Short break in Haute Maurienne - Mini-trek in Bessans
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 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-Emissions25.15 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a 4-day journey to the heart of the Vanoise , an iconic region of the Alps where nature reigns supreme. Between verdant alpine pastures , traditional hamlets , and high-altitude chalets , this trip immerses you in authentic landscapes shaped by the mountains and pastoralism.
This program offers a two-day mini-trek with an overnight stay in a mountain refuge , a true immersion in the high altitude. Along the trails, panoramic views unfold, revealing alpine peaks , wild valleys, and the vast plateaus of the Vanoise National Park's pre-park , renowned for its rich flora and fauna . With a bit of luck, you might spot ibex, marmots, or chamois in their natural habitat.
Between panoramic hikes and gentler walks , this trip offers an ideal balance between exploration and contemplation. Spending the night in a mountain refuge adds an extra touch of authenticity, allowing you to fully savor the unique atmosphere of the Alpine mountains .
An inspiring nature break , ideal for discovering the Vanoise in a different way, at the pace of walking and magnificent landscapes.
The highlights
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A night in a mountain refuge in the heart of the Vanoise
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Diversity of fauna, flora or architecture
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Exceptional routes in Haute Maurienne
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
Management
French
Program
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Arrival at the holiday village
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrival at the holiday village and departure for the day trip with picnic.
Day 1 -
Bonneval-sur-Arc – Évettes Refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You begin this 2-day mini-trek in Haute-Maurienne Vanoise from Bonneval-sur-Arc , a mountain village with a preserved character. The trail gradually climbs into the heart of the national park, between alpine pastures, streams and the first panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
As you ascend, you traverse a stark, mineral landscape marked by glaciers and vast high-altitude plateaus. The route leads you towards the Évettes refuge , situated opposite the imposing glaciers of the glacial cirque.
Arriving at the refuge is a special moment to enjoy the peace and quiet and observe the changing light on the mountain peaks. You settle in for the night in this authentic mountain setting, ideal for immersing yourself in nature.
Day 2 -
Évettes Refuge – Grand Méan Lake – Bonneval-sur-Arc
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the Évettes refuge , you continue your route towards the Grand Méan lake , nestled at the foot of the glaciers. The trail winds through a mineral landscape sculpted by ice, between moraines and vast high-altitude expanses. The ascent unfolds at the mountain's pace, with sweeping panoramas of the peaks of the Haute-Maurienne Vanoise.
As you approach the lake, the shimmering waters contrast with the surrounding rocky landscape. You can enjoy this wild setting before beginning the descent into the valley.
The return journey takes you towards Bonneval-sur-Arc , where you'll find yourself back in the peaceful village atmosphere. You'll settle in for the night at the holiday village , marking the end of this 2-day mini-trek through alpine pastures, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes.
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.
Évettes Refuge
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 picnic lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
- 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-210.40 / person
- Youth discount (7-13 years old) : CHF-126.24 / 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.
