• Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
  • Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif
Savoy / Beaufortain Massif

Mountain bivouac training in the Beaufortain massif

5/5 (3 reviews)
Réf : SVGQZQ

In summary

  • Sports
    Hiking / Trekking
  • Duration
    3 days
  • Level
    Intermediate

    Levels

    Hiking / Trekking
    Beginner
    For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
    Intermediate
    For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
    Confirmed
    For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
    Advanced
    For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
    Expert
    For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
  • Destination
    Savoy / Beaufortain Massif
  • Age
    From the age of 18
  • CO₂-Emissions
    5.68 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    🇫🇷
    French

In a few words

Embark on a 3-day self-guided learning experience in the Beaufortain massif, an ideal setting to acquire the basics of mountain bivouacking . In a small group, you will learn to organize your equipment, manage water , food , and weather conditions , and navigate on trails while adopting an eco-responsible approach.

Through workshops and practical exercises, you will learn how to lighten and optimize your pack , choose a safe bivouac site , filter water , cook meals adapted to physical exertion, and anticipate adverse weather conditions . Reading IGN maps , navigating the terrain, and managing unforeseen events round out this hands-on training.

This trip is for anyone who wants to explore the trails, developing confidence, independence, and common sense in a natural environment . A great first step towards more challenging adventures, with respect for the mountains and their fragility .


The highlights

  • Groups of 6 max in a friendly atmosphere
  • Guidance from an expert homelessness guide
  • Training booklet provided at the end of the course
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Photos

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

Intermediate

Levels

Hiking / Trekking
Beginner
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
Intermediate
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
Confirmed
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
Advanced
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
Expert
For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.

The expert's opinion

For nature lovers, in search of a complete experience.

Between 500 and 800 m of elevation gain per day.

Carrying a bag weighing approximately 11-12 kg

‍

No major technical difficulties.

This stay is suitable for occasional hikers who engage in regular physical activity.


In figures

Trekking

  • Average duration/day: 4h30
  • Average distance/day: 9 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 667 m
  • Average daily descent: 367 m

Management

During this stay, several supervisors will be present to guide and assist you, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the trip.
Band : 1 supervisor for 3 to 6 people
Languages ​​spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Matthieu
Matthieu

After an intense life spent between bustling cities and artistic projects, Matthieu discovered a new lease on life through long-distance hiking. His trek across the Pyrenees and then the Alps along the Via Alpina marked a turning point: a total immersion in nature that earned him the nickname "the bivouac man" from Montagnes Magazine . From this journey emerged an award-winning documentary, a true ode to introspection and connecting with the natural world.

Since 2016, Matthieu has shared this approach through guided retreats that he sensitively leads, combining challenging hiking, listening, silence, and mindful presence. Each step becomes a tool for grounding, each moment an invitation to slow down and perceive what is essential.

Marie
Marie

Marie's character was shaped by long-distance treks: the Pacific Crest Trail, the Te Araroa, the Lycian Way, and the High Pyrenees Route. Walking for months at a time in the heart of wild landscapes taught her simplicity, self-reliance, and the joy of being a body in motion within a living landscape. Passionate about herbalism and trained in forest bathing, she now guides those who wish to slow down, listen, and reconnect with nature, on a path that offers as much discovery as it reveals.

Management

Security

Your guides know the mountains and their demands. Trained in mountain leadership and trip management, they draw on extensive field experience to adapt routes, pace, and decisions to the conditions and the group. Equipped with appropriate safety gear (GPS, communication devices), they attentively and discreetly ensure the smooth running of the hike. The choice of small groups and a deliberately gentle pace is central to their approach, guaranteeing a peaceful, safe, and confident experience.
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
  • map

    Getting to the heart of the matter

    • Activity Trekking
    • Duration of the activity 4h
    • Distance 8 km
    • Positive elevation gain 700 m
    • Negative elevation 200 m
    • Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner not included

    Day -30: Preparing for the trip


    At least 30 days before departure, participants receive a proposed equipment list with

    practical advice. They are invited to complete the list by weighing each item and optimizing as much as possible.

    their bag. They are also asked to choose the food they will take with them over these 3 days using another document explaining the different criteria to consider (it is advisable not to choose only

    freeze-dried ready meals).


    DAY 1


    After some time to get to know each other and share our experiences/expectations, we'll optimize our packs and adjust them as best we can before setting off on the trails in search of our first bivouac site. We'll familiarize ourselves with bivouac logistics (water supply/pitching up the tent/washing/preparing food).


    Indicative sequence :

    10am - Welcome at the St Guérin dam - distribution of bivouac equipment and optimization of bags.

    11am - 4pm - Hike with breaks and discussions on bivouac topics + basic map reading

    4pm - Water refill and bivouac setup (pre-installation)

    5pm - Stretching / Free time

    7pm - Dinner prepared by the participants & debriefing of the day


    During this first day, we will cover:

    • Map/terrain relationship, use of the compass

    • searching for a bivouac spot (on the map, then on the ground)

    • Tent setup (precautions)

    • Foot stretching and care session

    • Cooking at the campsite and discussions about the challenges of food while traveling


    Day 1

Note

The adventures offered take place in the mountains with the aim of reconnecting with nature and the elements. Trips are therefore maintained regardless of weather conditions (rain, wind, storms, etc.). The program (itinerary, accommodation) may be modified to adapt to the circumstances.


We reserve the right to cancel the departure if the safety of participants cannot be guaranteed, due to exceptional and unavoidable circumstances.

Such a decision can only be made closer to the trip, i.e., less than a week before departure. In this case, the team will do everything possible to offer participants the option of rescheduling free of charge for a new departure, or will refund any sums already paid.

Accommodation

⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Days 1 to 2
  • ⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Days 1 to 2
  • ⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Days 1 to 2
  • ⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Days 1 to 2
  • ⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Days 1 to 2
  • ⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Days 1 to 2
⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Days 1 to 2

No permanent accommodation during the stay... but a 6-person mess tipi which allows you to eat in a dry/warm environment.

Nights will be spent in double tents (or single tents in case of mixed groups).

Access

Departure
Barrage de Saint Guerin, Beaufort, France
Day 1 : 10h00
End of stay
Barrage de Saint Guerin, Beaufort, France
Day 3 - 16h00

For both the outbound and return journeys, the meeting point is at the St Guérin Dam car park (10am outbound, 4pm return)

In case of bad weather, to facilitate the distribution of bivouac equipment, the meeting place may be moved to Place Frison Roche in Beaufort (large covered area in the center of the village with parking).

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toAlbertville

Regular connection between Paris/Lyon and Albertville via Chambéry.


DEPARTURE: arrival in Albertville the day before (numerous accommodations available there)

then nature shuttle N21 from Albertville bus station at 8:20 am towards Beaufort at 8:51 am

then nature shuttle N01 at 9:05 am towards St Guérin Dam at 9:40 am


BACK :

Nature shuttle N01 St Guérin Dam 4 p.m. to Areches Beaufort 4:15 p.m.

Then Nature shuttle N21 from Areches Beaufort 4:35 p.m. to Albertville Bus station 5:15 p.m.

Train departure from Albertville station to Paris at 5:22 PM or 7:22 PM

(Times are approximate)

Paris-Albertville 3h51 | TER Lyon-Albertville 2h30


CARPOOLING OPTION

A connection will be made between participants for possible carpooling.

The mountain guide can also offer carpooling from Albertville train station (around 9am for a maximum of 4 people).

On the return trip, drop-off around 5pm at Albertville train station.


Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

Follow signs for Albertville (A430 then N90) then Beaufort (D925), finally the direction of Arèches Beaufort then Barrage

from St Guérin.

Exact meeting point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EFcazNtiUcJy22K47


Distances:

Paris: 650km | Grenoble: 110km (1h45) | Lyon: 190km (2h30) | Geneva: 120km (2h20)

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Bonus: You can also let us know the date that interests you and we will do our best to offer it to you!

Price details

The price includes

  1. The trip will be led by Matthieu Chambaud, a state-certified mountain guide.
  2. Provision of 2-person and 1-person tents
  3. Provision of gas and cooking utensils (kitchenette)
  4. A 50-page educational booklet summarizing the concepts covered
  5. The pot upon arrival

The price does not include

  1. Round-trip transportation to and from the meeting point
  2. Food for all meals (to be provided by the participants)
  3. Camping equipment: sleeping mat & 0°C comfort sleeping bag (rental available + €45)
  4. Your personal equipment
  5. Cancellation insurance - repatriation assistance, rescue costs

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Bivouac Pack : CHF42.75 / person
  2. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
Equipment

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(3 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
s

sophie

august 2026
Translated from French
These were three days of reconnecting with what truly matters. I hadn't come specifically to learn how to camp; I mainly wanted to hike for three days, but it turned out to be a revelation. I loved it, especially the inherently minimalist aspect of the adventure!
Published on 18/08/2026
A

Audrey

august 2025
Translated from French
I was lucky enough to experience my first trek and bivouac in the mountains with Matthieu, and it was a true human and natural adventure. Three days cut off from the world, without a phone, in sometimes harsh conditions (rain, fog, cold, a 13 kg pack on my back…), but also in moments of incredible beauty: sunrises and sunsets facing Mont Blanc, nights in the heart of nature, meals shared in the tipi, hikes along the ridges with 360° views… Beyond the landscapes and the immersive experience, it is above all Matthieu's guidance that makes this trip so special. He offers much more than a simple hike: he creates a supportive, safe, and enriching environment. Whether in difficult weather conditions or during those breathtaking moments facing the peaks, he guided us with calm, attentiveness, and a genuine awareness of what he was sharing. I greatly appreciated the group discussions he facilitated, which added depth to the experience and allowed for a genuine connection with oneself, others, and nature. This trip will remain a defining experience for me—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Don't hesitate to embark on this type of adventure; go for it! With Matthieu, you're in good hands: kindness, professionalism, and authenticity are guaranteed.
  • Audrey
  • Audrey
  • Audrey
  • Audrey
  • Audrey
Published on 02/09/2025
C

CELINE

july 2025
Translated from French
The guide, Mathieu, was very kind and professional.
Published on 29/07/2025

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(3 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
s

sophie

august 2026
Translated from French
These were three days of reconnecting with what truly matters. I hadn't come specifically to learn how to camp; I mainly wanted to hike for three days, but it turned out to be a revelation. I loved it, especially the inherently minimalist aspect of the adventure!
Published on 18/08/2026
A

Audrey

august 2025
Translated from French
I was lucky enough to experience my first trek and bivouac in the mountains with Matthieu, and it was a true human and natural adventure. Three days cut off from the world, without a phone, in sometimes harsh conditions (rain, fog, cold, a 13 kg pack on my back…), but also in moments of incredible beauty: sunrises and sunsets facing Mont Blanc, nights in the heart of nature, meals shared in the tipi, hikes along the ridges with 360° views… Beyond the landscapes and the immersive experience, it is above all Matthieu's guidance that makes this trip so special. He offers much more than a simple hike: he creates a supportive, safe, and enriching environment. Whether in difficult weather conditions or during those breathtaking moments facing the peaks, he guided us with calm, attentiveness, and a genuine awareness of what he was sharing. I greatly appreciated the group discussions he facilitated, which added depth to the experience and allowed for a genuine connection with oneself, others, and nature. This trip will remain a defining experience for me—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Don't hesitate to embark on this type of adventure; go for it! With Matthieu, you're in good hands: kindness, professionalism, and authenticity are guaranteed.
  • Audrey
  • Audrey
  • Audrey
  • Audrey
  • Audrey
Published on 02/09/2025
C

CELINE

july 2025
Translated from French
The guide, Mathieu, was very kind and professional.
Published on 29/07/2025
The Alexis team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Alexis team

5/5 (150 reviews) • 46 stays
Located in the Drôme Biovalley, our local partner offers immersive stays to recharge in nature. Through hiking, trekking, meditation, and yoga, they explore the environment through the lens of wonder and harmony. All their stays are organized in France according to an eco-responsible approach. Their multilingual team invites travelers to rediscover the art of local escape for a lasting wellness experience.
Discover their team and their trips
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