When you think of the Valle d’Aosta, the slopes of Cervinia, Courmayeur, Pila, known throughout Europe as a destination for winter sports lovers from skiing, snowboarding to ice skating, immediately come to mind. From the town of Pont Saint Martin, the road leading to the beautiful valley of Gressoney begins. Along the valley that runs from Pont Saint Martin to Courmayeur, there are 82 buildings including fortifications, military forts, residences and watchtowers that testify to the region’s rich feudal history. The most famous estate of Valle d’Aosta is Fénis Castle, known for its scenographic architecture, used as the prestigious residence of the Challant family. During all seasons, be sure to visit Monte Rosa, a walk through the mountains from where you can enjoy the enchanting landscape. Monte Rosa and the three valleys of Ayas, Gressoney and Valsesia are among the main Italian ski resorts. In winter you can try sports such as cross-country skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding, while in summer the region becomes a beautiful natural gymnasium for rock climbing, rafting, canoeing, hiking, horse riding, golf and mountain biking, to name but a few. some air sports such as skydiving, sailing or paragliding. If you want to admire the beauty of the glaciers, we recommend the wonderful natural terrace of Punta Helbronner, from which the cable car leads to Mont Fréty, where you can visit the natural oasis “du Mont Fréty”, home to Saussurea’s alpine garden, one of the highest in Europe with more than 900 plant species of the spontaneous flora of the Mont Blanc mountain. However, if you want to fly over Mont Blanc, a balloon trip will give you intense emotions. For wine lovers, Valle d’Aosta offers a wine route that guides tourists between vineyards and cellars, where you can meet passionate winemakers and discover the excellence of mountain wines.
The regional cuisine of the Aosta Valley is robust and creative and full of original flavors. It features some typical meat specialties such as Carbonada, stewed meat in wine, Mocetta, beef flavored with mountain herbs, Valle d’Aosta boudin, sausage with boiled potatoes and the famous Bosses ham. Excellent cheeses including Valle d’Aosta Fromadzo and the famous Fontina Dop, which are the basis of many recipes including Fondue. Wine lovers can taste excellent mountain wines with controlled designation of origin such as Arnad Montjovet, Enfer d’Arvier, Blanc de Morgex a de la Salle or Donnas. The herbal liqueur “Genépy des Alpes” or the typical coffee from the Aosta Valley are also exceptional.