reception.
Day 2 -
Hiking/Freedom and Choral Singing
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning: Hike
Afternoon: Start of the Choral Singing activity.
Day 3 -
Half-day Choral Singing and Hiking / Free
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning or afternoon, for about three hours, you will devote yourself to choral singing work with a choir director, a vocal technique teacher and a pianist.
In addition to the group work, vocal technique sessions will be offered individually or in small groups. These dedicated times will allow for in-depth work on your voice, in a workshop format separate from the choir.
The other half-day will be devoted, depending on the chosen option, either to free time or to hikes led by a Mountain Guide, who will help you discover the summer mountain environment.
2nd Thursday:
Concert given in the church of Bessans, open to all.
Days 4 to 13 -
Departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay after breakfast.
Day 14
Note
For those registered only for the choral singing workshop (without hiking), singing activities begin on Tuesday. You have the option of arriving on Sunday to enjoy Sunday afternoon and Monday free time. Arrival on Monday is also possible, upon request at reception.
Important: The program is provided as a guide only. It is recommended that you bring your own hiking equipment. The Haute-Maurienne valley is full of trails, each more beautiful than the last. To keep things interesting, the guides are free to use their imagination and suggest alternative routes! Circumstances beyond our control may also lead us to modify the day's itineraries and activities (weather, participants' fitness level, group safety, etc.).
Accommodation
You will be staying at the La Bessannaise holiday village.
The establishment offers 95 rooms, spread across three buildings, which can accommodate from 1 to 3 people depending on their configuration.
By staying at the centre, you have access to all the spaces available.
Access
Rooms are available from 5pm on the day of your arrival.
They must be vacated before 10am on the day of departure.
The stay ends after breakfast.
Go to the starting point
Modane TGV station (Paris-Modane 4h30 by TGV), then bus journey (45 min) to the stop in front of La Bessannaise*
Bus booking online: www.altibus.com or 04 79 68 32 96.
We invite you to purchase your return ticket as soon as your booking is confirmed.
*Pay attention to train and bus connections when planning your journey.
A43 motorway towards Turin (Fréjus Tunnel, Italy), Exit No. 30 – Modane/Haute Maurienne, departmental road D1006 (ex-RN6) then D902 (35km) towards Bessans.
Consider sharing your journey by carpooling: www.blablacar.fr.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation according to the chosen package
- Full board (including wine) from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 14
- One hot drink per day
- Bed linen and towels are provided in the rooms for the duration of your stay.
- Access to the spa and fitness area
- The supervision during the Choral Singing
- Activities are supervised by our mountain guides according to the formula
- Activities from Monday to Friday in July and August
- Local transfers for hikes according to package
The price does not include
- The hiking package (optional)
- Tourist tax: €0.85 per person (over 18 years old) per night
- The ANCEF membership fee (mandatory for supervised stays) including membership and mountain passport (insurance): €25 for adults, €13 for young people under 16, €50 for the Family offer (1 or 2 adults + children under 16)
- Toiletries (shower gel, soap, etc.) and a towel for access to the spa.
- Drinks at the bar and extras (shop purchases, additional activities not included in the program…)
- Return travel expenses to and from the holiday village
- Picnic boxes, cutlery and water bottles
- The equipment required for certain themed workshops (see technical specifications)
Options
- Hiking package : CHF128.07 / person
- Child discount (ages 3-6) : CHF-697.54 / person
- Early arrival : CHF61.29 / person
- Youth discount (7-13 years old) : CHF-418.52 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Water bottle holder and water bottle (minimum 1L capacity)
- A pair of highly protective sunglasses (CE rating 3 or 4 is essential)
- Sunscreen tube and lip balm stick, with a high sun protection factor
- Shoes with Vibram-type soles and ankle support
- Telescopic walking poles are recommended.
- 30-litre backpack for day essentials, picnic and water
- Cutlery, picnic box and reusable cup for picnics
- A large plastic bag or a rain cover to protect your backpack. (In case of a storm)
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Clothing to bring
- Lightweight and flexible clothing for activity
- Cap or hat
- Warm pants + lightweight pants
- Several pairs of socks
- Anorak, waterproof rain gear, a windbreaker, and a fleece jacket or thick sweater
- Swimsuit and bath towel (or bathrobe) required to access the wellness area
For your comfort at the center, please bring casual clothing and indoor shoes or slippers. Important: In the mountains, temperature variations can be significant if the wind picks up or a storm is approaching.
