Irish dance workshop in the heart of the Haute Maurienne
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 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-Emissions55.12 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover the counties of Cork, Kerry and Clare through an immersive Irish traditional dance workshop . To the infectious rhythms of jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas and waltzes , you will explore the iconic steps and figures of Set Dancing and Ceilidh dances , true pillars of Irish popular culture.
Accessible to beginners and experienced dancers alike , this retreat offers a flexible program, allowing everyone to progress at their own pace in a friendly and authentic atmosphere. Group dances, whether in couples or formations, foster sharing and group energy, at the heart of Irish festive tradition.
Originally from Belfast , Sean Leyden has been sharing his passion for Set Dancing in Ireland and across Europe for over 30 years. Accompanied by his partner Monique, he guides you on a musical and choreographic journey rich in rhythms and history. A vibrant immersion into the soul of Ireland, blending traditional music with a spirit of conviviality .
The highlights
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An exceptional setting for practicing dance
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An experience combining dance and hiking
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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
Dance
- Average duration/day: 3h
Management
French
Sean Leyden, originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, has been a Set Dancing instructor for 30 years, both in Ireland and at festivals in France and across Europe. With his partner Monique, they will take you on a journey through Ireland, discovering their music: waltzes, polkas, jigs, hornpipes, reels, slides... and their traditional dances: couple dances, Ceilidh dances, and Set Dancing.
Program
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Arrival at the holiday village
- 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: Presentation of the group, the speaker and the program.
Day 1 -
Morning hike and afternoon Irish dancing
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h per day
- Activity Dance
- Duration of the activity 3h per day
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning: Hike of approximately 3 hours or free time.
Afternoon: Irish dance classes with the following program:
- Learning and perfecting Sets often danced in Ireland, originating from various regions;
- Technique of different steps;
- Work on fluidity, anticipation, and the linking of movements and figures;
- Work on the style specific to each Set;
- Learning and perfecting couple dances and Ceilidh dances.
Days 2 to 6 -
Departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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 lunch 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
- Supervision during dance sessions and hikes
- 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-347.62 / person
- Youth discount (7-13 years old) : CHF-208.57 / 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.
- 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.
