Valle D’Aosta – A corner of paradise between Italy and France

Val d’Aosta is the Queen of the Alps. Protected by the imposing peaks of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, the Gran Paradiso. The autonomous region of Italy amazes for its parks, botanical gardens and nature trails.

• Étroubles:

the spectacularity of Étroubles essentially resides in its ancient historical center. From the streets it is possible to see sections of the mountain environment that surrounds the town. A succession of cobblestones and fountains, from which the fresh water of Mount Velan flows, and a labyrinth of houses with flowered balconies whose traditional architecture is dominated by wood and stone.

• Chamois:

located at 1815 meters above sea level and immersed in the greenery of the Cervino Valley. Here the small Chamois is the highest town in the Aosta Valley. In addition to its breathtaking landscape, what draws visitors in is the fact that no cars are allowed here. To promote environmental sustainability , this magical destination nicknamed the Pearl of the Alps can only be reached on foot or by cable car.

• Pré-Saint-Didier thermal baths:

this charming mountain village is one of the most important and well-known spa destinations in Italy. The spas are located along the Dora di Verney and offer both outdoor and indoor pools with 36-degree water, spa treatments, massages and a salt room.

• Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses:

last town before the Swiss border, Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses is the ideal destination for those who want to marry the passion for nature with the love for relaxation and the most authentic traditions. Here you can 100% in the mountain landscape, visit the Bosses Castle and taste the renowned local artisan ham. Among the most interesting annual events in the village are the Coumba Freida Historical Carnival and the colorful Christmas Market housed in the courtyard of the castle a few steps from the village. Finally not to be missed are:

• Gran Paradiso National Park :

it is the oldest park in Italy and has 1000 hectares , divided between Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta. Five main valleys , thirteen municipalities, and then the massifs, peaks and glaciers. A variety of environments justified by the difference in height that runs between the very high peaks and the valley bottoms: 3000 meters, sometimes a little more. And once at the top you can be blinded by the glare of the sun on the snow and on the rocks to contemplate the view. (click here to discover a wonderful itinerary)

• Aosta :

Aosta was known as the ” Rome of the Alps “. The Romans left Aosta a rich heritage of monuments: the Arch of Augustus, the Porta Praetoria, the Monumental Roman Theater, the Amphitheater, the Bridge and many other partially preserved places. Added to these is the medieval legacy of the churches and convents, forts and castles in the surroundings. This archaeological and monumental wealth makes Aosta a beautiful Italian city of art, even if in the collective imagination it is associated with snow and skiing.

• La Thuile :

La Thuile offers many opportunities for recreation and entertainment during the summer season, in a fairytale natural setting , at the foot of Mont Blanc and its millenary glaciers. This country has always been one of the starting points for high altitude itineraries. Mountaineers from all over the world face every summer the routes that allow you to climb to over 4000 meters reaching the glaciers, tourists can reach breathtaking viewpoints, surrounded by the highest peaks in Europe.

• Astronomical Observatory of Saint-Barthélemy:

it is a unique structure of its kind. Located in Saint-Barthélemy, the observatory includes a planetarium, a weather station, a computer room, an educational path consisting of two internal exhibitions. In addition you will find the “Path of the Planets” and a series of illustrative panels on the Solar System. The astronomical instrumentation is among the most important among the Italian and European ones. You can admire the beauties just described, in our GO IN ITALY programming – click here to discover it.