What to do in autumn Haute Maurienne Vanoise
Shiver as you listen to the deer bellow
At the end of September, you'll be able to meet at the end of the day at l'Orgère or Polsetat the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, or Sardières and Sollières in Val Cenis. Park your car, take a seat and give it a try - it won't be long before you hear the powerful bellowing of the stag.
At the edge of the forest in fading light, the thrill is guaranteed! If you're lucky, you'll even be able to observe the jousting of the bucks and the beautiful ballet of the hinds. But keep a safe distance from these wild animals. A grandiose spectacle offered by nature.
Hiking between golden larches
The itineraries are endless at Haute Maurienne Vanoise, from easy strolls along the valley floor on the le chemin du petit bonheur to peaks of 3000 peaks that take several hours to reach.
Autumn offers the last opportunities for high-altitude hikes: as soon as the 1st snow falls, they become inaccessible without special equipment or accompaniment.
Autumnal weeks that allow you to take full advantage of nature's flamboyant beauty. The larch trees turn golden and the mountain pastures turn red and ochre. It's an ideal time to explore the Vanoise National Park. A popular destination in summer, the Park becomes wilder in autumn.
Some animals are also more visible. While the marmots have already gone into hibernation mode (they won't be seen again until spring!), it's not uncommon to observe large wild animals at this time of year. With fewer humans around, it's easier for them to venture into areas accessible to all. You may be lucky enough to see chamois on the Bellecombe in Val Cenis, above Villaron in Bessans or on the Col des Fours in Bonneval sur Arc.
Mountain biking before the 1st snowfall
Small hamlets and big bikes
Of course, there are no ski lifts in autumn, so you'll have to pedal uphill to get the best runs, but... the experience is well worth the few drops of sweat. And for those who want to preserve their calves, it's still possible to hire electrically-assisted mountain bikes.
A must-see spot in autumn: Bessans. From the village, head towards Avérole. With its golden larch trees, the autumn atmosphere has a Canadian Indian summer feel. You'll also pass through some unspoilt hamlets, and continue along the right bank of the torrent on a technical and challenging itinerary the impressive Charbonnel glacier. You can then continue on to the Espace VTT de ChantelouveThis is a fun, concentrated area for all levels, ideal for exercising on courses with wooden or stone modules.
Looking to unwind? Escape to the mountains for a few days and enjoy a rejuvenating, cocooning stay in one of our accommodations with wood-burning stove or fireplace, for cosy evenings by the fire.
Back to cross-country skiing in November
Thanks to its specific environment (high altitude plateau surrounded by glaciers, cool temperatures from autumn onwards) and the technique of snowfarming technique, you can ski at Bessans in early November.
Skating enthusiasts can quickly get back to the joys of the slopes. At this time of year, Bessans is also home to many professional teams, including the French biathlon team, who come to enjoy the snow, the international biathlon stadium and finalize their preparation.
Test your paragliding
Paragliding is the ideal way to experience unique sensations and contemplate the breathtaking scenery of Haute Maurienne Vanoise from the air. Whether you're a novice or already familiar with free flight, an introduction to paragliding this autumn promises unforgettable moments.
In autumn, the Aussois resort also hosts the D'Tour a not-to-be-missed event for paragliding and thrill-seekers. A gathering of paragliding enthusiasts of all levels, offering demonstrations, initiations, long-distance flights throughout the Haut Maurienne Vanoise region, and the chance to fly in a friendly, festive atmosphere.
Enjoy the Forts de l'Esseillon
Accrobranche, zip lines, via ferrata and historical heritageThe Forts de l'Esseillon are a must-see at Haute Maurienne Vanoise. 5 forts built in the early 19th century by the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia (Savoy was not French at the time!) on a "glacial lock". With a cliff on one side and the Gorges du Diable on the other, the site seemed impregnable. In the end, these structures were never put to the test of fire. Today, however, they offer a grandiose setting for heritage discovery and outdoor activities. These include a large accrobranche course and giant zip lines, open in autumn, via ferrata itineraries and the Marie-Thérèse Redoubt, a fort converted into a museum open in early autumn, which also offers escapades.