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Stay
An ideal week to discover the medicinal and edible plants of our mountains! And to make sure you don't miss out on all this nature, we'll be alternating picking hikes in the Aravis mountains, where you'll learn to recognise, identify and harvest the main plants, with practical workshops on how to transform your harvest!
An introduction to the basics of botany, a cookery workshop, balms, herbal teas, syrups and other preparations await you!
Included
Wellness & spa
Full board catering
Supervision of guides
Shuttle
Evening events
Equipment for the activity
Level
Age
From 16 years old
Program
Sunday
Morning: welcome and lunch at the Auberge Nordique.
Afternoon: "Alpages des Frasses Jacquier" hike
Evening: presentation of the stay followed by a welcome drink.
Monday
Morning: presentation of your stay. Discovery of the plant world through the senses. Learn to recognise plants (photography, herbarium...)
Afternoon: hiking to collect plants for an infusion. Learn how to dry plants.
2 hours hiking, altitude difference + 250 /-250m
Tuesday : day hike in the alpine meadows. Discovery of wild culinary plants, their traditional use in the mountain pastures, picking and return to the Auberge to cook small dishes.
4 hours hiking, altitude difference + 500 / - 500m
Wednesday: free morning. Market in Grand Bornand village.
Afternoon and evening: sunset and barbecue at "Lac de la Cour" - 1440 m
2h hiking, altitude difference + 250 / -250m
Thursday : day hike in the alpine meadows.
Discovery of wild medicinal plants (anti-inflammatory, digestive, respiratory, etc.), then return to the Auberge to make a massage oil or a balm.
4 hours hiking, altitude difference + 500 / - 500m
Friday: morning hike to gather wild plants to prepare the cooking workshop.
2 hours hiking, altitude difference + 250 / -250m
Afternoon: cooking workshop.
Saturday: free morning, end of the stay after lunch.
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Important : The programme is given as an indication.
The Aravis region is full of trails, each one more beautiful than the next. To vary the pleasures, the guides are free to use their imagination and to propose other itineraries! Situations beyond our control may also lead us to modify the itineraries and activities of the day (weather, level of participants, group safety...).
Important
L'Auberge Nordique has several minibuses at its disposal to get to the starting point of the hikes, but some trips can be made with the participants' cars.
Level of participants: our guides are the best judges of the level of participants. If a participant does not meet the specified level criteria, he or she may be offered a more suitable course! The Auberge Nordique cannot be held responsible for any lack of level observed during the stay.
In the mountains, temperature differences can be significant if the wind picks up or if there is a thunderstorm. It is better to bring warm and waterproof clothes even in summer.
The price includes :
o Full board accommodation from Sunday for lunch to Saturday after lunch. Coffee at lunchtime and wine at the table included.
o Supervision by instructors and guides in the chosen activities, from Sunday afternoon to Friday evening according to the programmes.
o Access to the wellness area and fitness area from 18 years old.
o Entertainment on certain evenings.
o Shuttle service "Village - Auberge Nordique" during the summer season.
o Bed linen and towels.
The price does not include :
o The membership card to the association of 6€ (compulsory).
o Tourist tax of 0,80€ per night and per adult over 18 years old (rate 2024).
o Drinks and extras.
o Transport from your place of residence
Accomodation
More about ...
The Auberge Nordique
The Auberge Nordique, located in the Aravis mountains in the resort of Le Grand-Bornand, is a premium holiday village.
We offer all-inclusive holidays to suit all tastes and levels.
Full board, don't worry about anything, we organise your holiday!
Take advantage of professional quality supervision, tasty local cuisine, quality accommodation to enjoy sporting moments and moments of relaxation and well-being.
Friendliness, sharing and environmental and territorial commitments are our watchwords.
Confort or Premium ?
Our rooms
Have you chosen an activity? Now choose your room to make the most of your full-board stay in the mountains!
Our century-old chalet, typical of Le Grand-Bornand, has been completely renovated and we now offer top of the range rooms. Choose between Comfort and Premium roomq.
Alone? You can also choose to share your room to reduce costs, just like in a real Auberge!
Would you like to visit the hostel?
This way to the virtual visit!
Equipement
For hikes :
o Cap or hat.
o Pair of gloves.
o Trousers, shorts, t-shirts.
o Walking socks.
o Waterproof or windproof Goretex raincoat + fleece jacket or heavy jumper.
o Hiking shoes with treaded soles.
o Valid identity card or passport.
o Medium backpack (about 30 litres) for the day's belongings and picnic. About 20 litres for half day hike.
o Large plastic bag or 1 overbag to protect your backpack.
o The Auberge Nordique does not put plastic bottles in the picnic baskets! Bring a water bottle or a container for the hikes (1,5L minimum).
o Pocket knife, cup and reusable cutlery for picnics.
o A pair of very protective sunglasses (CE 3 or 4 index essential).
o Tube of sun cream and 1 lip stick, with a high sun protection factor.
o Camera and binoculars (optional).
o Pair of walking sticks (optional).
For the week :
o A change of clothes.
o Indoor shoes or a pair of slippers.
o Swimsuit and extra towel to access the wellness area or to go to the village swimming pool (possibility to rent at L'Auberge Nordique).
Pharmacy :
o Your usual medicines.
o Painkillers, preferably paracetamol.
o Adhesive or elastic bandages (Elastoplast type, 6cm wide).
o Sets of adhesive bandages and disinfectant pads.
o Double skin (anti-blister plasters)
Book
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