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Stay
Set off on a unique holiday where nature walks and astronomy come together. In the morning, explore the trails, enjoy unspoilt landscapes and take the time to get away from it all. In the afternoon, learn the basics of astronomy, its instruments, astrophotography and image processing… And as night falls, look up at the sky and set off to discover the constellations, the planets and the mysteries of the Universe.
A timeless experience, combining walking, contemplation and wonder, to take a deep breath of fresh air… and starlit sky.
Presenter: CHRISTOPHE JOANBLANQ “Ciel et Climat 74”
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 L’Auberge Nordique.
Afternoon: talk on objects visible in the sky.
Evening: presentation of the trip, followed by a welcome drink and then stargazing at the constellations with the naked eye and through binoculars.
Monday
Morning: hike through the mountain pastures. 2 to 2½ hours’ walk, average elevation gain of +200 to 450m.
Afternoon: talk (part one) on amateur astronomical instruments.
Evening: observing the sky through telescopes.
Tuesday
Morning: hike through the forest. 2 to 2½ hours’ walk, average elevation gain of 200 to 450 metres.
Afternoon: lecture (part two) on amateur astronomical instruments.
Evening: observing the sky through telescopes.
Wednesday
Morning: Free morning. Market in the village of Le Grand Bornand.
Afternoon: Lecture on ‘an introduction to astrophotography’: guided visual observation, astrophotography with a digital camera, astrophotography with a dedicated astro camera.
Evening: Barbecue at sunset by a mountain lake – please make your own way there.
Thursday
Morning: hike to discover the local flora. 2 to 2½ hours’ walk, average elevation gain of +200 to 450m.
Afternoon: talk on image processing in astrophotography.
Evening: observation and/or astrophotography.
Friday
Morning: scenic hike. 2 to 2½ hours’ walk, average elevation gain of 200 to 450 metres.
Afternoon: processing of images taken by participants and a fun final quiz.
Evening: stargazing and astrophotography.
Saturday
Morning: dismantling of the instruments and end of the course 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. In order 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...).
Participants are invited to bring their instruments and a laptop; we will provide a locked room for their safe storage.
Equipment included in the course:
- 5 telescopes with diameters of 50, 76, 127, 200 and 300 mm
- All accessories for observation and astrophotography: eyepieces, filters, astronomical cameras, etc.
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 2027).
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 20 litres) for the half-day's belongings.
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 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-ampulla plasters)
Book
Booking
Booking dates
- August
-
from 22 August 2027 to28 August 2027available from745,20 € /pers (room of 2)7 days, 6 nightsselect