Article content
10 December 2024 by Adam Lowe
In the northwestern corner of Italy lies the Aosta Valley, a region of soaring mountains, lush meadows, idyllic alpine villages and rich cultural heritage. Below, you’ll find the best ways to explore this stunning region.
Visit historic towns
Dotted throughout the Aosta Valley are numerous charming towns and villages that pair fascinating historical sights with resplendent natural surroundings. Among the most impressive is Aosta itself, where you’ll find a cluster of ancient Roman ruins dating as far back as 25 B.C., while tiny Bard is home to an imposing medieval fortress towering above the Dora Baltea river. Courmayeur, meanwhile, is a must-visit for stunning views of Mont Blanc, nearby thermal springs and the Saussurea Alpine Botanical Gardens.
Ride the Mont Blanc Skyway
No trip to the Aosta Valley is complete without a ride on the Mont Blanc Skyway. This state-of-the-art cable car rotates 360 degrees as it ascends from Courmayeur up to the Punta Helbronner summit at 3,466 metres above sea level, from which you’ll be greeted by unparalleled views of the highest peaks in the Alps and nearby glaciers. Here, you can take a stroll along the aptlynamed Sky Vertigo walkway and enjoy a high-altitude lunch at the Kartell Bistrot Panoramic.
Head into the hills on a hike
While in winter the Aosta Valley offers excellent access to some of Italy’s finest ski slopes, in summer it morphs into a hiker’s paradise, with a vast array of trails winding through the region’s mountains, meadows, lakes and pine forests. Two prime spots are Gran Paradiso National Park and Mont Avic Natural Park, both of which are home to an abundance of Alpine flora and fauna, including ibex, chamois, marmots and golden eagles.
Explore the region's culinary delights
Owing to its location at the crossroads between Italy, France and Switzerland, traditional cuisine in the Aosta Valley blends culinary influences from its Alpine neighbours in the form of exquisite wines, superb cheeses, rich polenta dishes, hearty ragouts and delicious cured meats infused with mountain herbs.
Bard Fortress, Aosta Valley
