Short break getaway in Vanoise - Mini-trek around Bessans
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationVanoise Massif / Bessans
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions22.34 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on an immersive mini-hike in the heart of the Vanoise , one of the wildest and most pristine mountain ranges in the Alps . This 3-day trek invites you to explore hidden valleys starting from Bessans , far from the hustle and bustle of busy trails, for a truly timeless alpine escape .
From the very first stages, the route gradually ascends through peaceful alpine pastures, secluded trails, and rugged, rocky terrain . You'll hike through a spectacular high-altitude environment, crossing panoramic mountain passes and discovering magnificent high-altitude lakes with crystal-clear waters . Each ridge crossing reveals superb viewpoints overlooking the iconic peaks of the Vanoise massif , offering a complete immersion in the high mountains.
Nights spent in mountain huts punctuate this adventure and enhance the experience of trekking, in a warm and authentic atmosphere. As the days go by, the hike becomes a true sensory journey where silence, light, and the vastness of the landscapes accompany every step.
This mini-trek in Vanoise is aimed at mountain trekking enthusiasts, seeking disconnection, authenticity and wide open spaces , to experience an intense alpine adventure in a short format.
The highlights
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Two nights in a mountain refuge in the heart of the Vanoise
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Exceptional routes in Haute Maurienne
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A wild and unspoiled territory
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
In very good physical condition
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average daily elevation gain: 836 m
- Average daily descent: 1051 m
Management
French
Program
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Arrival at the holiday village and departure for the mini-trek
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1043 m
- Negative elevation 730 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrived at the holiday village in the morning before the outing.
Departure by bus to the hamlet of L'Orgère , the starting point of this hike. You gradually ascend the valley towards Lac de la Partie , in an alpine setting punctuated by meadows and rocky areas. The trail then climbs steeply towards the Col de Chavière (2796m) , a high-altitude pass offering unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks.
Depending on the conditions and your fitness, you can opt for a variant via Lac Blanc and Col du Soufre (2816m) , adding a wilder and more mineral detour to this first stage.
The descent leads you to the Péclet-Polset refuge (2472m) where you will be welcomed for the evening. Check-in, dinner and overnight stay with half-board in the heart of a high mountain environment.
Day 1 -
Day hike
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 990 m
- Negative elevation 1121 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You leave the Péclet-Polset refuge for a varied stage between alpine pastures and high-altitude terrain. The path first descends towards La Rama , before crossing the Ruitor alpine pasture and reaching the Rosoire chalet , in a pastoral atmosphere typical of the Haute Maurienne.
The climb resumes towards the Col d'Aussois , with a panorama that gradually opens up to the surrounding peaks. Depending on the conditions and the group's energy level, you can continue to the Pointe de l'Observatoire , a viewpoint offering an unobstructed view of the glaciers and the high peaks of the area.
You end this day at the Fond d'Aussois refuge (2524m) , where you are accommodated with half-board.
Day 2 -
Day hike
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 474 m
- Negative elevation 1300 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You leave the Fond d'Aussois refuge towards Notre-Dame des Anges , a small high-altitude sanctuary nestled in a rocky landscape. The route continues towards the Dent Parrachée refuge , at the foot of glaciers and the area's iconic peaks.
You then join the GR5 trail, which you follow along the hillside to the La Turra area. The path alternates between open sections and gentler terrain, with unobstructed views of the Haute Maurienne valley and the surrounding mountains.
The descent gradually leads you towards Sardières , where you rejoin the valley. Return by vehicle to Bessans for your last night at the holiday village , a more comfortable way to conclude this trek through alpine pastures, mountain passes and mountain huts.
Day 3 -
Departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Morning: End of stay after breakfast.
Day 4
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 (in Bessans)
- 2 nights in a mountain refuge, in a shared dormitory
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
- Bed linen and towels are provided in the rooms for the duration of your stay (in Bessans).
- Access to the spa and fitness area (in Bessans)
- Activities are supervised by our mountain guides according to the formula
- Activities from Monday to Friday in July and August (in Bessans)
- Local transfers for the hikes
The price does not include
- Tourist tax: €0.85 per person (over 18 years old) per night
- Luggage transfer during travel
- 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-196.68 / person
- Youth discount (7-13 years old) : CHF-118.01 / 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
- Meat bag for the shelter
- 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.
