If you’re looking for a unique and authentic travel experience, look no further than the Alpine paradise called the Aosta Valley! Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or cultural immersion, this Northern Italian region offers both. Begin your exploration today and discover the best things to do in the Aosta Valley, Italy.
Aosta Valley is a stunning region nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps. It may be Italy’s smallest and least populated region, but it boasts an extraordinary wealth of natural wonders and historical treasures. From majestic mountains and medieval castles to charming villages and ancient ruins, the enchanting Aosta Valley has something for everyone.
The region is situated along the international border, forming a boundary with both France and Switzerland. “Valle d’Aosta” is the official Italian name, derived from its connection to the Roman Emperor Augustus, who claimed the region with its vital mountain passes from the indigenous Celtic Salassi tribe around 25 BC. Augustus established Augusta Prætoria Salassorum, which is known today as Aosta.
The region came under the control of the Franks after the decline of the Roman Empire. Over time, the locals, who used to speak vulgar Latin, assimilated French cultural elements. This led to the rise of a Franco-Provençal dialect called Valdôtain. Italian and French, however, are the official languages in the region.
12 Best Things To Do in Aosta Valley, Italy
Let us explore the best things to do in Aosta Valley, Italy.
1. Go snowboarding and skiing
With its awe-inspiring landscapes housing iconic peaks like Mont Blanc (Italian: Monte Bianco), the Matterhorn (Monte Cervino), and Monte Rosa, the Aosta Valley presents incredible opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. It comes as no surprise that this region offers a range of magnificent resorts amidst the breathtaking scenery.
Here’s a quick overview of the best mountain ski areas in Aosta Valley which make the region stand as one of Italy’s premier winter sports destinations:
• Courmayeur
One of the prominent resorts in the Aosta Valley is Courmayeur, nestled at the base of Mont Blanc. It is cited as “Italy’s best all-round ski resort,” with the ski and snowboarding area offering 41.5 kilometers of slopes and served by 18 lifts.
In 1786, the region made its mark on the map when Michel Paccard and Jacques Balmat, two French guides from Chamonix, successfully guided Horace Benedict de Saussure in conquering Mont Blanc. As a result, Courmayeur became the capital of mountain climbing in Italy. The Courmayeur-Mont-Blanc Guides Company, the country’s first of its kind, was established in 1850.
Celebrated for its stunning beauty and warm hospitality, Courmayeur is a historic capital of mountain hiking and mountaineering. Spanning elevations from 1,205 to 2,755 meters, it provides a diverse winter sports experience, making it one of the most thrilling attractions in the Valle d’Aosta.
Find the best Courmayeur hotels and resorts here.
• Cervinia
Cervinia is another notable destination, offering stunning views of the Matterhorn and connecting with Zermatt in Switzerland. It offers a range of ski slopes that take you from the village base all the way up to the Matterhorn Glacier at 3,900 meters, excluding the connected runs to Valtournenche at 1,600 meters. With over half of its pistes classified as red, Cervinia is a perfect destination for intermediate skiers seeking an ideal ski resort.
Cervinia connects to the Zermatt ski resort in Switzerland, which means you can ski seamlessly between two countries.
Click here for your most suitable accommodation in Cervinia, Italy.
• La Thuile
La Thuile is an ideal destination for intermediate and advanced skiers, offering a wide range of slopes to cater to their skills. However, there are also plenty of groomed slopes available for beginners to have their first taste of the piste.
The impressive terrain of La Thuile connects with La Rosiere in France, providing ample diversity to meet the needs of skiers at all levels.
Search the best hotels and places to stay in La Thuile, Italy.
• Pila
Pila is conveniently located just a cable car ride away from the historic town of Aosta. It is a purpose-built ski resort offering 70 kilometer of trails for exploration. The conditions are typically excellent thanks to the majority of skiing terrain located above 2,000 meters. In addition, the resort’s high treeline provides plenty of picturesque and wooded pistes.
Find your best accommodation in Pila, Italy.
• Monterosa
Champoluc and Gressoney together form the marvelous Monterosa ski area, creating a shared experience for visitors. Nestled in the Italian Alps at the foot of Monte Rosa, the second highest massif in Europe, Monterosa ski boasts slopes that cater to all skill levels, featuring groomed trails and a vertical drop of over 2,000 meters.
Enjoy breathtaking views, efficient lifts, and thrilling descents for an unforgettable adventure suitable for all.
Choose from a wide range of places to stay in Monterosa Ski, Italy.
2. Climb or take a cable car up Mont Blanc
Widely recognized as the birthplace of modern mountaineering, mountain massif Mont Blanc is the highest peak in Europe at 15,771 feet. It is nestled on the border between France and Italy in the Alps.
Yes, you can reach Mont Blanc’s summit without technical mountaineering skills. However, it demands a high level of fitness, strength, mental endurance, and most crucial of all – a knowledgeable local guide. Ascending the famous mountain usually takes approximately three days. But if you want to get up there quick and easy, ride a cable car instead.
At the arrival terrace of the cable car, you have the opportunity to marvel at the majestic peaks of the Aosta Valley up close. A cable ride allows for an eagle’s eye view of the beauty down below, while the panoramic view from the iconic Mont Blanc peak will truly take your breath away.
3. Go hiking at the Gran Paradiso
Gran Paradiso is renowned as one of the more accessible 4,000-meter peaks in the Alps, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an introduction to mountaineering. Ascending this peak offers a great opportunity to acquire fundamental mountaineering skills.
Typically, the climb of Gran Paradiso can be completed in 1 to 2 days, depending on your preferred speed and the route you choose.
Gran Paradiso offers a rich selection of trails, boasting a dense network of well-marked paths that cater to a wide range of excursions. Novice hikers can enjoy the scenic beauty by following local and historic hunting roads, which lead to mountain huts and offer breathtaking panoramas. Advanced hikers, on the other hand, can embark on longer trails that reach summits higher than 3,000 meters, providing them with a more challenging and rewarding hiking experience.
- ALSO READ: 10 Best Walks in Italy To Trek and Hike
4. Enjoy thrilling water activities
From the months of April to September, the crystal-clear mountain streams provide an ideal backdrop for a wide range of thrilling sporting experiences.
The valley offers a plethora of water sports activities, including fishing, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, and canyoning. For those seeking adventure, opportunities for these thrilling water activities abound, and tours are available for every level of experience.
Canyoning expeditions in the Chalamy River are recommended for intermediate participants, while the fast-flowing Dora Baltea river offers an amazing rafting experience to all (no prior experience required).
5. Go paragliding or ride a hot air balloon in the Italian Alps
Experience the breathtaking views from above through thrilling air sports activities in the Aosta Valley like paragliding and hot air balloon flights. Parachuting, hang gliding, and paragliding have gained popularity in recent years, offering tandem flights and accessibility for wheelchair users.
Antey-Saint-André, situated on the route to Cervinia, is the primary paragliding hub in the Aosta Valley, providing year-round flying opportunities, subject to favorable weather conditions. The Aosta Valley Airport (formerly Corrado Gex) in Aosta, located just 2 kilometers from the city, serves as the headquarters for the Valle d’Aosta Flying Club.
Riding a hot air balloon is a fun activity everyone in the family will enjoy. Flights occur in optimal weather conditions, guided by qualified pilots. The landing location is determined by the wind. You can enjoy a face-to-face encounter with Europe’s tallest mountains without any special clothing is required. During the ascent, you will experience a panoramic 360-degree view of Aosta and its monuments.
6. Check out the most beautiful towns of the Aosta Valley
This tiny region is home to some of the most beautiful Italian towns you’ll ever see. Let’s check out some of these enchanting towns and villages, which are among the best places to visit in the Aosta Valley.
• Arnad
Located on Via delle Gallie, the route connecting the Po Valley to France, Arnad owes its development to its strategic position. The village centers around St. Martin of Tours Church, an ancient Romanesque structure. Despite renovations, it retains its historical charm with 15th-century frescoes.
Arnad features two castles, Upper and Lower, currently closed to the public. The Casaforte di Ville, a distinctive complex from the 12th century, is worth visiting. Crossing the ancient humpback bridge, Pont d’Échallod, on foot is a unique experience.
• Avise
Also on Via delle Gallie, Avise is a quaint medieval village with a population of just over 300. The heart of Avise revolves around its 15th-century castle, once the noble residence of the esteemed d’Avise family. Close by, Château de Blonay stands proudly near the St. Britius Church.
Although inaccessible to visitors, the ruins of Cré Castle on a nearby slope contribute to the town’s historical charm. The remarkably preserved 18th-century bridge spanning the Dora Baltea river is also an attraction in Avise.
• Bard
Bard is the smallest town in Italy, with a population of just over 100. The village is situated on an imposing rocky promontory, almost obstructing the valley floor, and is dominated by the impressive Forte di Bard.
The town is adorned with historical houses and is known as one of the most beautiful in Italy. Noteworthy historical sites include the geosite, which showcases Neolithic rock carvings, as well as a section of the Roman Consular road that was constructed between 31 and 25 BC.
• Étroubles
Nestled in the Great St. Bernard Valley, Étroubles is a tiny village of artistic and natural wonders. With its fairy-tale old town, charming architecture, and cobblestone streets, it harmoniously blends with the picturesque mountain backdrop.
Étroubles is a hidden gem in the Aosta Valley, captivating visitors with its rich history and permanent art gallery. The surrounding natural scenery provides ample opportunities for winter sports and hiking, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Fénis
Fénis is renowned for its iconic attraction, Fénis Castle. This remarkable castle is admired for its architecture, featuring numerous towers and battlemented walls, and has become a prominent tourist destination in the region.
In addition to the castle, visitors to Fénis can explore the church of St. Maurice, the Saint-Julien hermitage, and the remains of the Challant fortress house.
• Gressoney-Saint-Jean
Gressoney-Saint-Jean, a renowned holiday destination at 1385 meters, offers breathtaking views of the Lyskamm glacier and Monte Rosa massif. Its history is tied to the Walser, a Germanic population settling here eight centuries ago. The Walser’s cultural heritage is seen in traditional architecture, Titsch language, and the Walser costume worn by Queen Margherita.
Notable attractions include Queen Margherita’s Savoy Castle with a botanical garden, and the 1725 Saint John the Baptist Parish Church, housing a rich treasure and a restored 14th-century crucifix.
• Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses
Situated at 1632 meters near the Swiss border, Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses enjoys abundant sunlight. It lies along the ancient Roman road to the Great St. Bernard Pass, an important route between Northern and Southern Europe.
Notable attractions include the Great St. Bernard Hospice and Museum at 2,472 meters, the Parish Churches of Saint-Rhémy and Bosses adorned with frescoes, and the Castle of the Lords of Bosses. The village is renowned for the ferruginous Citrin spring which flows through the valley and forms a fountain in front of the town hall.
7. Visit local wineries and vineyards
Aosta Valley, despite its mountainous terrain and limited wine production, boasts a remarkable variety of indigenous grapes that have been cultivated for centuries.
The region is nestled in a glacial valley surrounded by majestic peaks such as Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. It offers a diverse range of wines, including high-altitude Nebbiolo, Nus Malvoisie (Pinot Grigio), Fumin, Cornalin, Petit Rouge-dominant wines, Prié Blanc, and Petite Arvine. The vineyards, located on sun-facing terraced slopes, benefit from a continental climate and rocky soils composed of granite and schist.
Here are some notable wineries and vineyards you should visit in the Aosta Valley:
- Les Crêtes in Aymavilles
- Cave Mont Blanc in Morgex
- Ermes Pavese also in Morgex
- Cantina Di Barrò in Saint-Pierre
- La Crotta di Vegneron in Chambave
- Chateau Feuillet in Saint-Pierre
8. Relax and rejuvenate in one of the region’s thermal baths
The Aosta Valley is home to a number of thermal springs. The first spa in Pré-Saint-Didier was established in 1770, but the current structure dates back to 1834. The hot springs there, however, were already known a long, long way back.
The ancient Romans were aware of the thermal springs and the water’s benefits back in the days when Pré-Saint-Didier was still called Arebrigium. However, the springs were only utilized in the second half of 1600s.
These healing waters, flowing near the renowned Orrido waterfall, offer a genuine therapeutic experience for visitors. As a bonus, the outdoor thermal pools provide an unparalleled view of the majestic Mont Blanc – an truly incomparable sight!
- RELATED POST: 12 Best Thermal Baths in Italy
9. Explore the Aosta Valley castles
Due to its strategic location and lack of central authority, the Aosta Valley has historically been a coveted territory, leading to the construction of numerous castles, towers, and fortified houses – hence the monicker “valley of one hundred castles.”
Valle d’Aosta’s landscape is dotted with numerous castles, towers, and fortified houses. Some are open to the public, some are not – all serving as symbols of power and control in the small but terrible region.
Here are three of the most popular castles in the Aosta Valley visitors should check out:
• Fénis Castle
Located in the municipality after which it was named, Fénis Castle is one of the notable medieval fortress distinguished by its double crenellated walls enclosing the central structure and towers. It is one of the top tourist attractions in the region.
Fénis Castle stands out from other castles in the Aosta Valley. Unlike the defensive positions of its counterparts on inaccessible cliffs and promontories, Fénis Castle is situated on a low hill, surrounded by a picturesque meadow.
• Verrès Castle
Verrès Castle is an impressive monolith atop a rock, overlooking the quaint village and the beautiful valley below. Constructed in the late 14th century, this majestic monobloc manor exudes grandeur and history.
The castle is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and pristine nature, with the lower Aosta Valley graced by the flowing waters of the Dora Baltea.
• Forte di Bard
One of the best castles in Northern Italy, Forti di Bard (Fort Bard) is perched on a rocky outcrop at the entrance to the Aosta Valley. It is a grand military edifice constructed during the first half of the 19th century.
Extensive restoration efforts have transformed the fortress into a thriving cultural and tourist hub, hosting museums, international exhibitions, events, and cutting-edge information and hospitality services.
10. See Roman ruins in Aosta
Aosta perfectly combines stunning natural beauty with rich historical heritage. Prepare to travel back in time as you delve into the enduring remnants of the mighty Roman Empire that grace this picturesque destination.
Dubbed the “little Rome of the Alps,” Aosta proudly boasts a wealth of archaeological sites from the Roman era. The city offers the opportunity to delve into its rich history, akin to strolling through an expansive open-air museum.
Once conquered by Rome, Aosta was bestowed with the name “Augusta Praetoria.” Its strategic position along the Roman Via delle Gallie resulted in the creation of these significant landmarks – from the magnificent Roman Forum and Arch of Augustus to the very well-preserved Roman Theater, Cryptoporticus (covered corridor), and Ponte di Pietra (“Stone Bridge”) over the Dora Baltea. These ruins stand as tangible reminders of the remarkable legacy left by this formidable civilization.
Exploring Aosta during the day is a must, but returning in the evening unveils a captivating sight as the illuminated Roman ruins exude even more enchantment.
11. Visit the alpine botanical gardens
The Aosta Valley houses four stunning alpine botanical gardens dedicated to preserving the region’s natural and floral heritage. Among these is a garden boasting approximately 1,600 plant species. These gardens serve as valuable resources for researchers and visitors, offering insights into the fascinating flora of the Alps.
The four botanical gardens in the Aosta Valley that attract botanical enthusiasts are:
• Saussurea Alpine Botanical Garden
Situated at an impressive altitude of 2,173 meters above sea level in Courmayeur, the Saussurea Alpine Garden stands proudly as the highest alpine garden in Europe. It takes its name from Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, the renowned mountaineer who achieved the first recorded ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786, and even lends its name to the beautiful Saussurea Alpina flower.
• Savoy Castle Park
The Savoy Castle Park, situated in Gressoney-Saint-Jean’s Castel Savoia, features a stunning garden focused on aesthetics. Its distinctive layout prioritizes the visual appeal of its plant species, particularly alpine plants carefully chosen for their ornamental value. This captivating sanctuary originated from Queen Margherita di Savoia’s vision. The park was enhanced with the creation of a remarkable rock garden, officially inaugurated in 1990.
• Paradisia Alpine Botanical Garden
The Paradisia Alpine Garden, founded in 1955, sits at an elevation of 1,700 meters in Valnontey, Cogne. It takes its name from the Paradisia liliastrum, a delicate mountain lily with white flowers. This alpine garden houses about 1,000 plant and flower species, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Alps, Apennines, and other mountain ranges worldwide.
• Chanousia Alpine Botanical Garden
The Chanousia Garden, Italy’s oldest botanical garden, spans 2.4 acres near the French-Italian border on Piccolo San Bernardo Hill. Created in 1897 by abbot Pierre Chanoux, the garden urged conservation and was rebuilt in 1976 after World War II destruction. It includes a laboratory and museum for preserving its botanical and historical heritage.
At an altitude of 2,170 meters, it is a sanctuary for endangered species and appreciation of spontaneous flora. Its unique climate, with snow covering most of the year, affects plant selection.
12. Indulge in the regional cuisine
No trip to the Aosta Valley is complete without savoring its delectable cuisine. Influenced by French and Swiss traditions, the regional dishes are hearty and full of flavor.
Valle d’Aostan cuisine stands out for its emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, resulting in hearty and flavorful dishes. From the tasty Fontina cheese, frequently used in traditional dishes, to aromatic herbs and mushrooms foraged from the surrounding forests, each ingredient reflects the region’s diverse terroir.
Carbonade valdostana, a slow-cooked beef stew flavored with local red wine and aromatic herbs, is a must-try. Another must-try is fonduta alla valdostana, a delightful cheese fondue made with Fontina cheese and served with crusty bread.
Feast on Aosta Valley’s traditional cured meats such as Vallée d’Aoste Lard d’Arnad (cured meat seasoned with aromatic herbs) and Jambon de Bosses (cured ham aged in the fresh mountain air) – both are a true treat for the senses! Pair your meal with a glass of the region’s renowned red wines or the traditional génépi (wormwood-based liqueur) for the ultimate gastronomic experience. Additionally, tuile-like biscuits called tegole (“tile”) make for a perfect ending to a delightful meal!