Val d'Ayas

Crossed by the Evançon stream, the Val d'Ayas begins behind Verrès with a narrow, impassable entrance and opens out into wide, green plains, right up to the slopes of the Monte Rosa range, with peaks exceeding four thousand metres (the Breithorn, Pollux and Castor). At the highest altitudes, there is no land or vegetation, only sharp-edged rock piles and glaciers, which have allowed the formation of a number of scenic lakes, such as those at Palasina and Lake Blu. As well as retaining its natural beauty, Val d'Ayas also preserves noteworthy historical testimonies: in mediaeval times it was the first connection and trade route with the Helvetian territory, so Walser architecture, culture and traditions are still very much alive in the villages dotting the valley: from Antagnod to Ayas, Champoluc and their hamlets.