Top 5 summer activities
Cool off at Ludi'Lacs
The cool spot not to be missed in Bessans. Located about 2.5 km from the village, the Ludi'lacs leisure area is accessible by footpath, convenient for bicycles, strollers... or by road. Overlooked by the mountains from which waterfalls cascade down, bordered by the river Arc, it is the ideal place to have fun and recharge your batteries. The Espace Ludi'lacs is made up of 3 lakes: one is reserved for fishing, the other for canoeing or paddling, and the third is for swimming. In the center of this small swimming lake, an inflatable pontoon with a slide allows everyone to have fun. Swimming is safe thanks to the presence of lifeguards in July and August. Finally, picnic areas with barbecues and wooden tables allow you to enjoy the long summer evenings.
Discover mountain agriculture at the Alpage du Vallon
As its name indicates, nestled in a valley at 2300m altitude, this mountain pasture offers a dream setting with breathtaking landscapes and colors. Meet at the hamlet of Villaron, in Bessans, to reach the alpages of the Vallon. A gentle 2-hour climb on the trails of the Vanoise National Park leads hikers to the mountain pasture of Sébastien Vincendet, farmer and cheese maker. After having discovered mountain agriculture and the commented production of Beaufort cheese, it is also possible to participate in the milking of the cows and even to sleep on the spot! A unique experience in the heart of the Savoyard terroir.
Hike to the refuge of Avérole
Following in the footsteps of the old peddlers, enter the verdant Avérole valley. Leave your car at the Vincendières parking lot and take the shuttle bus to the Avérole hamlet. You can then continue along a wide path to the refuge. In the heart of this timeless postcard setting, you'll discover the backdrops where many scenes from the "Belle et Sébastien" films were shot. The path leads into the wild, secluded valley along the Avérole torrent. Oratories, chapels, hamlets with stone walls and lauze roofs, follow them to the refuge, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Pointe du Charbonnel (3752 m) and the surrounding peaks, all of which rise to over 3,000 m, where you can try out high-mountain activities with local guides and professionals: Bessans, like Bonneval sur Arc, is a Mecca for mountaineering and has even been awarded the "Land of Mountaineering" label by Unesco.
Bonus: a family-friendly refuge, and the pleasure of tasting local produce. The return hike is on the left bank of the torrent, making a loop.
Introduction to biathlon
Biathlon is a year-round activity! In winter on skis... in summer on skis-wheels or rollerblades! For the "pros" or for beginners, everyone can practice biathlon with a laser rifle or with a real "22" for 50 m shooting! With its 3 km of asphalt tracks and 30 targets, the biathlon stadium in Bessans offers an unusual activity to try out in summer. In private or group lessons, by the session or by the week with a state-certified instructor, learning or improving is a pleasure.
Practice mountain biking at the Espace ludique de Chantelouve
Tested and approved by the French junior cross-country team, the Chantelouve MTB area has something to please everyone! With a series of cross-country itineraries for all levels (green, blue, red and black trails), enhanced with wooden and stone modules to spice up the riding, the Chantelouve MTB area is perfectly integrated into the landscape. Mountain bike itineraries to try during your stay in Bessans, even if you are not an expert in mountain bike riding. Start with the green trails, have fun, gain confidence and move on to the blue ones. If you are already a mountain biker, you can go on the red ones, or even on the black ones, sensations guaranteed! A unique area in France to try out for the day.
