| Aosta Valley |
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Aosta Valley Hugging the borders of France and Switzerland, Italy’s Aosta Valley combines the best of northern European sophistication with Italian charm and hospitality. Not to mention a breathtaking landscape. As you fly, drive or ride the train into this pristine, untouched region of Northern Italy, you will realize quickly why the border of three nations was formed here: looming over the northern end of the valley are the world-famous Alpine wonders of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc.
Needless to say, outdoor activities tend toward the, well, mountainous in the Aosta Valley. Travel sports of skiing, hiking, mountain climbing are huge here, and shops in the towns and villages below regularly rent out equipment and provide value lodging for those who wish to attack the mountains. If extreme uphill stints aren’t your thing, don’t feel left out. Hiking through the valley is a delightful pursuit that many Italians and tourists make a special point of enjoying.
During the spring and early summer, this region is a veritable explosion of color as the wildflowers bloom: April and June are highly recommended months to visit, although the verdant peak season of July and August is not at all bad. It is advised, however, that peak season travelers book well in advance, as travelers will pour in to the Aosta Valley from France and Switzerland, as well as Italy.
A hike in the Gran Paradiso National Park will create memories to last a lifetime. Blue water, green grass, wildflowers and charming locals happy to drop everything, give you a picnic and guide you along the way will soon be replaced for a landscape of craggy rocks, and fast moving smog – an incredibly beautiful day hike fit for the whole family, or adventurous hiking soloists.
Tucked into an inviting crag of the Alps, the town of Aosta is charming and, in addition to being a great launching point for snowboarding, downhill ski and cross-country ski expeditions, boasts a fascinating set of historical attractions as well, for the curious visitor. The Collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Orso combines myriad architectural styles from several centuries to create one of the most puzzling, yet phenomenal structures in Italy. The archaic city gateways that date back to the Roman empire – the Arco di Augusto and Porta Pretoria – were built to as monumental crowns to the mighty blow the Romans dealt the Celts, way back in the day some 2,000 years ago. Throughout the town a number of other fascinating Roman monuments remind the tourist that, despite being well to the north of Italy, we’re still in Italy. |
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