In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationBeaufortain Massif / Savoy
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions22.39 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
How about treating yourself to a break in one of the most beautiful alpine massifs, between hanging pastures and sharp ridges, facing Mont Blanc ?
For 5 days, embark on a gentle journey through the heart of the Beaufortain region . Each day, the itinerary takes shape according to the desires, the weather, and the energy of the group.
A contrasting, vibrant territory, where the mountains invite you to slow down and feel fully.
In a small group of 6 people , guided by an experienced facilitator trained in compassionate communication, you will experience a human and sensory adventure, without a fixed itinerary.
Wellness workshops punctuate the days: silence, listening to the senses, breathing, time for gratitude… to return to the essentials.
Each evening, the bivouac is set up in a corner of nature chosen together — facing the peaks, on the edge of a lake or nestled in a peaceful alpine meadow.
An immersion in altitude to reconnect with oneself, with others, and with the raw beauty of the mountains.
The highlights
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A free-spirited journey, guided by the present moment
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Bivouacs chosen together in a breathtaking panorama
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A small group of 6 for enriching discussions
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
For nature lovers seeking a complete experience.
> Elevation gain : 500-750 m per day.
Duration : approximately 5 hours of walking per day.
> For whom ? Those who engage in regular activity and are looking for a balance between moderate effort and exploration.
What you experience : a rich and varied immersion, with routes that combine effort, light technicality and moments of contemplation.
The difficulty of the stay lies in carrying the bag (self-sufficiency in food), with a weight between 10 and 12 kg.
The routes are on fairly easy mountain trails with some sections in rocky areas without major difficulty (scree slopes).
This trip is suitable for occasional hikers in good physical condition; it is advisable to do a few outings with a loaded bag before the adventure to prepare.
The elevation gains and walking times are indicative; it is rare to reach 1000m of elevation gain in a day (more like 700m).
The idea of the trip is to find the right balance for the group with the only constraint being to find water and a bivouac spot for the evening!
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 400 m
- Average daily descent: 500 m
Management
French
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 . This journey resulted in 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 in order to better perceive what is essential.
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.
Program
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Participant Reception & Bag Optimization
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The group will arrive at the refuge in the mid-afternoon , around 3 pm . A short walk will allow you to explore the surroundings, soak up the atmosphere, and gently ease into the hike. Time will then be set aside for an introduction to the trip: you will discover the Slow Hiking ethos , and everyone will have the opportunity to introduce themselves in a friendly, informal gathering.
The late afternoon is dedicated to logistical preparation . This includes checking personal equipment and distributing food and camping gear . The goal is to adjust the contents of the bags together for optimized carrying , adapted to the trek.
The day ends with a shared dinner at the refuge , before setting off the next morning.
Day 1 -
Slow travel without a set itinerary
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h per day
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a good breakfast at the refuge, the trail opens up… without a fixed route.
Each morning, we decide together which route to take, depending on our desires, the weather, and the group's energy level. Green alpine pastures , rocky areas, crystal-clear lakes , legendary mountain passes , or panoramic summits : the possibilities are numerous and all equally magnificent.
Among the treasures we will be able to discover: Lake Roselend, the Combe de la Neuva, the Col du Coin, the Tempête lakes, the Crêt du Rey, the Lac d'Amour… and many other more secret places, far from the beaten track.
Each day alternates between walking, contemplative breaks, and time for oneself .
In the late afternoon, we set off in search of a suitable spot for bivouacking, somewhere secluded, with a view. Once camp is set up, it's time for a quick wash, preparing a meal, and above all… the simple pleasure of a mountain sunset .
Time for sharing and listening is planned every morning and every evening, and a "mess" tipi allows meals to be eaten under cover if the weather is unpredictable.
Throughout the day, light workshops — stretching, gentle yoga, meditation or gratitude time — punctuate the walk, especially in the morning or upon arrival at the bivouac, depending on the energy of the group and the conditions of the moment.
Days 2 to 4 -
Return to the refuge - meal & debriefing
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 40km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
An early start and dismantling of camp one last time, under the soft light of dawn . A short 2-3 hour walk leads to either the Plan de la Lai refuge or a meeting point for a return shuttle.
A final meal shared in a mountain lodge or restaurant offers a moment of closure and togetherness . It's an opportunity to reflect on the highlights, debrief the adventure , and celebrate what each person takes away from this journey.
After returning the camping equipment , there is the possibility of taking a shower on site (bring €2 ). The group disperses around 3pm .
For train travelers departing from Albertville, it is recommended to choose a train from 4:30 pm onwards , for a peaceful end to your stay.
Day 5
Note
The adventures offered by Contact Nature 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.
Contact Nature reserves the right to cancel the departure if the safety of participants cannot be ensured, due to exceptional and unavoidable circumstances.
Such a decision can only be made close to the trip, 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 payments already made.
Accommodation
FFCAM Refuge of Plan de la Lai
Comprising 2 dormitories (7 and 12 places) + 1 yurt (6 places).
Showers and toilets inside (and outside).
Access
It is possible to leave belongings in the guide's vehicle for the duration of the stay (e.g., a bag with spare clothes for the train).
Go to the starting point
To reduce our ecological footprint on this trip, we invite you to come by train or carpool.
In this case, we will provide volunteers/interested individuals with the contact details of other participants.
The mountain guide can also offer carpooling from Albertville (around 1:30-2:00 pm on the way there, drop-off possible around 4:00-4:30 pm on the way back)
To access the refuge, take the A430 then the N90 towards Albertville , continue towards Beaufort via the D925, then follow the road towards Bourg-Saint-Maurice , passing through the Cormet de Roselend .
Approximate distances :
- From Paris : 650 km
- From Grenoble : 110 km (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes)
- From Lyon : 190 km (approximately 2.5 hours)
- From Geneva : 120 km (approximately 2 hours 20 minutes)
Price details
The price includes
• Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide
• Accommodation: 1 night in a mountain refuge on the first night and 3 nights in a tent
• Full loan of bivouac equipment (2-person tent, sleeping bag, mattress, cooking pot...)
• Meals: Full board from dinner on the first evening to lunch on the last day
• Day 5 transport (taxi)
The price does not include
• Round-trip transportation to and from the meeting point
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Your personal equipment
• Cancellation insurance - repatriation assistance, rescue costs
• In case
Options
- 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 provided on site
• 2-person tent
• 0°C comfort down sleeping bag and waterproof bag
• Comfortable mattress (Thermarest NeoAir)
• Silk cloth
• Shared cooking equipment (stove, cooking pot)
• Individual kitchen equipment (plate, cutlery, glass)
Backpacks can be borrowed.
Equipment to bring
A detailed list of equipment to bring will be sent to you upon registration, along with plenty of tips to reduce weight!
• hiking poles
• headlamp
• earplugs
• sleeping bag liner + pillowcase for the gîte (day 1)
• a small first-aid kit with your prescription if you are currently undergoing medical treatment
Clothing to bring
A detailed list of clothing to bring will be sent to you upon registration, along with plenty of tips for reducing weight!
The key elements are listed below:
• High-top hiking boots
• Gore-Tex type waterproof jacket
• A down jacket or thick fleece
• A micropolar or similar
• Rain pants
• Warm hat & gloves
They traveled with us
