Mount Cervino is one of the highest peaks in Italy, measuring 4478 meters above sea level. Shared with Switzerland, on the Aosta Valley side it is home to beautiful villages, well-marked paths and breathtaking landscapes. If you were thinking of going on a hike, why not walk the Great Balcony of the Matterhorn? This is a long circular route that will take you five or six days.
The stages of the Great Matterhorn Balcony
The Gran Balconata del Cervino trek has a total length of about 70 kilometers. The reference path is number 107, which is perfectly signposted in every section. The difference in altitude is challenging, it’s about 3,200 meters: however it is not so heavy if spread over several days.
The period from May to October turns out to be ideal, thanks to the mild climate and nature which shows itself in all its splendor. However, even in autumn, when trekking is tinged with warm and welcoming colours, it is a good idea to venture along path 107. If you want to travel the Great Matterhorn Balcony in its entirety or just make a few stops, here are its highlights :
- Antey-Saint-André – Torgnon: the duration of the stage is approximately an hour and a half and allows you to visit the two countries calmly.
- Torgnon – Barmasse refuge: this stage is more challenging as it will take you around 5 hours. However, along the way you will find small hamlets and the scenic Gilliarey Sanctuary.
- Refuge – Breuil Cervinia: stage of 3 hours and 20 minutes with some uphill stretches. You eventually arrive at Breuil Cervinia or the wonderful Blue Lake.
- Breuil Cervinia – Cheneil: here the duration is about 3 hours and you can get to the small town without going down in altitude.
- Cheneil – La Magdeleine: the route also passes through the beautiful Chamois, a town where there are no roads. From the valley floor, it is generally reached by cable car.
- La Magdeleine – Col Tzecore: it will take you about 6 and a half hours to reach the arrival point and, by adding another 2 hours of walking you can also return to Antey-Saint-André, in order to complete the circular route.
What to see along the way: the countries not to be missed
The Great Matterhorn Balcony is not just a trekking itinerary, but a real journey through the culture and beauty of the Alpine countries. Here are some of the places you can’t miss along the way:
- Antey-Saint-André: The starting point of the trek. The town is known for its ancient arches and the Church of Sant’Andrea.
- The Magdeleine: Characterized by traditional wooden houses, ancient mills and cobbled streets, this village is a small jewel surrounded by nature.
- Chamois: Accessible only by cable car or on foot, Chamois is ideal for those seeking tranquility and enchanting landscapes.
- Breuil-Cervinia: In addition to being a paradise for skiers, Cervinia offers numerous possibilities for summer excursions with breathtaking views.
How to get to the starting point
To begin your journey along the Great Matterhorn Balcony, you will need to reach Antey-Saint-André, the starting point of the route. Here’s how you can get there:
- By car, you can easily reach Antey-Saint-André by following the A5 Turin-Aosta motorway and taking the exit for Châtillon/Saint-Vincent. From here, follow the signs for Valtournenche and then for Antey-Saint-André.
- If you prefer to travel by busseveral lines connect the main cities of the Aosta Valley, including Chatillon, with Antey-Saint-André.
Living in Antey-Saint-André
The small town of Valtournenche is the starting point of the famous path, but it is also a quiet place to live throughout the year. Here you will always be in contact with nature but it will only take a few kilometers by car to reach the main highway. Discover all the latest offers for houses for sale or rent with idealista.
