Short stay in the Alps - Mini-trek in the heart of the Vanoise
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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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
At the gateway to the Vanoise National Park , this 4-day stay in alpine pastures offers a unique immersion in a pristine mountain environment. Between gentle hikes , discovering alpine wildlife , and observing remarkable flora , each stage invites you to slow down and savor the natural richness of this high-altitude region.
The highlight of the program: a two-day mini-trek through the heart of the alpine pastures , gradually leading you away from the valley to a mountain refuge nestled in a valley. This night in the refuge extends the immersive experience in nature and creates moments of conviviality and sharing within the group.
Along the trails, the open panoramas, pastoral atmosphere, and authentic mountain heritage create an ideal setting for rejuvenation. This short but invigorating stay combines escape , the pleasure of hiking , and a connection to what truly matters , in one of the most iconic mountain ranges of the Alps.
A perfect getaway to enjoy the mountains in a different way , breathe the pure air of the alpine pastures and experience nature in an accessible and authentic way.
The highlights
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A night in a mountain refuge in the heart of the alpine pastures
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Moderate hikes in the heart of the Vanoise
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Exceptional routes in Haute Maurienne
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
Management
French
Program
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2-day mini-trek in Haute-Maurienne Vanoise
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You're off on a 2-day mini-trek in the Haute-Maurienne Vanoise region . The route starts in La Lenta and gradually climbs through mountain landscapes. You'll head towards Les Roches , following a path that ascends the valley.
The walk takes you to the heart of the Vallon d'en Haut , in a mineral and open environment, typical of this part of the park. As you progress, the landscape widens and a feeling of isolation sets in, offering a beautiful immersion at altitude.
At the end of the day, you reach the Vallon d'en Haut refuge where you spend the night. Settle in and enjoy half-board dinner at the refuge in a friendly mountain atmosphere, before a peaceful evening overlooking the surrounding peaks.
Day 1 -
Return to Bessans
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, you leave the Vallon d'en Haut refuge to begin the descent through the valley . The path gradually descends in this high-altitude environment, between alpine pastures and mineral reliefs typical of the Haute-Maurienne Vanoise .
You then join the Bessans holiday village , marking the end of this 2-day mini-trek .
The afternoon is free . You can enjoy a moment of rest or go and discover the village of Bessans , known for its mountain heritage and its famous wooden sculptures scattered throughout the streets.
Day 2 -
Arrival and day of hiking
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrival at the holiday village.
Day trip with picnic.
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.
Refuge Le Vallon d'en Haut
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
- One night in a mountain refuge, in a shared dormitory
- Full board (including wine) from 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-230.99 / person
- Youth discount (7-13 years old) : CHF-138.59 / 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.
They traveled with us
