The Aosta Valley is the smallest region of Italy, which is located in the north-west of the country. Aosta is bordered by France to the west, Switzerland to the north and Piedmont to the south and east. The region is covered by majestic alpine mountains such as: Cervino, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and, of course, Mont Blanc.
At 4,810 meters, Mont Blanc is the highest point in Europe. From the mighty Mont Blanc there are spectacular views of the municipalities of the valley: La Salle, Morguex, Pré-Saint-Didier and Courmayeur.
What to visit in the Aosta Valley?
Courmayeur
The Italian Alps figuratively frame the Aosta Valley. To see the beauty of the region with your own eyes, visit Courmayeur! Courmayeur is an Alpine town at the foot of the towering Mont Blanc massif. Be sure to climb up to the mountain hut of La Souche, located on a high plateau. The plateau offers stunning views of Mont Blanc and the many other peaks that separate the French, Italian, and Swiss borders.
Gran Paradiso National Park
Surrounded by majestic mountains and varied valleys is the oldest national park, Gran Paradiso, where you can still see animals in their natural habitat. Mountain goats, chamois, eagles and marmots live in vegetation that varies with their surroundings.
Tour of the castles of Valle d’Aosta
A chain of castles adorns the central valley of Aosta, adding to the charm of this region of Italy. Just driving through the valley, you can admire the stunning views of the many castles. If you want to explore the history of the region, the following castles are worth visiting: Fenice Castle, Sarre Castle, Bard Fortress, Savoy Castle and Sarriod de la Tour Castle, all of which are open to tourists. To see the interior of any of the castles, you must join a tour. Tours are currently conducted only in Italian.
Fontina Cheese Tasting.
Fontina is a mountain cheese made from the milk of Waldostan cows. The Aosta Valley is the only region officially authorized to produce Fontina. To make this cheese, cheesemakers must use only freshly milked raw milk, which has not undergone any processing. The entire cheese making process is done by hand and adheres to centuries-old traditions.
For a taste of regional delicacies, go to La Botteguccia in Aosta. The store is located on Via Sant’Anselmo, not far from the Arch of Augusta. Here you can order cheese and meat snacks along with local wine.
How to get to Aosta Valley?
The Valle d’Aosta is located in the northwestern corner of Italy. You can reach the valley from France, Switzerland or the Italian region of Piedmont. The nearest airports are in Turin, Milan and Geneva.
The most convenient modes of transport:
- Cab
- Hired car
- Own car
- Bus
We offer another alternative option – transfer from the airport directly to the Aosta Valley. It’s convenient, cost effective and affordable for everyone! We have cars for four and minibuses for the big family. You can choose between premium and mid-range cars. You will be met by a pleasant guide-driver who will tell you all the secrets of the Aosta region.
Where to stay in the Aosta Valley?
We recommend staying in Aosta or Courmayeur. Aosta has hotels for all budgets!
-
Maison Du-Noyer is a clean and comfortable budget guesthouse close to Aosta (10-15 minutes drive). It is ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside.
- Relais Bondaz is a stylish family-run hotel in Aosta. The hotel is suitable for people who are willing to pay more for a great location and a delicious breakfast!
- Hotel Milleluci is a luxury hotel in Aosta with panoramic views, spa area, outdoor pool, chic Mediterranean restaurant, sauna and Turkish bath.
Orientation: Mont Blanc
The distance between Aosta and Mont Blanc is 37 km. The best way to get from Aosta to Mont Blanc without a car is to take the bus, which for 1 hour and 8 euros will take you straight to the foot of Mont Blanc.
Three of the most beautiful towns are located near Mount Mont Blanc are Courmayeur in Valle d’Aosta, Italy; and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Chamonix in Haute-Savoie, France.
Tour du Mont Blanc for true adventurers
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170 km route that covers the entire Mont Blanc massif and takes several days. You have to be very strongly prepared physically before you decide to do this tour.
You have many Mont Blanc trekking options, from 4-day sport hikes to leisurely 12-day cultural activities. You can hike with a guide or alone, it all depends on your preference. If you do decide to do the Tour du Mont Blanc, remember:
- There are plenty of accommodations along the way (hotels and mountain huts with transport) that will allow you to really enjoy the scenery and take lots of photos.
- On footwear can not be economized: better to buy once a good proven trekking boots and then use them for decades.
- Do not forget about warm clothes. With each kilometer up the temperature drops by 6 degrees. Take with you thermal underwear, pants, fleece jacket, waterproof jacket.
- It is necessary to stock up on waterproof materials and trekking poles.
The Tour de Mont Blanc is usually open from mid June to the first or second week of September. If you want to conquer the highest point of Europe, come in summer.
