Valle d’Aosta is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy, despite being the smallest. Around the capital Aosta, which is a real point of reference for the entire valley, there are many villages within a short distance that are worth exploring. Well connected by car and public transport, they offer wonderful views, historic buildings and opportunities for trekking. Then find out what they are the 10 towns near Aosta to visit.
Pénis
Fénis is a small municipality in the Aosta Valley which is home to one of the most famous medieval castles and best preserved in Italy: the Castle of Fénis. Located just 16 km from Aosta, it can be easily reached in about 20 minutes by car following the motorway. Its architecture with the double walls and numerous towers make it a fairytale place, surrounded, of course, by lush landscapes during the summer.
In addition to the castle, don’t forget to visit the MAV, or the Aosta Valley Crafts Museum, where you can learn about some of the oldest traditions in the area. Like every town in the region, Fénis also has cycle paths, trekking also suitable for children, and a picnic area in an oak forest. Ideal when the sun is shining.
Gressan
Gressan is a municipality that certainly deserves to be included in the list of 10 towns to visit near Aosta. Located just 5 km from Aosta, Gressan is easily reachable in just 10 minutes by car or 45 minutes on foot. One of the things to see is the Local churchwith frescoes dating back to 1400.
Gressan is particularly known for the hamlet of Stack, a ski resort that can be reached directly from the center of Aosta by cable car. In the summer, however, you can do it various routes on foot or by bike. Finally, it is worth mentioning the Côte de Gargantua Nature Reserve, which boasts a more unique than rare flora and fauna.
Ayas
Ayas is located approx 60 km from Aosta and can be reached in an hour’s drive. Among the things to see there is the Church of San Martino, but also the small towns of Champoluc and Antagnod, the main localities of the widespread municipality. Along the stream you will then find various routes that you can take in summer, when the snow gives way to green meadows.
Among the most popular trails, therefore, is the hike that leads to the Blue Lake of Verra or to Col Portola. Furthermore, this is the right town to start the climb towards the peaks of Monte Rosa. To get here, take the state road or the motorway and in Verres the climb begins along the SR45.
Courmayeur
Courmayeur is a pearl of the Aosta Valley, one of the most renowned places in the region. This municipality, located at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc, is approximately 34 km from Aosta and can be reached in approximately 40 minutes by car, following the motorway and exiting before the tunnel. Courmayeur is an ideal destination for mountain lovers who however love the liveliness of a historic center full of shops and clubs.
During the summer you can climb to the summit of Mont Blanc thanks to the cable car which starts a few steps from the centre, choose one of the many trekking routes, suitable for every need or, among the things to visit, there is the Alpine Museum, inaugurated almost a century ago. Finally, moving around a bit, it is worth relaxing at Pré-Saint-Didier spaamong the most famous in Italy.
Arnad
Arnad, a small town in the Aosta Valley, is a true hidden treasure for lovers of tradition and nature. Located approx 40 km from Aosta, Arnad can be easily reached in about 35 minutes by car. This village, famous for the production of the renowned Arnad PDO lardoffers a unique combination of gastronomy and culture in a natural context of rare beauty.
Among the things to see we must certainly mention the Romanesque parish church of San Martino, the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Nevi and the small medieval village of Ville. Here too, obviously, you can go on various excursions and above all dedicate yourself to climbing.
Bard
In the southernmost part of the region, located just 50 km from Aosta, you can reach Bard in less than an hour by car. The small village, which hosts museums, exhibitions and is full of well-preserved medieval streets, is actually known for hosting the most famous castle in the Aosta Valley.
The Bard Fort dominates the valley with its imposing structure which dates back to the 19th century. Now transformed into a cultural centre, the fort hosts art exhibitions and museums, including the Alpine Museum. For nature lovers, the surroundings of Bard offer numerous paths for hiking or cycling: simply remember that from the famous one passes here Via Francigena.
Notice
Avise is another jewel that you should include in your list of towns to visit near Aosta. It is located approx 16 km from the capital and, for this reason, it can be reached in less than 30 minutes by car. Avise is the ideal place for those looking for an escape from the daily routine in the name of history and nature.
In particular, the Avise Castle it is an unmissable experience for lovers of the Middle Ages and fortified architecture. The village also offers the possibility of walking along the paths that run alongside the Dora Baltea, or of reaching the Frenay waterfall, which offers a wonderful view of Mont Blanc. Finally, you will also find a picnic area to relax after a hike in the surrounding area.
Chambave
Chambave is an enchanting village in the Aosta Valley, known for its its vineyards that produce some of the best wines in the region. About 20 km from Aosta, Chambave can be easily reached in about 30 minutes by car. The historic center, however, boasts some ancient buildings and the Parish Church of San Lorenzo, whose current appearance dates back to the nineteenth century.
A visit to Chambave cannot ignore the wine route which allows you to taste local wines directly in the producers’ cellars, such as the excellent Moscato. Being at a not so high altitude, you can follow many itineraries on foot or by mountain bike, such as the health journey which extends for almost two kilometers.
Cogne
Cogne, located in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park, is one of the pearls of the Alps and can be reached in about 40 minutes along a side valley. The town is in the presence of one of the highest Italian peaks and is renowned for having studied a type of hospitality that respects the environment. Furthermore, there are so many things to do and see.
Among these is the visit to ancient mines of Cogne, now disused, the Paradisia Alpine Botanical Garden, where you can see some of the most beautiful native species. Speaking of museums, however, you will be able to see the Mining Park exhibition centre, the ethnographic museum and the bobbin lace exhibition, a very widespread artisan activity in the Aosta Valley. Also, don’t miss an excursion to the Lillaz waterfallsa destination also suitable for families.
Saint Pierre
Saint-Pierre is located approx 10 minute drive from Aosta and is known for the numerous apple orchards and vineyards that dot its surroundings. Not far from the Gran Paradiso valleys, the town is actually much appreciated for its castle.
The Saint Pierre Castle it is certainly one of the oldest in the region and currently houses a museum dedicated to natural sciences. Also worth visiting is the Sarriod de la Tour Castle, “hidden” among apple trees. Finally, from a sporting point of view, it is possible to go on excursions or trips on foot, on horseback or by bike.
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