The eight mountains is a film based on the book by Paolo Cognetti starring two young and talented Italian actors, Alessandro Borgo and Luca Marinelli. The film, directed by Felix van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch and presented in Cannes, will be available in Italian cinemas starting December 22, 2022. Both of whom have become famous for large local productions over the past ten years, share the screen in this powerful story of friendship, time and mutual knowledge. Nature is the protagonist of the film as much as the two boys and it is precisely the wonderful backgrounds of some northern Italian landscapes that accompany the adventures and climbs shown on the big screen.
The eight mountains 80% is filmed in Valle D’Aosta, one of the smallest Italian regions but most full of surprises for those who decide to visit it. The other breathtaking locations accompanying the talented actors are backgrounds of places like Turin for scenes in the city and even the distant and mysterious Nepalshown through its wide mountain slopes.
But in which places in the Aosta Valley did Borghi and Marinelli see their long and intense bond of friendship/brotherhood born and grow? Here is the itinerary of all the areas touched by the spectacular film!
The eight mountains: around the Val d’Ayas and the lakes Frudières
Just like in Cognetti’s novel, the film locations The eight mountains some of the most famous walks in the Northern Italy region follow, giving great satisfaction to all lovers of climbing and walking in the countryside.
In fact, we walk with Alessandro Borghi and Luca Marinelli through the Val d’Ayas, in particular between grainsan ancient village located at an altitude of 1,375 meters and known for its spectacular castle, towards the lakes of Frudières, a system composed of three basins located at different altitudes. Also present is the path that leads to Palasina which leads to Barma Drola, an old mountain pasture partially renovated by the production of the film, or to Mezzalama Refuge located near the Great Glacier of Verra, in the municipality of Ayas (AO), in the Val d’Ayas, at 3036 meters.
Among incredible peaks and majestic glaciers, The eight mountains offers its spectators one of the most all-encompassing views that a small and often considered “secondary” region, even as a major tourist destination, has instead to offer to visitors and excursionists. Indeed, the beautiful wild vastness of Graines has nothing to envy to the more hostile and spectacular landscapes of Nepal, a country known by hikers for its incredible riches.
In addition to the scenic splendor, Valle D’Aosta has to offer a rich choice of typical local foods, with excellent meat and even more prestigious wines.
Valle D’Aosta: what to eat?
In addition to the prized local meat, the beautiful region that is the backdrop to The eight mountainshas as its typical food the delicious cheese fondue of the Apuan Alps. In addition to melted fontina cheese from Northern Italy and the Alps, in Valle D’Aosta you can also eat delicacies such as polenta concia, the Seupa à la Vapelenentse, the Valle d’Aosta-style ribs, the chamois civet, the Valle d’Aosta sweet tiles. Finally, the excellent Aosta Valley coffee cannot be missing, very particular as it contains sugar, orange peel and lemon. Furthermore, it is drunk after having “started” the fire to the infused coffee and grappa, one at a time and in an anticlockwise direction, from the different spouts of the cup called “à la ronde”.
