The 7 essential things to do in the Aosta Valley

Come and visit the Aosta Valley, land of landscapes and exceptional heritages, which are worth the stay.

To visit the Aosta Valley (pronounced “ost”), plunge into the heart of the Alps, at the border crossing between the France , Italy and Switzerland . Moreover, these international influences are feeling very much on the spot: history, heritage and culture are widely shared.

This valley is a real jewel for nature lovers and lovers, but also for those as the Dolce Vita Italian attracts. Between ski resorts, medieval castles and other symbolic mountains, go to meet a region with extraordinary charm!

1. Aosta

The city of Aosta is located in the centre of the valley, making it an ideal starting point for visiting the Aosta Valley. She gave her name to the valley and is the main city, as an administrative capital. Near the ski resorts, the city of Aosta has mountain village runs.

Rich in its history, don’t miss visiting the Archaeological Museum which presents an important collection of objects from the Gallo-Roman era. Or, go to the Roman Wall, fascinating vestiges of the Roman era.

Otherwise, sit down at the Cathedral of Aosta, an architectural jewel dating from the 11th century, having undergone many transformations. Then, stop in front of the Arch of Augustus, a robust stone arch, since it dates from 25 BC! To a more contemplative measure, do not hesitate to visit the historic centre of Aosta, through its narrow and paved alleys.

2. The Aosta Valley Observatory

The Astronomical Observatory of the Aosta Valley, inaugurated in 2003. It allows, as its name suggests, the observation of the sky, thanks to modern instruments. Experts as well as amateurs can penetrate the Observatory. Indeed, it is part of a pedagogical approach to the extension of astronomical science.

At its side, the Planetarium is accessible to discover, on a somewhat more thematic plan, what happens beyond our Earth, in the cosmos. Don't miss the "Star Party", an annual event (September) organized around conferences, and evenings to observe stars.

3. The Fortress of Bard (Forte di Bard)

Built as a citadel, at the top of its rock, the Fortress of Bard first became a defensive outpost, near the French and Swiss entrance gates. For a very long time after its construction in the 19th century, it will retain this military role. Today, a large part of the structure is open to the public, with different cultural spaces: Musée des Alpes, Vallée Culture, Musée des Frontières...

The Museum of the Alps

It is the main museum and is on the first floor of the Fortress of Bard. A somewhat original museum that retraces the long alpine history and allows you to discover the current life of the place, through many supports. Photographs, videos, soundtracks or even objects... A very playful way to learn the history of the Alps and in a few ways to visit the Aosta Valley!

4. The Maison des Anciens Remèdes

Located in Jovençan, Maison des Anciens Remèdes is a true tribute to alpine informal practices. In fact, combined with the legends and the culture of Valais, traditional recipes and remedies are being developed, with the aim of sustaining their use. For let us not forget that a former remedy is not an ineffective remedy!

5. Grand-Paradis National Park_Gran Paradiso_)

Grand-Paradis National Park occupies all the south-west of the Aosta Valley, but also part of the Piedmont area. About 710 square kilometres, go for adventure, between snowy mountains, treed valleys and green plains. An important fauna can be seen as chamois, marmots, foxes, ubiquitous and even royal eagles.

On the flora side, you should expect to cross species typical of mountain areas, such as fir, eleze, potentilles, or Astragale queue-de-renard , endemic to the valley. Also discover the many lakes and forests that contribute to these unique landscapes.

It is a protected area with the aim of raising awareness of environmental protection and natural heritage. The park’s institution regularly offers activities for this purpose (e.g. walking or cycling).

The Paradisia Alpine Botanical Garden

In the heart of the park, a botanical garden was created in 1955 in Valnontey with the aim of enhancing and conserving the flora of the Grand Paradis National Park. It is more than 1,000 plant species that are collected, maintained and exhibited and then classified in various collections (officinal plants, petrography, lichens, or butterfly paths). A unique way to visit the Aosta Valley through its preserved nature so exceptional!

6. The castles of the Aosta Valley

The old medieval history of the Aosta Valley has been born many castles over the centuries. Structures still standing today, with incredible and robust architecture. Thus, first discover the Châteaux d’Arnad , one superior and the other lower, dating respectively from the 12th and 17th centuries. Only the lower castle is open to the public, because it belongs to the region, which restored it.

The Château de Fénis is also a must, only for its pentagonal form and for its history. No defensive need has justified its construction, because it is in fact a seigneurial dwelling that has been equipped with towers over time.

Other castles cut off the hills and valleys of the Aosta Valley, don’t hesitate to look at it further: Aymavilles , Pont-Saint-Martin , Châtillon ...

7. Pré-Saint-Didier

Pré-Saint-Didier is a small village in the Aosta Valley, less than 1,000 inhabitants live there in the year. Yet, it is an incredible charm and has thermal springs whose exploitation dates back to the seventeenth century.

But apart from that, it is also the ideal place for the whole family thanks to the Parc Aventure Mont-Blanc . In the idyllic setting of the mountain, with as the horizon the Mont-Blanc, it is a question of discovering fun routes and adapted to various difficulties. But also and above all, the highest and longest pulley in Europe! You feel strong!

To continue visiting the Aosta Valley, don’t miss the Orrido Gorges that you can observe from the Panoramic bridge of Pré-Saint-Didier. This gateway offers you a view of the entire valley and the surrounding mountains, with the necessary indications for you to recognize them. Very playful, however, we must not have vertigo. Indeed, the bridge is made of metal and solid, but the most sensitive could encounter difficulties.

To be seen and done also in the Aosta Valley

• Discover Alpine gastronomy : cheeses (fontina, Aosta blue), charcuterie (Vallée d’Aoste Jambon de Bosses, not to be confused with an industrial ham produced in Isère), wines... ;
• Follow a tour of the Italian vineyards : Black pinot vines, Gamay, Red and White Prié... ;
• Hiking (all year): Tour of the Mont-Blanc, Matterhorn hike, Gran Paradiso... ;
• Get down the tracks ski resorts (in winter): Estoul, Courmayeur, Pont Serrand, Breuil-Cervinia... And Cogne or Rhemia-Notre-Dame for cross-country skiing;
• Relax in one of the thermal resorts Saint Vincent, Pré-Saint-Didier... ;
• See the Cascade du Gouffre des Busserailles in Valtournenche;
• Visit Breuil-Cervinia, Courmayeur, Aymavilles, Saint Vincent and all other cities that make the charm of the Aosta Valley.

How to go to the Aosta Valley?

The Aosta Valley is crossed by a large main road axis, the Tunnel du Mont Blanc is located in Italy. This axis passes through cities such as Courmayeur, Aosta, Saint Vincent or Bard. From France, there are two choices: arriving via Bourg-Saint-Maurice since Chambéry or Chamonix from Annecy or Geneva (Switzerland). And this, if you choose to come by car.

For people wishing to fly, opt for Turin Airport , about an hour drive. Otherwise, Geneva Airport is quite possible because it is less than two hours' drive. In order to find the best options for your flight trip, do not hesitate to consult a flight comparison as Skyscanner .

Another possibility and not the least, come to the Aosta Valley by train. Very budget-efficient, the train is an ally. Aosta station is relatively well connected to the rest of the country, including Turin or Milan . But the valley is also well connected, as if some trains do not climb to the side valleys, many buses with impeccable schedule will.

Where to stay in the Aosta Valley

Being a fairly touristic region, the establishments of the valley do everything to satisfy their customers. There are many hotels that promote specific activities. Like, for example, well-being (the wellness network very well-known) or those for a cyclist clientele (the Bike Hotels). To find the solution that best suits you do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels .

To find out where to stay in the Aosta Valley, define the type of stay you want to spend there. People who come to visit the Aosta Valley in its globality can imagine sleeping in hotels, guest rooms or Airbnb de Courmayeur , Aosta Jovençan or Saint Vincent. In addition, ski enthusiasts and skiers will be easily tempted by mountain bikes, very common at the edge of the resorts (or in the stations, directly).