The Aosta Valley is an ideal region for holidays throughout the year. If the wonderful ski slopes open in winter, in summer it is possible to go trekking and discover small mountain villages. Even though Valle d’Aosta is the smallest region in Italy, however, there are many hidden places to visit. So if you’re looking for something unusual, here it is the 6 most particular villages to discover in the Aosta Valley.
Bard
Starting with a symbol of the region, it is impossible not to mention the town of Bard, famous for its impressive Fortressbuilt by the Savoy family on the ruins of an ancient 9th century castle. Accessible via panoramic elevators, it is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.
After visiting the castle, it is worth stopping in the area restaurants to taste the typical food. There are certainly some local specialties the flowers of cousse, or stuffed courgette flowers, and meliga pastes, with a corn flour mixture. Of course you will also be able to taste some of the iconic dishes of the region such as fondue or schnitzel.
Pré-Saint-Didier
Another jewel of the Aosta Valley is Pré-Saint-Didier, located near Courmayeur, at the foot of Mont Blanc. The particularity of this country lies above all in its spa, appreciated since Roman times. Furthermore, from the spa you can take a path that leads at the Verrey Ravinewhich can be crossed thanks to a walkway.
If you are looking for adrenaline-pumping adventures, you can take one of the routes in the Adventure Park, which boasts the highest pulley in Europe. Reaching Pré-Saint-Didier is simple: the town is well connected by the motorway and by local bus services that leave frequently from Aosta.
Chamois
Chamois, in addition to being one of the most characteristic towns in the Aosta Valley, is known for being among the Italian municipalities that cannot be reached by car. This particularity makes it an oasis of peace and tranquility, where time seems to have stopped. In fact, you can get here on foot, following the ancient mule tracks or by cable carwhich starts from Buisson.
Alternatively, if you are looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience, you can also come up here with small tourist aircraft, landing at the altiport. Once in the village, it is also worth visiting the Church of Santa Pantaleone, dating back to the 17th century.
Saint Nicolas
Saint-Nicolas is an oasis of peace in the heart of the Aosta Valley. Its peculiarity lies precisely in its position, or on a balcony in the middle of the valley. Here you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the region; in fact, it can be admired from Rutor to Mont Emilius.
Once you arrive, it is also worth visiting Cerlogne museum, dedicated to the dialect poet of the same name, and the small village of Vens, where you can walk among the ancient houses and alleys. Reaching Saint-Nicolas is simple: it is located less than 20 kilometers from the city, and is easily accessible by car via a road that offers enchanting views.
Gressoney-Saint-Jean
Hidden among the Alpine peaks, Gressoney-Saint-Jean is a jewel that deserves to be visited. Known for its enchanting landscape and its Walser traditions, this country has a lot to offer outside the classic tourist routes. One of the peculiarities of Gressoney-Saint-Jean is its architecture, characterized by wooden houses and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, a magnificent example of Alpine religious architecture worth visiting.
Its real peculiarity, however, consists in Savoy Castleone of unusual things to see in Valle d’Aosta. It is, in fact, a real “fairytale castle” built in the twentieth century in neo-Gothic style. Used as a summer residence by Queen Margherita of Savoy, its interiors are in a beautiful Art Nouveau style. Finally, you can also visit the Gover Lakewhich in winter also becomes a special outdoor skating rink.
Valsavarenche
Immersed in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park, the highest mountain entirely in Italian territory, Valsavarenche is a true hidden treasure of the Aosta Valley. His isolated location it is ideal for those who want to go hiking, as it is possible to take advantage of the ancient paths traced by the Savoys.
If, however, you are looking for a more adrenaline-filled adventure, you can do it canyoning, climbing or have fun in the adventure parks in the area. Without considering that, in mid-August, a very interesting traditional festival is held, namely the chamois festival. To get here, you can follow the road along one of the region’s side valleys.
