Northern Italy’s Aosta Valley, nestled between France and Switzerland, is famous for its winter skiing, but it’s a fabulous place to visit in summer too.
The region is known as the ‘Rome of the Alps’ because it not only offers stunning mountain scenery but also has lots of unique cultural attractions including impressive Roman remains to explore when you’re not enjoying a trek in the mountains.
Located in northwestern Italy, the Aosta Valley is the closest part of the country to the UK from where it’s very easy to reach, and it offers great value for money to British visitors year-round.
The Aosta Valley in Summer
The same towering mountains that excited skiers whizz down in winter are open in summer for those who love the mountain at a more relaxed pace. There are hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails in a pristine, natural world, including altitude routes which can be made easier by using the gondola and chairlifts to get up then you walk downhill only!
© Aosta Valley Tourist Board
The Aosta Valley contains 14 smaller Alpine valleys and is located between the four iconic peaks of the Alps, Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn (known in Italy as Cervino), the Gran Paradiso, and Monte Rosa, all towering over 4,000 metres above.
The same lifts can be used to access spectacular views out over the mountain tops and valleys below, with the option to take it all in whilst you enjoy some gorgeous Italian food and drink from a sunny terrace in front of a mountain restaurant.
Of course, high-adrenaline sports are available too, including downhill mountain biking routes, again using the lifts to ascend, among many other activities.
Down in the valley cultural heritage like castles and Roman remains as well as authentic Italian villages that are all part buried under snow in the winter come back to life and become enticing spots to visit. The elegant capital city of Aosta with its enticing shopping, café culture and Roman antiquities is also a year-round attraction.
Outdoor Active in The Aosta Valley
With the snow gone from all but the highest peaks, come summer a network of hiking trails emerges, some of them famous itineraries, alongside cycling paths and a huge choice of other outdoor activities on land, water and even in the air above.
For hikers the choice is vast. There are over 300 separate paths which altogether add up to some 5,000 kilometres of hiking routes. These include everything from short, gentle family strolls to multi-day itineraries. Famous routes like Cammino Balteo, the Alta Via n.1 and n.2 and the Via Francigena are all here criss-crossing the breathtaking landscapes of the region.
© Aosta Valley Tourist Board
Cammino Balteo is particularly worthy of attention. It is a new circular hiking trail that crosses the entire Aosta Valley and takes you on a journey through time. The route takes in Roman and medieval antiquities, passing some of the Aosta Valley’s 100 castles, as well as numerous lakes, waterfalls, nature reserves and wooded areas. You’ll discover local traditions, vines, cultures, mills, cellars and cheese producers as you pass by authentic villages, meeting and sharing with their inhabitants and tasting local products along the way.
There are a total of 23 stages, taking from 4–6 hours each, for a total of 350 km/217 miles of hiking passing 46 towns! It’s worth noting that Cammino Balteo is almost entirely located at 500m – 1,900m altitudes making the entire route passable year-round and for all levels, including families. Of course, you can hike as little or as much of it as you want.
Many also spend some time in the century-old Gran Paradiso Park, Italy’s oldest, established in 1922. Covering 70,000 hectares it spans both the Aosta Valley and neighbouring Piedmont, reaching peaks as high as 4,061 metres and containing 59 glaciers making it an important place for international research. There are loads to see and do here, perhaps catching sight of some of the 3,000 protected ibexes, the largest population in Europe, living there. They’re just one of 167 animal species within the park’s protective boundary, also including chamois, marmots, foxes, lynx, wolves, and bird species including the rare bearded vulture and golden eagles.
© Aosta Valley Tourist Board
For freestyle and downhill mountain bikers, as well as traditional road cyclists, there’s a huge choice too. The village of Cogne is a major centre with 45 kilometres of trails to explore, some of which wind through the Gran Paradiso National Park. Monterosa also offers a great choice of trails and La Thuile, Pila and Cervinia have much to explore as well especially for downhill lovers. There are trails to suit all levels, from complete beginners and families to the most demanding experts. Bike hire, including e-bikes, is widely available and there are many traditional cycling routes, including some tough challenges over mountain passes, available too.
As the snow melts through the summer months, the Aosta Valley’s streams become vibrant Alpine torrents and smooth turquoise rivers where you can enjoy many water-based activities. Canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and hydrospeed are all great fun with expert guides happy to lead both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts to the best spots for your needs, providing a range of programs. There are even stretches of water specifically suited to children, so families can enjoy the thrill of being on the water together.
There are many other outdoor activities to enjoy including mountaineering, climbing, canyoning and Via Ferrata.
© Aosta Valley Tourist Board
You can also take to the air in many different ways should you choose: gliding, hang gliding, paragliding, hot air ballooning and skydiving are all possible with pleasure flights, first initiations and expert guidance all available.
Unique cultural attributes
Aosta Valley was home to the Romans for five centuries and they have left some of their amazing constructions, remarkably well preserved over two millennia. They include an aqueduct at Pondel, and most prominently in the once imperial city of Aosta itself which still maintains a distinctly Roman urban layout and ancient ruins, evident within its walls and key structures which include a theatre, Forum and impressive Cryptopolis.
The Valley is also home to 100 castles that were created centuries after Roman times. Castles flourished in the Aosta Valley for much of the past millennia, many of them perched on peaks overlooking the valley.
Some of these remarkable buildings are now open to visitors, fitted out to provide information on their past lives and architectural history. Good examples are the castles of Sarre, Verrès, Issogne or Savoia castle in Gressoney-Saint-Jean, the former home of home of Queen Marguerite of Savoy. Recent renovations include the Castle of Aymavilles or that of Saint-Pierre which now houses the Regional Museum of Natural Sciences.
Authentic Italian Food
As you admire the scenery and both the ancient history and natural wonders of the Aosta Valley, a real bonus is that you can also tuck into the region’s fabulous local cuisine whenever you’re taking a break.
The region offers a wealth of local products, with cheeses, cured meats, mountain game and high-altitude wines as particular strengths. Many of these have earned Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. These include exceptional wines, mountain charcuterie like the renowned Bosses Jambon PDO and Arnad Lard PDO, and a range of cheeses, including the distinguished Fontina PDO.
The Aosta Valley is also home to some fabulous wines and you can also visit the vineyard and wineries where they’re produced and sample them on-site! There’s nothing better than locally sourcing your wine yourself and it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon. Various farms offer experiences around wine: not just simple tastings these days but also guided tours in the cellar, trekking through the vineyards and many other opportunities for convivial entertainment. Cheers!
Easy access
The Aosta Valley is very quick and easy to reach from the UK, with Turin, Milan and Geneva airports all within easy reach making it an ideal destination for a weekend or short break. If you want to make a longer stay there are excellent road and rail connections from the north too, should you wish to cross the Channel then drive or take the train down.
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Prepare to be amazed as you hike through this lesser-known part of the Alps with awe-inspiring landscapes that showcase the iconic Matterhorn! Discover picturesque villages, lush meadows, and towering mountain vistas, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Walking in the Aosta Valley from £765pp
Explore the best of the Cammino Balteo, where Italian culture, cuisine, and Roman history come alive. Wander peaceful trails past vibrant mountain chalets and majestic peaks. Follow ancient trade routes through landscapes dotted with over 70 historical castles and palaces, all nestled among the Alps’ famed mountains and vineyards.
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Main Image – © Aosta Valley Tourist Board