Discover the Area

In the heart of the Italian Alps, the Aosta Valley is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, rich history and culture. The numerous side valleys, each with their own picturesque villages rich in antique traditions, are peppered with Europe’s highest peaks, including Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. These majestic summits create a spectacular panorama, with snowy peaks standing out against the blue sky, glistening glaciers, green pastures, medieval castles and trails which travel across forests and scenic ridges. They offer a unique combination of breathtaking landscapes which induce you to explore the extraordinary flora and fauna, making the Aosta Valley an unmissable destination for those who love outdoor sports, captivating to explore in all seasons.

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Aosta, the region’s capital, is an alpine city rich in history and culture, which preserves manifold evidence of its past, including the imposing Roman ruins such as the Arc of Augustus, the Praetorian Arcs and the Roman Theatre. Strolling through the city’s streets you can admire medieval alleys, elegant plazas and find caffès and restaurants where it is possible to enjoy the delicious local cuisine. Surrounded by mountains, Aosta is an ideal base to discover the uncontaminated beauty of the Aosta Valley and experience an unforgettable stay saturated with nature and tradition.

Pont-Saint-Martin is a small municipality at the entrance of the Aosta Valley, known for the antique Roman bridge which gives the town its name. The historic center is characterized by evocative streets and period stone houses, such as the Casa-forte belonging to the town’s lord, also known as “I Castel”. You don’t have to wonder far from the town to find yourself immersed in nature; silver birch and century-old chestnut trees amongst which you can explore the many surrounding footpaths offering panoramic views across the mountains and the valley.

The Lys Valley, dominated by the majestic Monte Rosa massif, is famous for its uncontaminated nature and panoramic trails unfurling through larch and fir tree forests, flower-filled meadows and perennial glaciers, whilst in the winter the valley transforms into a real paradise for winter sports. Culturally, it is renowned for the Walser community; a population of Germanic origin who settled in the area in the Medieval era and whose heritage remains present in local traditions, architecture and language. Moving up through the valley, accompanied by the Lys river, numerous characteristic villages are encountered: Perloz, Lillianes, Fontainemore, Gaby, Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Gressoney-La-Trinité and finally Staffal, the latter being the starting point for many beautiful hikes, including one to the source of the Lys river.

Valtournenche is a side valley dominated by the Matterhorn mountain. The first municipality encountered is that of Antey-Saint-André, from which it is possible to take a cable car to Chamois. This is the only car-free hamlet in the Aosta Valley, a trait which confers a special atmosphere to the area. Along the valley there are antique villages such as La Magdeleine, a charming locality famous for its ancient water mills and historical rural dwellings, also known as ‘rascards’ and ‘greniers’. At the end of the valley is Valtournenche, which includes the well-known tourist resort of Breuil-Cervinia; paradise for skiers and ski-mountaineers, where it is possible to practice many outdoor activities and ski also in summer.

The Ayas Valley is expansive and green, dominated by the majestic peaks of the Monte Rosa massif. Rising from Verrès along the Evançon river, a handful of scattered villages are encountered, such as Challand-Saint-Victor, Challand-Saint-Anselme, Brusson and higher up the well-known Antagnod and Champoluc. The landscape is very varied, characterised by snow-filled glaciers alongside meadows, pastures and antique villages of Walser origin.