What to do in autumn Haute Maurienne Vanoise
Autumn in Haute Maurienne Vanoise : a magical season
When the air becomes crisper, the larch trees blaze with a thousand colors and the villages are adorned with softness, autumn reveals all the authenticity of Haute Maurienne Vanoise. Between outdoor activities, unique heritage and gourmet delights, the valley offers an experience that's both peaceful and intense.
Buses in autumn
Transport on demandThis autumn, take advantage of a new bus service to get around Haute Maurienne Vanoise. Booking required.
Observing wildlife in autumn
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons to meet animals in the mountains. Nature offers unique spectacles:
-
Le brame du cerf résonne dans les forêts et vallons de la vallée, un moment fascinant à vivre à la tombée du jour accompagné de professionnels comme Nelson Henry, Thierry Bardagi ou Vincent Anglaret.
-
Les chamois et bouquetins sont plus faciles à observer. Avec moins d’humains en montagne, ils s’aventurent plus facilement sur des secteurs accessibles à tous. Vous aurez peut être la chance de voir des bouquetins au Col de la Masse entre l’Orgère et Aussois, ou des chamois côté Col des Fours à Bonneval sur Arc.
-
The bearded vulture, the largest bird in the Alps, soars over the peaks before winter arrives, when it will nest on the vertiginous cliffs.
-
Marmots enjoy their last few weeks outside the burrow before entering hibernation.
For an even richer experience, go with a mountain guide. In any case, if you come across animals, be careful not to disturb them.
Hiking between golden larches
Autumn is a superb season for walking and hiking. The mountains are less crowded, and the light is less overpowering than in midsummer, sublimating the flamboyant nature. It's up to you to choose the itinerary that suits you best.
-
Family walks along the Arc on the le chemin du petit bonheur.
-
Sporty hikes to high-altitude lakes, glaciers and peaks bathed in golden light. Haute Maurienne Vanoise , for example, offers several 3000-meter peaks. Now is the time to take advantage of them for good walkers: as soon as the first snow falls, they become inaccessible without special equipment or accompaniment.
-
Itinerant hikes over several days: Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise from Modane station, Tour de la Roche d'Etache... In early September, refuges are still manned, then in autumn, some offer unmanned areas accessible to hikers.
Outdoor activities for all tastes
In autumn, the valley remains a huge playground for fans of outdoor activities:
-
VTT : l’automne est une saison parfaite pour le VTT. Un peu plus humide qu’en plein été, le terrain accroche bien et on croise plus de cerfs que de VTTistes sur les singles. A tester : le stade VTT de Haute Maurienne Vanoise à Chantelouve.
-
Via ferrata : les incontournables via ferrata du Diable entre Aussois et La Norma, accessibles en autonomie ou avec un guide.
-
Escalade : Rocher des Amoureux à Villarodin-Bourget, impressionnant Monolithe à Val Cenis, blocs de Roche Moutche à Aussois, Cheval Blanc à Valfréjus… des falaises équipées pour tous les niveaux, dans un décor de carte postale.
-
Accrobranche and giant zip lines In Avrieux, with a breathtaking view of the Esseillon forts.
-
Eaux vives : packraft sur l’Arc à Val Cenis, une expérience tonique et rafraîchissante.
-
Tobogganing on rails La Norma: guaranteed thrills for young and old.
Looking to unwind? Escape to our 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.
Cross-country skiing
On the slopes in November at BessansEvery autumn, Bessans is the 1st ski resort to open in France (excluding glaciers). Thanks to its specific environment (high plateau surrounded by glaciers, cool temperatures in autumn) and the technique of snowfarming snowfarming technique, which reuses snow stored from the previous winter, you can ski at Bessans in early November. The French biathlon and cross-country ski teams will be here this autumn to prepare for the Milan 2026 Olympic Games.
Cycling: climbing the big passes before winter
Haute Maurienne Vanoise is a paradise for cyclists. Before the winter road closures (early November), take advantage of ideal conditions to challenge :
-
The Iseran pass, Europe's highest road pass.
-
The Mont-Cenis pass, with its panoramic views over the lake.
-
The Telegraphe and Galibier passes, within pedal distance of the valley.
Mythical climbs in a unique autumn atmosphere.
Unmissable heritage
Baroque churches, museums, unspoilt villages and 19th-century fortsHaute Maurienne Vanoise has an exceptional heritage to discover without the summer crowds:
-
The Esseillon fortsmajestic 19th-century ramparts perched above the Arc Gorge between Aussois and La Norma.
-
Les églises baroques et chapelles de montagne, joyaux d’art sacré qui illuminent les villages. A ne pas rater : l’exceptionnelle église St Thomas Beckett d’Avrieux. Récemment restaurées, les églises de Lanslebourg et Lanslevillard (Val Cenis) méritent également une visite. Côté chapelles, découvrez les impressionnantes “BD du Moyen-Age” peintes à Saint Sébastien et à Saint Antoine.
-
Les villages authentiques, avec leurs ruelles pavées, maisons de pierre et toits de lauzes. Avec évidemment la pépite Bonneval sur Arc, classé “plus beau village de France”.
Autumn flavours
Gourmet delightsAfter the effort, it's time for comfort! Autumn is the perfect season to savour local produce:
-
Beaufort, Bleu de Bonneval, les fromages emblématiques de la vallée à déguster après un passage à la Coopérative de Haute Maurienne Vanoise ou directement chez des alpagistes. A découvrir également : le rarissime Bleu de Termignon dont les producteurs se comptent désormais sur les doigts d’une main.
-
Delicatessen and local specialities, such as "jambon cousu" from Bessans.
-
Recettes montagnardes à déguster chez les restaurateurs de la vallée.
On the 1st Sunday in October, take advantage of the traditional Termignon Fair to find these products.
