Bessans, the Nordic soul

Bessans is the resort village with a Nordic soul. The wide-open spaces of the high plateau, with cross-country ski trails in winter and hiking and mountain-biking trails all year round, offer a real bubble of oxygen. Swimming in the lakes in summer, ice climbing and dog sledding in winter, unspoilt hamlets surrounded by larch forests that turn golden in autumn: it's up to you to enjoy a Nordic atmosphere in the heart of the Alps.

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 family village perpetuates its traditions through wild nature, religious festivals (the August 15 festival is a must, with traditional costumes) and sculpture, including the famous devils you'll see in the village square. Bessans also boasts a rich cultural heritage with its hamlets, mountain pasture houses, engraved stones and religious buildings, including the Saint-Antoine chapel and its famous frescoes.

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The cross-country village

What Bessan has never put on cross-country skis? Winter lasts half the year here, and of course you learn to ski at the same time as you start walking. With its immense plateau at altitude, Bessans is a natural for cross-country skiing. Almost all the locals have taken part in the International Marathon, which takes place every year in January and is run in classic or skating style. The route has of course varied over the years, but the sporting prowess has always been there, and it's always a pleasure to reminisce with family and friends.

So, Bessans, the Nordic soul, you need more arguments? Well, with its international biathlon stadium, you can learn with an instructor how to practice this sport, which is very popular with the French. In fact, it's not uncommon to come across top athletes training on this magnificent plateau in an exceptional setting.

Nordic capital of the Alps

With the Nordic France label, Bessans offers 120 km of groomed trails that will take you to the heart of a high plateau that has nothing to envy of the Great North: immaculate valleys, glaciers and peaks peaking at over 3000 m! Whether on skis, on foot or on snowshoes, this vast, technical, pleasant and perfectly equipped high plateau will delight you with its change of scenery and natural majesty.

While sporting activities, rejuvenation and oxygenation are at the heart of Bessans, the village also offers a rich heritage steeped in history and legend. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and discover the fascinating tales, unusual anecdotes and little secrets that have made Bessans such a popular and enchanting resort.

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French biathlon team athletes in the snow

The sporting soul

  • A cross-country skiing paradise in winter, with over 120km of classic and skating trails.
  • A superb playground for snowshoeing! The Bessans plateau offers a wealth of opportunities for snowshoeing to lakes and hamlets...
  • Groomed slopes for ski-joering or just skiing with your dog.
  • Regular departures to discover the plateau by dog sled.
  • A perfect place to discover Nordic hiking. Free access: 15 km of safe, signposted trails for relaxing strolls.
  • An ice fall for all levels, right next to the biathlon stadium.

 

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Label Terre d'alpinisme

Recently awarded the "Land of Mountaineering" label, the people of Bessans are continuing their commitment to helping as many people as possible discover the assets of this beautiful mountain.
Label Terre d'alpinisme
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Averole and hamlets of Bessans

The Vallée d'Averole is a major valley on the right as you leave Bessans in the direction of Bonneval sur Arc.
Avérole hamlet and refuge
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The Bessans devil

A land of altitudes and legends, Bessans is said to be the land of the Devil! Do you know why? Let us tell you the story...
The Bessans devil
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The international biathlon stadium

Thanks to the advantages of the Bessans plateau's altitude and snow cover, the inter-communal project for an international biathlon stadium, led by the Communauté de Communes Haute Maurienne, was launched in 1998, with the support of medal-winning athlete Hervé Flandin, a native of the valley.