Aosta Valley

Charming, spectacular Aosta Valley is a region with a lot to offer its visitors. We’ll show you a route created ad hoc, that combines nature, sports and culture: A tour of the fantastic castles of the Aosta Valley. In addition to being well-known for its mountains, this region is also famous for its charming manors that are seemingly one and the same with the surrounding nature, thus making the landscape even more enchanting. This trip can be experienced by car, on horseback, on a bike and even in pleasant carriages.

An important ski tourism draw the world over, Courmayeur, in Valle d'Aosta, is known for both its beauty and hospitality. This ancient village weaves that authentic Alpine atmosphere into its entire being: the visitor can feel it whether walking through its main streets – such as the central Via Roma – or getting lost in its most hidden corners. Courmayeur stands at the 4,016 feet-marker of Mont Blanc, within a verdant basin surrounded by firs, spruces and larches, and of course mountain peaks, glaciers and other gorgeous and traditional towns along the Dora Baltea River that traverses the entirety of Valle d'Aosta. The welcome that locals give to their visitors and their care for and attention to the details are evident in the numerous lodging structures – from luxury hotels to typical Alpine baitas, from the historic cafes in the town center to the mountain huts in the vicinity of the slopes.

This wonderful corner of Italy, where cities, towns and villages are perched on the highest peaks in the Alpine chain, may well best be narrated by its many food and wine products (wines, delicatessen meats, cheese) with PDO and DOC designations. Or the numerous wellness treatments offered by the high altitude spas where - between one ski run and the next - you can treat yourself to relaxation in facilities where modernity has always had enormous respect for tradition. Yet, naturally enough and especially in winter, the Aosta Valley means winter sports and experiences to be enjoyed in every possible way and well within everyone's reach. Learners can take their first steps in the many official ski schools available on every slope and at every altitude. If, on the other hand, you are already a super ski expert, here you can also try the unique and daring off-piste experience on slopes not served by lifts, thanks to the heliski service. A helicopter will take you up and follow you in flight until you return to the valley. In short, if you are keen to plan a stay in the Aosta Valley, you will find suggestions below chosen from the infinite possibilities of adventure and discovery that this region has to offer for not to be missed experiences.

What to do in Cervinia in the Aosta Valley on winter weekends enjoying the beauty of the surroundings? A lot, really. Whether you are an athlete, an adventurer or simply in search of relaxation, Cervinia is the perfect destination when it comes to offering something for everyone.

This is Valle D'Aosta, the ideal destination for those who love outdoor sports, from hiking to two-wheel trails. With its 1,000 km of itineraries including dirt tracks and asphalt roads, cycling in the Aosta Valley is ideal for those who love to pedal with a breathtaking view of lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and small villages where you can stop for refreshments with excellent local products. You can choose more daring mountain bike routes or opt for ebike trails, selecting the itinerary best suited to your level of fitness. Maybe enjoy it at the weekend after a long work week. Or at the end of the day, if you have chosen the Aosta Valley as your destination for autumnal smart working. Fresh air, foliage, mountains all around, and a different trip every day on your electric bike: it sounds like a dream come true!

Amid pristine landscapes and historic churches and castles of incomparable beauty, Aosta lets you dive headlong into its past by retracing the footsteps of the Ancient Romans and exploring glimpses of the medieval period. Its wealth of architecture and monuments make it one of Italy's most renowned cities of art, as well as a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Its mountains offer a spectacular natural setting that attracts international tourists all year round. Aosta is a very friendly city full of pleasant surprises – a wonderful destination that welcomes visitors with the renowned hospitality of the locals.

Relaxing in unique surroundings, among the highest peaks of the Italian western Alps enjoying special local food and performing amazing outdoor activities. In Aosta Valley you can find different ways to enjoy the mountain natural landscape among which: slow trails through nature and history, e-bike riding and enchanted air-balloon flights.

The Chanousia Botanical Garden arouses the deep emotion of challenges to the limits of the impossible. We are at 2,170 metres in the Alps. And temperatures can be very cold. To be exact, we are on the Petit St Bernard Pass, between Savoy and the Aosta Valley, about 800 metres across the French-Italian border.

The initial section of the Italian Via Francigena, leading from the Great St Bernard Pass to Aosta, crosses a very suggestive valley, with enchanting mountain villages and numerous monuments that testify to the passage of pilgrims and merchants. Nowadays the valley has become a popular destination for off-track mountain skiing enthusiasts and lovers of authentic alpine settings far from busy, overcrowded locations.

Natural beauty and a green lifestyle find a perfect match in Valle d'Aosta. Living in Valle d’Aosta means embracing the philosophy of sustainable tourism, also known as slow tourism or responsible tourism, which preserves the environment, improves the wellbeing of the resident communities, and promotes local development. Whether you want to explore the region on a hike through breathtaking landscapes, take a mountain bike trip or a tour through one of the many valleys, finding the right option for every need is really easy, with the certainty of always enjoying engaging and authentic experiences.

With its spectacular amphitheater of mountains and woodlands, the Aosta Valley offers holidays immersed in nature, but also something more. You could choose to regenerate your body and mind at one of the many thermal spas with accommodation facilities that offer complete wellness packages. Would a wellness holiday in the Aosta Valley be something you would enjoy? Taking the opportunity to stay in an elegant hotel with a spa. Enjoying a healing trek, where the trees are your allies: have you ever tried Forest Bathing? It is an experience not to be missed, and would be an unforgettable moment of your holidays in the Aosta Valley.

The Aosta Valley: in Val Ferret, one step away from heaven At the foot of Mont Blanc, north of the Courmayeur basin, lies Val Ferret, which together with Val Vény forms the geographical limit of the massif on the Italian side. High-altitude excitement As you enjoy a walk along the Val Ferret, on the left you can admire some of the highest and most majestic peaks in the Alps: the Dent du Géant, the Grandes Jorasses, the Aiguille de Triolet and Mont Dolent, while on the right, the slopes of Mont de La Saxe are decidedly gentler. In summer season in Courmayeur, mountain enthusiasts can enjoy a wide choice of itineraries, with everything from walks, suitable for everyone, to mountain biking and horse riding, through to mountaineering routes, including an tempting trail at the Dent du Géant. Its unmistakable profile attracts anyone visiting this area to admire the spectacular scenery offered by the towering mountains. A series of fixed ropes facilitates the ascent to the Dent du Géant. However, this is an alpine route for experts and it is advisable to be accompanied by an alpine guide to ensure a safe ascent. You can reach the Torino hut with the first run of the Skyway cable car, and if you are not sure whether you will be able to climb back down the same day, you can stay overnight. A trekker's paradise Val Ferret is also the ideal destination for anyone who loves trekking: an easy and well-signposted trail crosses the entire valley from Entrèves to the Col du Petit Ferret. After crossing Entrèves, you will leave your car and take the dirt track, passing the Dora di Val Ferret and, shortly afterwards, entering the forest. Once you have made your way through the forest, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Val Ferret, Val Vény and Mont Blanc. This 15-kilometre route can be divided into stages, thanks to the three shelters found along the way: the first is Bertone Refuge, the second is Bonatti Refuge, which offers splendid views of the Dent du Géant, and the last is Elena Refuge, after Arnouva. Cross-country skiing and snow biking in winter Val Ferret is an unmissable winter holiday destination. If you love snow-covered landscapes and activities in the snow, you are sure to be spoiled for choice, with opportunities to try out cross-country skiing, fat biking, snow biking or simply stroll along the beaten snow path reserved for pedestrians. In addition to Nordic skiing in Val Ferret, in Courmayeur you have two slopes perfect for downhill skiing or snowboard adventures, that of Chécrouit and that of Val Veny, and two ski schools, the ideal solution if you are a beginner. The richness of Val Ferret, from fauna to flora Val Ferret is also a Special Protection Area, located on a migration route and established with the aim of protecting birdlife. The protected area starts from the village of La Palud and extends to Col Ferret: 81 bird species have been identified, including some increasingly rare ones, such as the golden eagle, bearded vulture, red-crowned owl, ptarmigan, chough, black grouse, black woodpecker and red-backed shrike. It is also home to the highest ibex colony in Europe, and you are very likely to spot chamois, roe deer, deer, hares and marmots: there is even a small group of albinos. The flora is equally spectacular. Adding to all the flowers and plants you will find along the trails of Val Ferret or Val Veny, be sure to visit the Saussurea Alpine Botanical Garden, among the highest in Europe, which can be reached by the Skyway cable car (first station at Pavillon du Mont Fréty). Set up in 1984 by the Donzelli-Gilberti Foundation to protect the Mont Blanc flora, it also hosts species from the Eastern Alps, Asia and North America.

The Aosta Valley is home to the first stretch of the Via Francigena in Italy, which is accessed over the Great St Bernard Pass. Characteristic villages and ancient testimony of lengthy Roman domination emerge in these 5 essential places of interest.

If you are a fan of mystery, you will be fascinated by the historical carnival of Pont-Saint-Martin, a village in the Aosta Valley that was once a stopover on the ancient Roman road to Gaul and the Francigena pilgrimage route, which relates to the famous Roman bridge of Saint Martin, the symbol of the village, and the legendary circumstances of its construction.

Aosta has earned the nickname “little Rome of the Alps” due to the extraordinary wealth of its archaeological sites from Roman times that can be visited like an open-air museum. Conquered by Rome in the days of Augustus, the city was renamed Augusta Praetoria and was enriched with important monuments due to its strategic position on the Roman Via delle Gallie. It is worth visiting during the day and revisiting again in the evening, when the illuminated Roman remains have an even greater charm.

One of the most spectacular sections of the Roman Via delle Gallie is the section of road carved 221 metres into the living rock, opening in a 4-metre-high archway. This astonishing work of the ancient Romans is located in Donnas, a small town on the banks of the Dora Baltea river in Val d'Aosta, surrounded by the vineyards used to produce the red wine of Donnas, the region's first CDO wine.

Verrès Castle: home of a noble leader An imposing monolith in a dominant position on a rock overlooking the ancient village and valley. This is Verrès Castle, a majestic monobloc manor built in the late 14th century by the Challant family, one of the most prestigious in the entire Aosta Valley. All around, the picturesque landscape and unspoilt nature of the lower Aosta Valley bathed by the Dora Baltea. The mule track leading to the manor house As soon as you arrive, you’ll feel projected into a dimension of yesteryear. This is because you must follow a steep mule track to reach Verrès Castle, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Évançon stream: a ten-minute walk to forget civilisation and immerse yourself in another world. Even from the village of Verrès it’s a 20-minute walk, a recommendable alternative to driving, for intense contact with the landscape. Another famous Aosta Valley castle stands on the other side of the Dora Baltea River, that of Issogne with a very different structure, in an interesting architectural contrast. A revolutionary castle The nobleman Ibleto di Challant started from a pre-existing complex and gave the manor its current appearance, choosing an innovative path compared to the region’s other castles, characterised by several buildings enclosed in a defensive wall. Instead here it is a single compact block, which emphasises the military function and attracts for its power. The refined style of the interiors The interiors are less austere: admire the grand staircase in the courtyard that connects the three floors, the ornamental work on the windows, doors and fireplaces, and the ornate white and green stone details created by the skilled craftsmen of the time. Don’t miss the Hall of Arms and the Dining Room, where you can see the detail of the serving hatch to the master kitchen. The Middle Ages return here in May Verrès Castle hosts the Historical Carnival, a re-enactment of the epic deeds of Countess Catherine of Challant, in a combination of historical events and fascinating legends. Between May and June each year, you can enjoy medieval costume parades, knights' tournaments and dances; a sumptuous banquet is also organised at the castle. Strolling through the centre From the castle, return to the village of Verrès, a small stone jewel whose origins date back to Roman times. Wander through the narrow streets and stairways, reach the small Place René de Challand, then walk along the cobbled street to the Collegiate Church and the Parish Church of Saint-Gilles. Climbing enthusiasts can stop at the climbing gym near the village in Chopine, with diversified walls suitable for everyone, including children. Plunge into nature The Arboretum trail starts from Verrès and goes up towards the entrance of Ayas Valley. The easy nature hike also offers a view of Verrès Castle from afar, so you can fully grasp its strategic and panoramic position on the plain. The route is also called Borna di Laou in patois, meaning Den of the Wolf, because legend has it that the animals built their den here in the 19th century. You won’t encounter any ferocious beasts here today, only beautiful and varied vegetation that the educational signs will help you decipher. The native species include dogwood and hawthorn, followed by ash, chestnut and linden trees and a few rarities considering the area: medlar and laurel. Cycling along the Dora Baltea Verrès is one of the stops of the Via Francigena: a long bike route. Here you pedal between continuous ups and downs mainly on the left bank of the Dorea Baltea, even on short mule tracks, on a route that touches on some of the most beautiful castles in Aosta Valley, including the Fortress of Bard, as well as scenic spots with peaks outlining the mountain skyline.

Aymavilles Castle: a museum residence with history and natural beauty A single rectangular block with four mighty towers, embraced by a large park, Aymavilles Castle, in the comune of Aymavilles, stands on a hill sloping down towards the Dora Baltea river, along the road to Cogne. Dating back to 1200 but having been remodelled several times, today it presents a true stylistic patchwork, displaying its transition from a medieval fortress into a stately Rococo residence. A beautiful setting, green in fine weather, white in winter. The many lives of the manor Aymavilles Castle has passed through various hands over the centuries, meaning its architectural structure has been modified. The overlapping of styles is sure to pique your interest, in a setting that blends Gothic, Baroque and Rococo. Dating back to the 13th century, from the 14th century it became the manor of the illustrious Challant family, who immediately made alterations. In 1400, the four corner towers were added, then in 1700 came the stucco-decorated loggias and the interior renovation. The castle gradually lost its medieval defensive character to become a splendid mansion, completed by the terraced park. The exhibition route After years of sophisticated research and restoration undertaken by the Valle d'Aosta Region, today Aymavilles Castle offers guided tours along a fascinating multimedia exhibition route that focuses on history, art and architecture. You can access four different levels, each with its own theme. The first tells you all about the families who lived there, the second is dedicated to 19th-century collecting, the third houses the Collection of the Accademia di Sant'Anselmo, an authoritative Aosta Valley association of historical studies, as well as exhibits displaying 19th-century daily life at the manor. The fourth floor offers the opportunity to admire the Castle’s numerous architectural transformations, with the help of models and multimedia reconstructions. Lifting your gaze to the ceiling, you can appreciate a perfectly preserved masterpiece of 15th-century wooden carpentry. As you move through the halls, be sure to take in the lavish decorations and Baroque-style elements in a jumble of highly varied motifs. The art of winemaking After exploring inside Aymavilles Castle, it is worth stopping in the park to admire its intricate terraced structure, created after the demolition of the manor walls. The green area runs alongside the surrounding hills, where you can see vineyards stretch out. This area is deeply connected with wine, thanks to the Alpine microclimate at the foot of Mont Blanc, which promotes grapevine cultivation. The locals have dedicated themselves to agriculture for thousands of years, a tradition of hard work passed down to us through the famous Torrette wines, 17 reds typical of this area of the Aosta Valley. If you love a good wine, we highly recommend visiting a few wineries in the area. Be sure to stop at the "Cave des Onze Communes" wine cooperative near the castle, where you can taste and buy Torrette wines and other traditional products. Or you can ask for a glass at a local restaurant to pair with succulent game dishes, or the classic autumnal chestnut soup. 3 places to discover around the castle On the road from Aymavilles to Cogne, at Pont d'Ael, there is a majestic aqueduct bridge dating back to Roman times. It is well worth leaving the car behind and exploring on foot, following the well-thought-out tour route. Venturing along the Camino Balteo hiking route that passes through here, you will discover the Church of Saint-Léger, immersed in nature. Make sure to visit the village of Ozein, a tiny hamlet in Aymavilles, where you will also find the Tornalla, an ancient fortified house. Find out more The Castle of Aymavilles is open to the public for guided tours or during events and concerts in spring and summer.