Discover the Aosta Valley in Savoy

lancebranlette montagne
bouquetin montagne

La Rosière, gateway to the Aosta Valley

La Rosière is one of the gateways to the autonomous region of the Aosta Valley.

The Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard, which makes the link between France and Italy, is open from June to November depending on the snow height, which can reach 8 m in early June. Emblematic place where many archeological excavations have taken place as interesting vestiges are visible: the Roman Way and The Cromlech (circle of raised stones).

The hospice du Petit-Saint-Bernard is a high-altitude stopover at 2188 m offering covered lodging and a museum. Nearby, the alpine botanical garden “La Chanousia” offers an exceptional array of mountain flowers. Herds of tarine cows, marmots and eagles enliven the mountain pastures. The lakes Vernet, Les Gouillons and Longet are great for a picnic with the kids, close enough to the road.

Our favorite walk is the climb to Lancebranlette 2936 m with a stop on the way down to Lac sans Fond. All the way up, you will be able to admire the ibexes and the breathtaking orientation table on the Italian side, the Mont Blanc, all the 4000 m of Switzerland until the Massif des Ecrins. Stroll to do at the end of the week when you will be acclimatized.

Near the Tyrol-Panoramic Savoie, let yourself slide down the Italian side to Riondet, very gourmet stop in a mountain chalet offering Polenta, Fontina and game. Recommended break in La Thuile crossed by the waters of the Ruitor glacier, taste the ice cream of “Chocolat”, typical Italian wines and products of the local butcher.

In summer, you can quickly reach the lac d’Arpy 45 min walk to appreciate the reflection of Mont-Blanc in the blue of the lake or refresh yourself near the 3 waterfalls of Ruitor.

cromlech pierres
massif des ecrins
vache aoste
 val ferret
marmottes herbe
val veny
vallee aoste foret

Several alternatives from the Aosta Valley

As you continue down the road you will be able to:

  • Discover Courmayeur, the capital of mountaineering, if the weather is good dare the ultra fast ascent by the Skyway cable car to the pointe helbronner 3462 m, an opportunity to reach the Aiguille du Midi via a gondola flying over the glaciers of the Vallee Blanche and the ropes of climbers.
  • Enjoy the mythical valleys that are part of the Mont Blanc tour: the Val Veny and its Notre Dame de Guerrison sanctuary and the Val Ferret and its famous Bertone, Bonatti and Elena Refuges facing the Grandes Jorasses.
  • Reach the Grand Paradiso valleys: Valgrisenche, Rhêmes Notre Dame, Valsavarenche and Cogne.

These valleys are connected by a marked trekking trail (Alta Via) to make tours of 2 to 4 days between high mountain refuges or valley hotels that provide a luggage transfer service on request. Numerous easy hikes for small hikers to discover typical villages perched around the baroque church, herds of cows of the Pie Noire breed and beautiful waterfalls (e.g. Cascade de Lilaz in Cogne) .

To reach Aosta, take on the national road winding between vineyards and villages, at the foot of a crown of majestic mountains Mont Blanc, Grand Combin, La Grivola and Grand Paradis. Pass by the Cave d’Enfer or the Cave des Onzes Communes to taste the local wine.

Aosta will surprise you with the richness of its heritage with Roman vestiges still very well preserved (the amphitheater, the forum, triumphal arch) and its religious history with its cathedral and collegiate St Ours. The atmosphere of the pedestrian street is very nice with its typical small restaurants to enjoy a pizza and a good gelata!

Discover the ski resorts and La Rosiere