If you want to visit Italy this summer, why not soak up the sun in the mild 65 to 68 degree temperatures of the Aosta region, Italy’s smallest region. Although it is in Italy and bordered on the south and east by the Piedmont Region, Aosta is also neighbors with France and Switzerland. As a result, it has influences from these areas that make it even more unique.
The panoramic views are spectacular and include four of the highest peaks in Western Europe: Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Matterhorn and Gran Paradiso. In the winter Aosta draws a serious skiing crowd, but during the summer you’ll have just as much fun without an icicle in sight. Mountain trails wind around the valley and link the region’s most dramatic peaks.
July to September is the prime time to go hiking in Aosta. From easy walks and lake paddling to rock climbing, mountain climbing and class three or four river rafting [a prime place for challenging white water is the Dora Baltea River], the Aosta Region offers something for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. The alpine landscape here is magnificent.
Be sure to explore the Saussurea Mountain Garden with more than 900 plant species of wild flowers growing at one of the highest elevations in Europe. The garden is located in an area called the Oasis that can be reached via a cable car that goes up Mont Fréty. Tourist offices and Alpine guide offices provide excellent information on day hikes or multi-day trekking with overnight camping.
The dozen or so valleys in the Aosta Region are decorated with picturesque small farms and villages with more than a hundred medieval buildings dotting the landscape. These include spectacular Gothic castles and fortified houses that were needed in its earlier days to protect residents of the area and their important trade route through the mountains.
Castello di Fénis is probably the most well known of all the castles. Others you’ll want to see are the Challant, the Cly, Issogne, Sarriod de la Tour, Sarre, Saint- Pierre, Castel Savoia di Gressoney, Ussel and Verres.
Aosta is rich in history and has been the home of Celts, Ligurians, Romans, Byzantines, Goths, Longobards, Franks, Burgundians, Bourbons and Savoians who have each left a bit of their culture behind. You may be surprised to see how many Roman artifacts remain in the area. These include a Roman amphitheater of the late Roman provincial period, an arched courtyard called the Praetorian Gate and the Augustus Arch.
Foodies will be as well satisfied as historians. Say, “cheese” and you’ll be greeted with selections of local cheeses including the well-known Fontina as well as the lesser known Toma and Robiola. Dried and salt cured meats as well as salami are locally made.
The Aosta Valley even features a wine trail, which tells you that the warm, friendly people here are serious about both their wine and their tourism. There are more than 20 wines from the Aosta Valley including Morgex and Gamay.
An interesting option, a trifecta of sorts for those interested in cycling through the countryside, is a bike tour of castles and vineyards with local produce stops along the way. Get details by visiting www.Aosta-valley.co.uk.
Cyclists will find more than 20 different scenic routes on inland roads. True enthusiasts take note that the Aosta Valley is often used as a leg of the Giro d’Italia tour one of the most important races of the international cycle racing season. However, if biking on the road is a little tame for your tastes, mountain biking in this area provides all of the challenge and adrenaline rush that you crave.
If pedaling the countryside is not as appealing to you as golf, you’ll be relieved to know that there are five courses which are located in Breuil-Cervinia, Brissogne, Courmayeur, Gignod and Gressoney-Saint-Jean. Golfing in a surround of Alpine scenery gives a whole new dimension to a day on the greens.
Considering the popularity of the Aosta area in winter, you’ll be surprised by the affordable three and four star hotel rates. So if you’re planning to see the sites during the day and return to a comfortable room in the evening, you have a number of choices on venere.com or hotels.com.
Norden Palace located in the area’s Italian Alps is the perfect setting for a relaxing vacation that includes walks or hikes in the Gran Paradiso National Park.
Another choice is the Hostellerie Du Cheval Blanc, an elegant hotel that is conveniently located to Monte Bianco, the Gran Paradiso Park, Courmayeur, and the city of Aosta. When travelling to Aosta your nearest airport is in Turin. From there you can catch a train or bus to the Aosta Region. You can also fly into Milan and take a train or a bus from there directly to Aosta.
For more information visit these sites: www.travelplan.it, www.en.wikiloc.com/trails/hiking/italy/valle-di-aosta, slowfood.com, and www.Aosta-valley.co.uk.
Donate