Mountain biking course in Bessans on the trails of Haute Maurienne
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 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-Emissions20.76 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
In a few words
Explore the Haute Maurienne region by mountain bike , in the heart of an exceptional area where unspoiled nature , historical heritage , and vast alpine landscapes come together. This cross-border destination offers long, rolling valleys ideal for a sporty , accessible, and friendly experience.
The marked trails wind through forests, alpine pastures, and mountain paths, revealing spectacular high-altitude panoramas and authentic villages steeped in history. Each outing becomes an immersion in a unique environment, punctuated by iconic sites that bear witness to the region's major past events.
Combining the thrill of driving, cultural discovery, and the sensations of being in nature, this trip blends adventure , personal challenge , and gentle exploration. The diverse routes allow you to fully appreciate the varied landscapes while navigating terrain suitable for all skill levels.
You can bring your own mountain bike or opt to rent equipment from nearby sports shops, for a turnkey experience in the heart of the Alps.
The highlights
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Explore the roads and trails of Haute Maurienne
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Exceptional high-altitude panoramas
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Comfortable accommodation located in the heart of the Haute Maurienne - Vanoise
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountain biking and e-mountain biking
In figures
MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Average duration/day: 3h
Management
French
Program
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Settling in Haute Maurienne and first outing to Vallonbrun
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You arrive at the holiday village late morning and take the time to settle in before lunch . This initial period allows you to meet the group and calmly prepare your equipment for the week.
In the afternoon, you'll set off on your first ride towards Vallonbrun . This warm-up will allow you to discover the landscapes of Haute Maurienne and get your bearings on the local trails. Between rolling sections and your first taste of mountain biking , you'll gradually immerse yourself in the atmosphere of your stay, surrounded by forests and alpine terrain.
This outing allows us to adjust the bikes, become familiar with the terrain and approach the week at a progressive pace.
Day 1 -
From Lake Mont Cenis to Italy by mountain bike
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You're setting off for a full day towards Lac du Mont Cenis , a vast high-altitude expanse with open landscapes. The first few kilometers take you along rolling tracks with unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks.
From the plateau, you descend into Italy towards Novalaise . The terrain alternates between mountain trails and more playful sections, offering a truly enjoyable ride in a striking alpine setting. This cross-border crossing adds a special dimension to the outing.
After this immersive experience between France and Italy, you return to the holiday village at the end of the day. You enjoy the evening relaxing and sharing your impressions of this first major stage at altitude.
Day 2 -
End of stay in Haute Maurienne
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast at the holiday village, your stay in Haute Maurienne is coming to an end. You take the time to pack your belongings and dismantle your equipment before departure.
It is also an opportunity to exchange one last time with the group about the routes taken, between alpine valleys , high-altitude trails and a getaway to Italy.
You leave the mountain with a beautiful immersion in mountain biking , between preserved nature and mountain heritage.
Day 3
Note
Important: The program is provided as a guide only. 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' skill 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 reservation 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 lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 3
- 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
- Supervision during mountain bike outings
- Activities from Monday to Friday in July and August
- Local transfers for activities
The price does not include
- Tourist tax: €0.85 per person (over 18 years old) per night
- Mountain bike and equipment rental
- 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-132.65 / person
- Youth discount (7-13 years old) : CHF-79.59 / 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
- Road helmet, CE standard
- 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
- Comfortable XC mountain bike shoes with a lugged sole for comfort on and off the bike
- Waterproof bag with roll closure for day essentials, picnic, and water
- Saddlebag (15/18 liters) and tube bag (3.5 liters).
- Cutlery, picnic box and reusable cup for picnics
- A large plastic bag or a rain cover to protect your backpack. (In case of a storm)
You can bring your own mountain bike or choose to rent one from one of the nearby sports shops.
Clothing to bring
- Sportswear
- Lightweight, breathable, packable windbreaker (jacket or vest) for temperature changes
- Lightweight waterproof jacket with a hood for added comfort in bad weather
- Swimsuit and bath towel (or bathrobe) required to access the wellness area
For your comfort at the center, please bring casual clothing and indoor shoes or slippers. Important: In the mountains, temperature variations can be significant if the wind picks up or a storm is approaching.
