Aosta Valley is a little-known yet absolutely stunning region in Italy. It is charming. Unassuming. It's an utterly enchanting little place nestled in the Alps. Imagine expansive vistas framed by majestic mountains such as Mont Blanc and Matterhorn. A tranquil corner of Italy, it totally begs to be discovered.
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Jump To
- Where is Aosta Valley?
- When to Visit Aosta Valley
- Getting to Aosta Town
- Getting Around Aosta Valley
- A Brief History of Aosta Valley
- Map of Aosta Italy's Top Places to Visit
- What to See in Aosta and Surroundings
- Map of Aosta Italy Skiing Locations
- Aosta Italy Skiing
- Best Guided Tours
- Best Places to Eat in Aosta Valley
- Where to Stay in Aosta Valley
- Explore More of Italy!
Italians love it, but the rest of the world hardly knows it's there. Aosta Valley, hidden away in the Alps, is Italy's secret. This guide, put together with help from someone who knows Valle d'Aosta like the back of her hand, will show you what you're missing. Want to ski Courmayeur and Cervinia? It's here. Looking to roam through 70 old castles? They're here, too. Or maybe you just want to lose yourself in quiet villages under the snow mountains. Aosta Valley is waiting to show you its wonders. Come find out why every second here is a toast to beauty, history, and the sweet life of Italy. Welcome to Aosta Valley, the quiet heart of the Alps.
🇮🇹 Did you know?
A Vineyard in the Sky: Located at an elevation of more than 1,200 meters (nearly 4,000 feet), the vineyards of Aosta are among the highest in all of Europe. The great altitude and strong sunshine sculpt these vineyards, resulting in distinctive wines.
Where is Aosta Valley?
Located in Italy's far northwest, the magnificent Aosta Valley is encircled by mountains. The Piedmont region borders it on the east and south, and it is nested between Switzerland and France to the north and west, respectively. It has little over 128,000 people living in its 3,263 square kilometers, making it both the smallest and least populous region in Italy.
When to Visit Aosta Valley
Is Aosta Valley on your travel itinerary? What you want to accomplish determines the most important thing: the timing.
The months of June through September are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, exploring castles, and wine tasting accompanied by live music.
During the winter months of December through April (technically the beginning of Spring), the valley transforms into a world-class ski destination nestled under the snow-capped Alps.
Looking for something more serene? May and the months of late September through October are ideal for a relaxed vacation due to fewer tourists, mild weather, and a lack of hustle and bustle.
🇮🇹 Did you know?
The Italian City That Speaks French: Aosta is in Italy, but its historical links to France and proximity to the French border mean that French is the language most often spoken there. Not many Italian cities have this dual language ability.
Getting to Aosta Town
Whether you're traveling by plane, automobile, or rail, getting to Aosta Valley is a piece of cake. The nearest airports are at Turin (110km), Milan (145km), or Geneva (145km).
To get to the valley, you may take a bus or arrange for a private transport; for further information, see the Aosta Valley tourist website for more details on this.
From Turin to Courmayeur, the A5 highway provides an easy trip. In favor of the picturesque path? From Turin, you may take a direct train that will take you through scenic valleys.
Getting Around Aosta Valley
Buses in the Aosta Valley connect minor valleys to the main valley and the city of Aosta. You may buy your tickets on the bus or in stores. The service is frequent and fast.
From Pont-Saint-Martin to Aosta, the train travels directly through the valley center, making it a great starting point for tourist excursions.
Also, cable cars not only transport skiers to and from the slopes, but they also link routes and resorts and provide spectacular views from above.
Finally, at any hour of the day or night, people who want a more intimate trip can hail a cab or reserve a rental vehicle.
From Switzerland, Bourg-Saint-Pierre to Aosta Town
You can quickly reach Aosta, Italy, from Bourg-Saint-Pierre, Switzerland, by bus or vehicle. The 42-kilometer drive takes about 40 minutes in a vehicle. Both SAVDA and TMR buses operate five times weekly; the former costs somewhat more (€4 to €6), while the latter gives a more affordable price (€3 to €5). Either way, you can be certain that the hour-long journey will be efficient and comfortable.
From Piedmont, Italy (Turin) to Aosta Valley
Making your way from the Piedmont to the Aosta Valley?
Trains go directly from Aosta to Turin via Trenitalia and provide beautiful scenery, however there may be some delays from January 3, 2024, until December 13, 2026, because of rail repairs; buses will temporarily replace trains. When connecting faraway places across international boundaries, buses provide a straightforward and convenient solution.
Those opting to drive may enjoy breathtaking scenery along the way, since Aosta is situated close to the Swiss and French borders. On the other hand, there are a number of shuttle services that may take you from Turin, Milan, or Geneva to Aosta from surrounding airports.
A Brief History of Aosta Valley
The Celtic Salassi were the original inhabitants of the Aosta Valley; nonetheless, Aosta became the center of Roman rule in 24 BC. Roman roads, monuments, and ruins dot the landscape.
Following the fall of Rome, control passed through many families: the Burgundians, the Franks, and finally, the Savoys, who became kings of Italy in the eleventh century.
In 1945, the valley asserted its independence while maintaining its culture with French influences and the Valdôtain language.
🇮🇹 Did you know?
Saint's Day Decapitation: Among the customs observed at the Saint-Ours festival is the practice of parading a statue of the head of Saint Gratus. Saint Gratus, patron saint of Aosta, supposedly discovered the relics of Saint John the Baptist in a centuries-old story, and this is a celebration of this ancient custom.
Map of Aosta Italy's Top Places to Visit
What to See in Aosta and Surroundings
Aosta and its edges pack culture, history, nature. Here's 11 spots you can't miss in Aosta and around.
1. Castel Savoia:
Queen Margherita loved the Lys Valley. She built Castel Savoia there. Architect Emilio Stramucci designed it, blending medieval, Renaissance, and Alpine styles from 1899 to 1904. It was her summer retreat, featuring Art Nouveau elements and five towers. It’s where medieval meets mountain chic.
The castle park is huge, spanning 15 hectares with trees, flowers, and an Alpine Garden. This garden is a botanist's dream, hosting over 500 species from around the world, organized by bloom time and origin.
2. Gran Paradiso National Park:
The Italian Gran Paradiso beckons to you. Every landscape imaginable is present: woods, fields, hills, and valleys. The trail takes you past beech trees, conifers, and into a realm of ethereal wildflowers. Only the hardiest plants make up to higher elevations.
The animals take center stage. Lynx, ibex, chamois, and wolf species. They are the permanent owners of the property. Bird too: Owls, ptarmigans, and eagles all mix in.
The park was established there in 1922. Some 500 kilometers of paths wind through the park. Go skiing or snowshoeing in the winter, and rock climbing in the summer.
3. Etroubles:
At an elevation of 1270 meters, Etroubles dominates the Great Saint Bernard Valley. It combines elements of art, history, and the natural world. It presently forms part of the Via Francigena road; in Roman times, it was named Restopolis.
The settlement became a museum in the open air in 2005. Fondation Gianadda was their collaborator. Its streets are now adorned with sculptures and murals. Add to its charm are the old stone and wood houses. Also, cobblestones and flowers.
Several environmental and touristic accolades have been bestowed upon the town. Skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, and hikers all flock to it. Skiing in Great Saint Bernard is their main attraction.
4. Teatro Romano (Roman Theatre):
Aosta's Roman Theater stands tall at 22 meters. Emperor Augustus oversaw its construction. It used to pack in 4,000 people. You can still see the seating curves and a deep orchestra pit. The stage, once rich with Corinthian columns and marble, is now just a base. Nearby markets, storages, and baths made it a city hub. Renovated in 2009, the theater now stages modern shows, linking history with today.
5. Porta Praetoria:
Augusta Praetoria's principal entrance was the 25 BC Porta Praetoria in Aosta. Built just after Terenzio Varrone had crushed the Salassians. There is a large aperture for carts and two smaller ones for persons at the gate. Underneath it, behind two meters of flood debris, lies a troop area. Some of the original marble may be seen on the east side, giving the area an air of classic elegance. Constructed with puddingstone, it serves as an example of Roman engineering. The Most Blessed Trinity Chapel, which once stood above the gate, is the source of its other name. The chapel was demolished in 1926 and now just a niche indicates its location.
6. Criptoportico Forense:
Located in Aosta, Italy, the Criptoportico Forense is a subterranean Roman horseshoe-shaped building that dates back to the Augustan period. Located close to the Cathedral, this site was an important meeting place for the city's religious, commercial, and administrative functions when it was first constructed in 25 B.C. and expanded in the 2nd century. Intertwining holy and municipal purposes, it most likely housed ceremonies for the imperial cult, contrary to prior beliefs indicating it was utilized for storage. Archaeologists are still arguing over its precise historical use, but now it is part of the "Aosta Archeologica" pass and gives visitors a look into Aosta's Roman past.
🇮🇹 Did you know?
The Tower of Leper's Whisper: It is said that lepers were secluded in the Bramafam tower, which is a component of the old walls of Aosta. Their legendary groaning murmurs are said to reverberate on windy evenings.
7. Verres Castle:
Yblet de Challant used an innovative unified construction concept instead of discrete defensive elements to build Verres Castle, a military fortification in Italy's Aosta Valley from the 14th century. On a point to watch over Verrès and the Val d'Ayas sits an austere, undecorated cube thirty meters on each side; its design is basic but sturdy. A drawbridge, vaulted ceilings, loopholes, and a trapdoor are some of the complex defensive features included in the castle's strong walls and battlements. Aesthetically pleasing and more fortified, it underwent renovations in 1536 to make room for gunpowder technology, adding additional walls, cannon turrets, and attractive Moorish windows and gates.
8. Val Ferret:
Val Ferret sits under Mont Blanc. It's totally stunning all year! You seek thrills or peace? It delivers. Winter means skiing, snowshoeing, snow biking. I love the fact that there are no cars, just snow and peace. Summer turns it green. It's prime for hiking. Biking. Golfing. And fishing. Trails lead to these cheese-making farms. What else? Wildlife thrives here: birds, ibex, chamois, marmots. They're all protected. Flowers bloom wildly. Want a bird's-eye view? Take the cable car.
9. Forte di Bard:
The medieval fortification of Forte di Bard, which is connected to the Savoy dynasty, is situated at the entrance to Italy's Aosta Valley. Charles Albert of Savoy reconstructed it significantly from 1830 to 1838 on the foundations of a fortress that had been there since the 10th century, after first announcing its presence in the 5th century under Theodoric I.
It gained notoriety for blocking Napoleon in 1800, which led him to order its demolition. It now serves as the Museum of the Alps, where visitors can learn about the cultural and ecological history of the Western Alps via interactive displays, such as a model of Mount Blanc's ascent.
🇮🇹 Did you know?
Underground City of the Dead: An enormous system of catacombs dating back to the early Christian period exists underneath the city of Aosta. For generations, people have laid their bodies to rest in these elaborately adorned subterranean tombs.
10. Baths of Pré-Saint-Didier:
Situated near the confluence of La Thuile and the Dora Baltea, the Pré-Saint-Didier Baths were first used as a spa in 1834 after having been discovered by the Romans. Famous for its medicinal effects, the mineral-rich waters of these luxury baths are 38°C.
War damage forced its closure in 1976, but a 2005 revitalization brought it back to life by fusing its historic allure with contemporary spa services. The beautiful setting against the majestic Mont Blanc adds to its allure as a health refuge, and now it flourishes as a tourist attraction, providing a variety of activities including Jacuzzis, underwater music pools, scented steam rooms, and saunas.
11. Outdoor Activities in Aosta:
Outdoor enthusiasts will find paradise in the Aosta Valley. Enormous vistas of the mountains surround it. From the historic routes of Gran Paradiso to the unique cultural hikes of Lys Valley, more than a thousand kilometers of trails are at your hiking shoes.
In the winter, activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snow biking become the main attractions.
Need a rush? Experience the breathtaking mountain views from above by paragliding or ballooning. No one is left wanting, even history buffs.
Wine connoisseurs? Visit Morgex for one-of-a-kind, lofty vineyards. As an homage to ecotourism, plant enthusiasts should see the resilient alpine flowers at Chanousia.
🇮🇹 Did you know?
Stone of Fertility: The ancient inhabitants of Saint-Martin-de-Corléans thought a stone at a megalithic site would increase fertility. People would go to the site and touch the stone in the hopes that it would help them conceive.
Map of Aosta Italy Skiing Locations
Aosta Italy Skiing
You will be thrilled to ski in the Aosta Valley. It goes beyond hills. Impressive views. You are surrounded by Europe's titans. Attractive resorts, both large and little, call out. The energy is palpable on every run.
Breuil-Cervinia:
Breuil-Cervinia is located in Italy, under Monte Cervino. The Matterhorn Ski Paradise is formed when it joins forces with Zermatt, Switzerland. Midway between October to May is ski season. June through September is the summer skiing season.
The area is well-known for its beautiful scenery and consistent snowfall. In all, there are 360 km of trails, with 210 km shared with Zermatt and 150 km in Italy. Skiers of all skill levels will love it. The slopes of Cervinia are less steep than those of Zermatt.
A lively après-ski scene, quaint cafés, delicious cuisine, and affordable lodgings make up for it all in this town. Take note, it's possible for storms to stop the lifts.
Monterosa Ski
Skiers of all skill levels can enjoy the 180 km of varied slopes served by 37 lifts at Monterosa Ski, which spans Italy's Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta regions and reaches an altitude of 3,275 meters.
The resort is open from the end of November to the beginning of May. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will find what they're looking for at Monterosa Freeride Paradise, which has both easy and difficult off-piste terrain.
Tourists can also immerse themselves in Walser culture at the region's historic sites and sample the delicious local cuisine. Furthermore, throughout the summer, it becomes a mecca for mountain bikers and climbers, complete with pathways and havens for those who love the great outdoors. Because of its proximity to towns in northern Italy and its variety of lodging and food choices, Monterosa is a great destination for a wide range of budgets.
La Thuile
La Thuile is a hidden treasure in the Aosta Valley, Italy, where you can heli-ski across borders. In France, it links to La Rosière. Major highways and airports in the Western Alps make La Thuile an easy destination to reach.
Avoiding the typical tourist traps, the area maintains its mining town appearance. Skiers and snowboarders with more experience will love its 150 kilometers of slopes. While the French slopes aren't very steep, the Italian ones are.
Helicopter skiers go to Mont Miravidi and Rutor Glacier. One popular spot for snowkiters is Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo. La Thuile is peaceful; there isn't much of an après ski scene. Twenty restaurants provide authentic Italian cuisine.
Pila
Located in the Aosta Valley in Italy, Pila has absolutely breathtaking views of Monte Rosa and the Alps. From Aosta, the gondola journey takes around 18 minutes. With more than 200 snow cannons and rapid lifts, this area maintains 70 km of slopes that are perfect for skiers, snowboarders, freeriders, and snowshoers.
Even on weekends, Pila is rather empty, so you can enjoy the slopes without paying a fortune for food. Pila becomes a popular destination for mountain biking and trekking after winter ends. But at any time of year, it's a totally great site.
Best Guided Tours
Hire a local guide to see around Aosta, Italy. They offer top insights and perks. Explore our favorite northern Italy tours. You'll love them.
Best Places to Eat in Aosta Valley
Here's our honest guide to the best eats in Aosta. We chose these places, adding a few tips from family and friends in Italy.
Visitors and locals alike go to Osteria dell'Oca for authentic Italian cuisine. Cozy decor and delicious meals are sure to be hits with you.
Is Italian and European cuisine calling your name at Ristorante Monte Emilius? Here you can get high-quality food at affordable pricing.
Not your average wine bar—La Vineria. Sip some excellent Italian wine in a laid-back setting. Perfect for relaxing nights in.
Dine on a fusion of Italian, French, and BBQ at Ristorante La Chaumiere. Perfect for an extravagant dinner, it is famous for its high-quality cuisine.
Stefenelli Desk - Yearn for opulent dining? Delicious seafood, Italian, and Mediterranean dishes are served at this posh restaurant. Ideal for celebratory occasions.
🇮🇹 Did you know?
Ancient Fast Food: Historic artifacts unearthed in the area date back more than two millennia to a Roman "thermopolium," an analogue of today's fast food joints that provided patrons with hot meals and beverages. This exemplifies Roman Aosta's sophisticated metropolitan way of life.
Where to Stay in Aosta Valley
Need a place to stay in Aosta? Check out Booking.com. Outstanding for bargains. Check out the deals. Locate the right area. Look at actual images. Experience the power of genuine reviews. Also, be sure to check out some of these highly rated places:
- For those seeking a little extra opulence, Champoluc's Relais Des Glaciers is the place to stay. Thanks to its refined ambiance, it has won many fans.
- Saint Vincent's Grand Hotel Billia is remarkable. With five stars comes first-rate service, a great spa, and breathtaking vistas.
- Many couples choose to stay at the Hotel Edelweiss in Pré-Saint-Didier. It serves delicious breakfasts and is conveniently located near the cable car.
- The Saint-Pierre hotel Chalet La Meridiana is a hotspot for trend-setters because to its excellent service, stylish decor, and fun atmosphere.
- To relax, go no further than QC Termemontebianco in Pré-Saint-Didier. In addition to excellent wellness amenities, it has a world-class spa.
- The Aosta Hotel Village is another excellent choice. Those in search of a relaxing retreat love it for its first-rate service and modern amenities.
- Among the mountains of Aosta, Mont Blanc 4810 stands out. Excellent lodgings, unrivaled location, and first-rate service.
Explore More of Italy!
Aosta Valley kicks things off. Italy's marvels stretch out from here. Find more magic down below. Safe travels!
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