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
The stag bellowAutumn is one of the most beautiful seasons to meet animals in the mountains. Nature offers unique spectacles:
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The bellowing of the stag echoes through the valley's forests and valleys, a fascinating moment to experience at dusk.
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Chamois and ibex are easier to observe. With fewer people in the mountains, they are more likely to venture into areas accessible to all. You may be lucky enough to spot ibex on the Col de la Masse between Orgère and Aussois, or chamois on the Col des Fours in Bonneval sur Arc.
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The bearded vulture, the largest bird in the Alps, soars over the peaks before winter arrives, when it will nest on the vertiginous cliffs.
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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.
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Family walks along the Arc on the le chemin du petit bonheur.
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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.
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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:
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Mountain biking: Autumn is the perfect season for mountain biking. A little wetter than in midsummer, the terrain grips well and there are more deer than mountain bikers on the singles. Worth a try: the Haute Maurienne Vanoise mountain bike stadium at Chantelouve.
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Via ferrata: the must-see via ferrata du Diable between Aussois and La Norma, accessible on your own or with a guide.
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Climbing: Rocher des Amoureux in Villarodin-Bourget, the impressive Monolithe in Val Cenis, Roche Moutche boulders in Aussois, Cheval Blanc in Valfréjus... cliffs equipped for all levels, in a picture-postcard setting.
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Accrobranche and giant zip lines In Avrieux, with a breathtaking view of the Esseillon forts.
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White water: packraft on the Arc at Val Cenis, a refreshing and invigorating experience.
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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 :
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The Iseran pass, Europe's highest road pass.
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The Mont-Cenis pass, with its panoramic views over the lake.
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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:
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The Esseillon fortsmajestic 19th-century ramparts perched above the Arc Gorge between Aussois and La Norma.
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Baroque churches and mountain chapels, jewels of sacred art that light up the villages. Don't miss the exceptional St Thomas Beckett church in Avrieux. The recently restored churches of Lanslebourg and Lanslevillard (Val Cenis) are also well worth a visit. As for the chapels, take a look at the impressive "medieval comics" painted on Saint Sébastien and Saint Antoine.
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Authentic villages, with cobbled streets, stone houses and slate roofs. Including, of course, Bonneval sur Arc, classified as "France's most beautiful village".
Autumn flavours
Gourmet delightsAfter the effort, it's time for comfort! Autumn is the perfect season to savour local produce:
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Beaufort, Bleu de Bonneval, the valley's emblematic cheeses, can be tasted after a visit to the Coopérative de Haute Maurienne Vanoise or directly from mountain farmers. Also worth discovering: the extremely rare Bleu de Termignon, whose producers can now be counted on the fingers of one hand.
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Delicatessen and local specialities, such as "jambon cousu" from Bessans.
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Mountain recipes from the valley's restaurateurs.
On the 1st Sunday in October, take advantage of the traditional Termignon Fair to find these products.
