Aosta Vally is the smallest region in Italy and it is situated in the north-west, between France and Switzerland. It is all about majestic mountains in this mountainous region, whose highest tops are in the Alps, like Cervino, Mount Rosa, Gran Paradiso and the imperial Mont Blanc, with its 4810 mt that make it the highest mountain in Europe: it is the roof of the old Continent. Those who are not familiar with mountaineering can use the comfortable and spectacular cableway, which can be caught a few kilometers from Courmayeur, one of the most important ski resorts in the world. In the landscape of its stately mountains and diversified valleys, is the oldest National Park, the Gran Paradiso, where it is still possible to see animals in their natural environment: rock-goats, chamois, eagles and marmots surrounded by different types of vegetation. Historically, Aosta Valley is a land of contact and fusion between Italy and France, which is reflected in its official bilingualism and its special statutes of local autonomy. The great and modern tunnels of Gran San Bernardo and especially of Mont Blanc, an engineering masterpiece that ends up in France, stressed even more its characteristic of being an intersection between Italy and the rest of Europe. The only province of the region is Aosta (regional capital).
When we think about Aosta Valley, we immediately think of the ski slopes of Cervinia, Courmayer and Pila, famous all over Europe and destination for sportsmen who love skiing, trekking, snowboarding and ice-skating. This region offers amazing natural attractions, but also other cultural and traditional treasures. Those who come from the south can admire the symbolic entrance of Pont Saint Martin, the starting point of the road that penetrates into the beautiful Gressoney Valley. The Roman Bridge of the 1st century b.C., where the old consular road to Aosta run, is an example of the Roman influence on this territory. Along the valley that takes from Pont Saint Martin to Courmayer, we can count a good 82 buildings that stand on the valley like sentinels, among primitive fortifications, military fortresses, residences and watch-towers that witness the rich feudal history of the region, offering visitors the opportunity to follow an incredibly charming and interesting route. The most famous castle in Aosta Valley is the Castello di Fénis, which looks austere but sums up the best defense technique of the period; its refined interiors reveal the wealth of its former tenants. Other beautiful castles are the castle of Issogne, Sarriod de la Tour, Sarre, Saint- Pierre, Ussel, just to mention a few of them. The road plotted by the castles takes to Aosta, a mix between Roman and medieval history, enriched by picturesque traditions. This Roman town shows some visible signs of that period with important monuments like the Augustus Arch, the Praetorian Gate and the walls, where you can walk on taking a long and pleasant stroll, almost for their whole length. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is particularly interesting, with the archaeological excavations that can be visited under the present floor of the church, and the monumental building of Sant’Orso Collegiate Church, dating back to the eleventh century. The fair that takes place every year in Aosta at the end of January is dedicated to Saint Orso, too. Thousands of tourists fill the decorated streets of the old town, which shows off the oldest crafts of Aosta Valley, from sculpture to wood, from wrought iron to hot stone, leather, wicket, wool fabrics, laces, as well as games and masks.
In any season of the year, visiting Mount Rosa, practicing sports on its slopes, o simply walking along the paths that reach the tops, you will enjoy an enchanting and magic view, surrounded by the special lights, colors and shades that fill these places. There are many sports to practice on Mount Rosa and its valleys; the three valleys of Ayas, Gressoney and Valsesia are some of the major ski resorts in Italy. Cross-country skiing, mountain skiing and snowboarding can be practiced in the coldest season while climbing, rafting, canoeing, hiking and mountain-biking can be practiced in the warmest months. To admire the beauty of the glacier, Punta Helbronner is a magnificent terrace where you can enjoy a stunning view. A cableway will lead you from there to Mont Fréty, where you can visit the Natural Oasis of Pavillon du Mont Fréty, a wide protected area that houses several specimens of mountain fauna and the Saussurea Alpine Garden, one of the highest in Europe, with more than 900 vegetable species of self-sown flora of Mont Blanc and of other mountain ranges of the world. During the summer, trekking lovers will appreciate the paths wound up inside the Oasis, a perfect place to be in direct contact with the mountains and admire the magnificence of the landscape. If you prefer to fly over Mont Blanc, you can experience intense emotions taking a hot-air balloon flight, coming close to the peaks over a magic landscape. For those who love good wine, Aosta Valley offers a wine road that leads tourists along vineyards and wineries to discover the different grapes that grow in extreme climatic conditions.
The regional food of Aosta Valley is strong and creative and rich in genuine flavors. Some of the typical specialties of the region are carbonada, stewed meat with wine, onions and spices, and mocetta, dried beef or rock-goat meat flavored with mountain spices. Salami and cold pork meat are another delicacy to taste, like the fragrant Arnad lard, Aosta Valley boudin, a sausage with boiled potatoes, lard and spices, and the well-known ham of Bosses. Cheeses are excellent too, including the renowned Fontina Dop, used for many recipes like fondue, to be served before or after the typical soup of Aosta Valley, made with cabbage, savoy, fontina and stale rye bread. Thanks to the microclimate of the region, grapevines can to bear fruit up to 1200 mt of height and the wines with designation of origin “Aosta Valley - Vallée d'Aoste” are positively more than 20. Some of them are Arnad Montjovet, Enfer d’Arvier, Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle and Donnas. Finally, the extraordinary herb liqueur "Genépy des Alpes" to taste in the traditional wooden cup.
