French Alps Field Camp — BHNSFS Field Camps

Introduction

The French Alps offer approximately 1,200 km of spectacular mountain geology created by continental collision between the African and European tectonic plates. This four-credit field camp is taught in collaboration between South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and Université Grenoble Alps and is conducted entirely in English. It provides both an exceptional geological education and a cultural exchange opportunity between U.S. and French students.

Over three weeks, students work in two distinct Alpine zones, studying folds, thrust faults, duplexes, flysch, and molasse deposits, culminating in mapping in the high alpine metamorphic core of the range.

Program Structure

Weeks 1–2: External Alps near Digne-les-Bains

Students work in the warm, dry southern Alps focusing on sedimentological descriptions, stratigraphic section measurement, and structural mapping of thrust sheets and fold-and-thrust belts.

Week 3: Internal Alps at Argentière-la-Bessée (Parc National des Ecrins)

Students map metamorphic rocks, duplex structures, and examine the Barre des Ecrins (4,102 m). Terrain ranges between 800 m and 2,400 m elevation.

Prerequisites

Structural Geology and Stratigraphy/Sedimentology are required. Mineralogy and Petrology are preferred but not required.

Physical Demands

Daily hikes of considerable length and relief across terrain from 800 m to 2,400 m. Students walk on small country roads, trails, river banks, and high alpine pastures. Excellent physical fitness is required.

Climate

Weeks 1–2 (southern Alps): Hot and dry, approximately 70–90°F (21–32°C)
Week 3 (high Alps): 60–80°F (15–27°C) with frequent afternoon thunderstorms

Lodging

Students stay in rural French bed and breakfasts, known as gîtes ruraux or gîtes de montagne, offering shared accommodation with modern amenities including Wi-Fi, electricity, showers, restaurant access, and authentic French cuisine.

Travel to Grenoble

Fly to Paris or another European hub, then connect to Lyon (closest major airport to Grenoble). Grenoble is also accessible by high-speed train (TGV) from Paris or Marseille via Lyon.