Short break: Intense hiking and alpine panoramas 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-Emissions27.96 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
English
Italian
In a few words
In the heart of the Haute Maurienne valley , this 4-day hiking trip around Bessans invites you to explore the unspoiled landscapes of southern Vanoise via carefully selected routes. The program's originality lies in its focus on varied and sometimes secluded trails , allowing you to discover an authentic mountain experience, far from the most frequented routes.
Day after day, you'll traverse scenic trails and more rugged sections, offering significant elevation gains and long alpine crossings. These routes reveal the full richness of the mountain environment: high-altitude pastures, hidden valleys, rocky peaks , and vast horizons. The journey also provides opportunities to observe remarkable alpine flora and fauna , characteristic of this pristine territory.
Each stage offers a new immersion in the mountains , combining physical exertion, contemplation, and the pleasure of hiking. Based in Bessans , a charming mountain village, you'll enjoy an ideal starting point for exploring this spectacular mountain range.
This trip is aimed at regular hikers , in good physical condition , wishing to traverse challenging routes and experience an intense and authentic hiking adventure in the heart of the Alps.
The highlights
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Sporting and unique routes in the heart of the southern Vanoise
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Panoramic ridges, alpine pastures and unspoiled wild valleys
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Accommodation in the heart of the Haute Maurienne - Vanoise mountain range
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
In good physical condition
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 450 m
- Average daily descent: 384 m
Management
French
English
Italian
Program
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Arrival at the holiday village
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning: arrival at the holiday village.
1:45 pm: Welcome meeting in the Charbonnel room.
Afternoon: Group formation + acclimatization hike.
Day 1 -
Pont des Neiges – Col des Fours 3072m – Refuge du Fond des Fours – Pont des Neiges
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Your day begins at Pont des Neiges , in the heart of a stark, rocky landscape typical of the high mountains. The ascent to Col des Fours (3072m) is gradual, following a high-altitude trail offering sweeping views of the glaciers and surrounding peaks. The route alternates between rocky sections and smoother, more rolling terrain, all within a wild and rugged setting.
At the pass, you'll enjoy a sweeping view of the Vanoise mountains and the border ranges. The descent then leads you to the Refuge du Fond des Fours , nestled in a high-altitude valley. This section offers opportunities to observe local wildlife and the contrasts between alpine pastures and rocky terrain.
You then continue the descent back to the Pont des Neiges , completing a loop in the heart of a protected area. This day trip combines a sustained climb , a high-mountain atmosphere , and open landscapes, ideal for experiencing altitude in an authentic setting.
Day 2 -
Morning hike and free time in the afternoon
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, you set off from Le Câble towards the Avérole Refuge , nestled in a pristine valley overlooked by towering peaks. The trail climbs steadily through alpine pastures, alongside the stream, in a truly alpine setting. You reach the refuge for a break with views of the glaciers and the border landscape.
You then continue towards the Entre Deux Ris area, on a route offering sweeping panoramas and an immersion in nature. The walk alternates between grassy sections and more rocky areas, with a gradual incline.
In the afternoon, you have free time to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace. Activities led by our mountain guides can also be offered, depending on your preferences and the day's conditions, allowing you to extend your exploration of the area in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
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
- Full board (including wine) from dinner 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-204.46 / person
- Youth discount (7-13 years old) : CHF-122.67 / 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
- 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.
