Intense hiking and alpine panoramas in Bessans
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationVanoise Massif / Bessans
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions55.92 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
In a few words
Designed for lovers of challenging hikes , this package stands out with its carefully planned routes , some of which are unique in the southern Vanoise region , revealing a remarkable diversity of landscapes. Far from the most frequented trails, you'll explore varied routes, punctuated by significant elevation changes , for an intense immersion in the heart of the mountain environment .
As the days and kilometers pass, the richness of the alpine flora and fauna unfolds in all its splendor. Each stage offers a different atmosphere: panoramic ridges, unspoiled alpine pastures, wild valleys… so many landscapes that surprise and seduce the hiker in search of authenticity.
This dynamic progression guarantees a renewed discovery and the pleasure of moving forward in preserved spaces, where effort enhances the panoramas.
This option is for regular walkers in good physical condition who wish to combine commitment, exploration and diversity in the heart of the mountains.
The highlights
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Sporting and unique routes in the heart of the southern Vanoise
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Panoramic ridges, alpine pastures and unspoiled wild valleys
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Accommodation in the heart of the Haute Maurienne - Vanoise mountain range
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 3 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 655 m
- Average daily descent: 655 m
Management
Program
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Arrival at the holiday village
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 4 km
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning: arrival at the holiday village.
1:45 pm: Welcome meeting in the Charbonnel room.
Afternoon: Group formation + acclimatization hike.
Day 1 -
Pont des Neiges – Col des Fours 3072m – Refuge du Fond des Fours – Pont des Neiges
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Your day begins at Pont des Neiges , in the heart of a stark, rocky landscape typical of the high mountains. The ascent to Col des Fours (3072m) is gradual, following a high-altitude trail offering sweeping views of the glaciers and surrounding peaks. The route alternates between rocky sections and smoother, more rolling terrain, all within a wild and rugged setting.
At the pass, you'll enjoy a sweeping view of the Vanoise mountains and the border ranges. The descent then leads you to the Refuge du Fond des Fours , nestled in a high-altitude valley. This section offers opportunities to observe local wildlife and the contrasts between alpine pastures and rocky terrain.
You then continue the descent back to the Pont des Neiges , completing a loop in the heart of a protected area. This day trip combines a sustained climb , a high-mountain atmosphere , and open landscapes, ideal for experiencing altitude in an authentic setting.
Day 2 -
The Cable – Avérole Refuge – Between Two Ris
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, you set off from Le Câble towards the Avérole Refuge , nestled in a pristine valley overlooked by towering peaks. The trail climbs steadily through alpine pastures, alongside the stream, in a truly alpine setting. You reach the refuge for a break with views of the glaciers and the border landscape.
You then continue towards the Entre Deux Ris area, on a route offering sweeping panoramas and an immersion in nature. The walk alternates between grassy sections and more rocky areas, with a gradual incline.
In the afternoon, you have free time to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace. Activities led by our mountain guides can also be offered, depending on your preferences and the day's conditions, allowing you to extend your exploration of the area in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
Day 3 -
Le Fornet – Col de la Bailletta – Le Picheru – Val d’Isère
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Your day begins in Le Fornet , a high-altitude hamlet located at the entrance to the Vanoise National Park. The trail climbs gradually towards the Col de la Bailletta , in the heart of a rocky landscape dotted with alpine pastures. The steady ascent offers unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks and high-altitude valleys.
At the pass, you can enjoy an open panorama of the border ridges and high mountain terrain. The route then continues towards Le Picheru , alternating between rocky sections and smoother stretches, in a wild and unspoiled setting.
The descent gradually leads you back to Val d'Isère , following a panoramic route overlooking the valley. This day trip combines a sustained climb , a mountain pass crossing , and a varied descent , ideal for discovering the iconic landscapes of the Vanoise.
Day 4 -
Pont St Charles – Col de la Galise – Col de la Vache – Pont St Charles
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 930 m
- Negative elevation 930 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You'll set off from Pont St Charles , at the bottom of the Fornet valley, for a day at altitude in the heart of the Vanoise National Park. The trail climbs gradually towards the Col de la Galise , in a stark, rocky landscape dominated by glaciers and border peaks. The ascent is steady and offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
From the pass, you continue towards the Col de la Vache via a more rugged, high-altitude route, alternating between rocky sections and traverses along a balcony path. This unspoiled area offers opportunities to observe mountain wildlife and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
The descent then takes you back to Pont St Charles , following a varied path between scree slopes and alpine pastures. This day loop combines mountain passes , a high-mountain atmosphere , and open landscapes, ideal for a complete immersion in the high altitude.
Day 5 -
Day hike
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You begin in L'Écot , a traditional hamlet at the gateway to the upper Maurienne valley. The trail climbs the valley towards La Duis , following the stream, in a still unspoiled alpine setting. The progress is steady, between high-altitude meadows and the first rocky outcrops.
You continue towards the upper source of the Arc , where the river originates in the heart of a wild environment. The landscape becomes more rocky as you gain altitude, offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
The route then leads you to Lac des Sources , nestled in a high-altitude cirque. This peaceful setting invites you to pause and admire the surrounding landscape and the lake's clear waters. You then descend via La Duis to reach L'Écot , enjoying a gentler return through alpine pastures. This day trip combines a high-altitude valley , a glacial spring , and a mountain lake .
Day 6 -
Departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Morning: End of stay after breakfast.
Day 7
Note
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 dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- 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
- Activities are supervised by our mountain guides according to the formula
- Activities from Monday to Friday in July and August
- Local transfers for the hikes
The price does not include
- 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
- Child discount (ages 3-6) : CHF-378.27 / person
- Youth discount (7-13 years old) : CHF-226.96 / person
- Early arrival : CHF61.29 / 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.
- 30L backpack for day essentials, picnic and water
- Cutlery, picnic box and reusable cup for picnics
- Large plastic bag or overbag to protect your backpack
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Clothing to bring
- Walking shoes
- Cap or hat
- Warm pants
- lightweight trousers
- Socks
- Anorak
- Waterproof rain gear
- Windbreaker
- Fleece jacket
- Chunky sweater
- Swimsuit
- A bath towel (or bathrobe) is required to access the wellness area.
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