Bessans, the Nordic soul
A high altitude village
Located at an altitude of 1750 m, Bessans is a traditional village, typical of Haute Maurienne Vanoise, bordering the Vanoise National Park and Italy. This authentic and family village perpetuates the traditions through nature in its wild state, religious celebrations (the festival of August 15 is a must with traditional costumes) and sculpture, including those of the famous devils that you will see on the village square. Bessans is also endowed with a rich cultural heritage with its hamlets, mountain pasture houses, engraved stones, and religious buildings such as the Saint-Antoine chapel and its famous frescoes.
The cross-country skiing village
Which Bessanais has never put on cross-country skis? Here, winter lasts half the year and, inevitably, you learn to ski at the same time as you start walking. With its immense altitude plateau, Bessans is a natural land for cross-country skiing. The inhabitants have almost all participated in the International Marathon which takes place every year in January and which is practiced in classic or skating style. The route has of course varied over the years, but the sporting prowess has always been there, and it is always a pleasure to remember it with family and friends.
So Bessans, the Nordic soul, you need other arguments? Well, with its international biathlon stadium, you can learn, with an instructor, the practice of this sport, which is very popular with the French. It is not uncommon to come across high level athletes training on this magnificent plateau in an exceptional setting.
Nordic capital of the Alps
Labelled Nordic France, Bessans is 133 km of groomed trails that will take you to the heart of a high plateau that has nothing to envy to the Great North: immaculate valleys, glaciers and peaks culminating at more than 3000 m of altitude! On skis, on foot or with snowshoes, this vast high altitude plateau is technical, pleasant and perfectly equipped. You will be delighted by its change of scenery and its natural majesty.
If sports activities, rejuvenation and oxygenation are at the heart of Bessans, the village also offers a rich heritage steeped in history and legends. Discover fascinating stories, unusual anecdotes and little secrets through the alleys that have made Bessans a popular and magical place.
The sporting soul
- The paradise of cross-country skiing in winter with more than 133km of groomed tracks in classic and skating.
- A superb playground for snowshoeing! The Bessans plateau offers many possibilities for snowshoeing, towards the lakes, the hamlets...
- Groomed slopes for ski-joering or just skiing with your dog.
- Regular departures for the discovery of the plateau in sled dogs.
- An ideal place to discover Nordic walking. In free access: 15 km of discovery trails (marked and secured) are offered for relaxing walks.
- An ice fall for all levels located right next to the biathlon stadium.
Label Terre d'alpinisme
Averole and hamlets of Bessans
The devil of Bessans
