Rules for visiting Bessans
What is allowed and what is not at the resort and around it: camping, motorhomes, ski touring, dogs, drones and fires. Each rule links to the official source it comes from.
The resort lies within Vanoise National Park (the municipality of Bessans includes part of its core area, or «cœur»), so its public-use rules also apply. Source: aida.ineris.fr
⛺ Camping and bivouac
- With conditionsCamping is prohibited in the park's «cœur». Bivouacking is only allowed in summer near certain staffed mountain huts, with prior booking with the warden, from 19:00 to 8:00 and with a lightweight tent. Sleeping without a tent is prohibited. Fine: €68.Source: vanoise-parcnational.fr
🚐 Motorhomes and caravans
- With conditionsCamping-Car Park area of Lonquart (Bessans, 1,750 m, 48 pitches), paid: €13/24 h until 14/11/2026 and €17/24 h from 15/11/2026, plus €1.32 tourist tax. Parking for 5 h with services costs €6.Source: campingcarpark.com
🐕 Dogs
- ProhibitedDogs are not allowed in the «cœur» of the Vanoise Park, neither on a lead nor carried. The only exception is assistance dogs (with CMI), always on a lead. Fine: €135. Outside the «cœur», municipal rules apply.Source: vanoise-parcnational.fr
🛸 Drones
- ProhibitedIn the park's «cœur», the general ban on flying below 1,000 m above ground applies, and drones fall under it, unless authorised by the park director (e.g. scientific research). Fine: €135.Source: vanoise-parcnational.fr
🔥 Fires and barbecues
- ProhibitedIn the park's «cœur», lighting fires is prohibited because of the fire risk and damage to the soil. Portable stoves are allowed at a bivouac.Source: vanoise-parcnational.fr
📋 Other rules
- ProhibitedIn the park's «cœur», picking flowers, fruit, insects, minerals or fossils is prohibited.Source: vanoise-parcnational.fr
- ProhibitedIn the park's «cœur», driving motor vehicles is prohibited, except on a few roads subject to authorisation for professionals.Source: vanoise-parcnational.fr
Frequently asked questions
- Can you camp or bivouac at Bessans?
- With conditions. Camping is prohibited in the park's «cœur». Bivouacking is only allowed in summer near certain staffed mountain huts, with prior booking with the warden, from 19:00 to 8:00 and with a lightweight tent. Sleeping without a tent is prohibited. Fine: €68.
- Can you sleep in a motorhome at Bessans?
- With conditions. Camping-Car Park area of Lonquart (Bessans, 1,750 m, 48 pitches), paid: €13/24 h until 14/11/2026 and €17/24 h from 15/11/2026, plus €1.32 tourist tax. Parking for 5 h with services costs €6.
- Can you bring a dog to Bessans?
- Prohibited. Dogs are not allowed in the «cœur» of the Vanoise Park, neither on a lead nor carried. The only exception is assistance dogs (with CMI), always on a lead. Fine: €135. Outside the «cœur», municipal rules apply.
- Can you fly a drone at Bessans?
- Prohibited. In the park's «cœur», the general ban on flying below 1,000 m above ground applies, and drones fall under it, unless authorised by the park director (e.g. scientific research). Fine: €135.
- Can you light a fire or barbecue at Bessans?
- Prohibited. In the park's «cœur», lighting fires is prohibited because of the fire risk and damage to the soil. Portable stoves are allowed at a bivouac.
Before you go
Rules collected on 12 October 2026 and reviewed every month. Rules change and may have exceptions: if in doubt, follow the protected area, the local council or the resort. Translated from Spanish; some sources may be in another language.