Hiking and walking
The Aosta Valley is a mountainous region rich in awe-inspiring trails. It’s the ideal place to hike or just walk in the mountains at your own pace. The nature and the beauty of the Aosta Valley won’t disappoint.
For more information on hiking in the Aosta Valley, check out the official website of the Aosta Valley Region:
Downhill and cross-country skiing
The Aosta Valley has many downhill and cross-country ski resorts. Avid skiers and snowboarders have plenty to choose from, with runs at Breuil Cervina and Pila, and of course the famous resorts at Courmayeur, La Thuile and Monterosa Ski.
For more information, check out the downhill ski section of the Aosta Valley region website.
Cross-country ski enthusiasts will find hundreds of kilometers of groomed trails: the main ones are Cogne, Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, Brusson, Courmayeur, Valsavarenche, Gressoney, Torgnon, and Saint-Barthélemy, but there are countless other cross-country trails throughout the Aosta Valley.
For more information, check out the cross-country ski section of the Aosta Valley region website.
Visiting Aosta and its monuments
The City of Aosta was founded by the Romans in 25 BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus, and was called Augusta Praetoria.
The small city grew in
importance until it became the Rome of the Alps, and one of the most important
crossroads for trade and culture at the time. Its typical grid layout, common
in Roman times, is still visible today. Aosta is less than an hour’s drive from
our bed and breakfast.
The Roman Theater
Walking towards Aosta Cathedral from Piazza Giovanni XXIII, you’ll reach the forensic cryptoporticus. This monumental construction defined a holy area that was part of the ancient city’s Roman forum. The semi-buried, horseshoe-shaped construction contains a double corridor. It is thought that the cryptoporticus was used as a military storage area for grain, while its marble colonnade served as a scenic support for the original holy temples.
The Roman Forum
Walking towards Aosta Cathedral from Piazza Giovanni XXIII, you’ll reach the forensic cryptoporticus. This monumental construction defined a holy area that was part of the ancient city’s Roman forum. The semi-buried, horseshoe-shaped construction contains a double corridor. It is thought that the cryptoporticus was used as a military storage area for grain, while its marble colonnade served as a scenic support for the original holy temples.
The Praetorian Gate
The main access to the city of Augusta Praetoria was through the Praetorian Gate. It has three openings, still visible today, and an interior area that served as a military parade ground. Also still visible are the grooves from the gates and some of the marble that at one time completely covered the exterior.
The Arch of Augustus
Along the street of the Praetorian Gate is the Arch of Augustus, an eloquent testimony to the Roman military power that in 25 BC decisively defeated the Salassi people.
The late republican-era arch is nine meters wide and supported by pillars with half-columns and Corinthian capitals. Without a doubt, it is one of Aosta’s most visited and photographed monuments.
National Nature Parks
A vacation in the Aosta Valley will let you rediscover nature and the beauty of the high-mountain environment. The region includes two important national parks, the Gran Paradiso National Park Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso and the Mont Avic Natural Park. Parco Naturale del Mont Avic
Fort Bard
Fort Bard Forte di Bard is an important cultural center of the Aosta Valley and is located quite close to Tzatagni’s bed and breakfast.
A monumental fortified complex of the early 9th century, Fort Bard has been renovated and turned into a cultural center, museum and exhibition area. Visitors will discover a place full of fascinating history, museums and exhibits.
Visiting Aosta Valley’s Castles
The Aosta Valley is a high-mountain region where you can visit splendid castles splendidi castelli dating from the Roman era to the late Middle Ages. Among these are the Fénis and Issogne castles, Fort Bard, Ussel castle, Verrès rock, Savoia castle and many others.
Mont-Blanc and Vallée Blanche
The eighth wonder of the world, the Mont-Blanc range is one of Aosta Valley’s most popular attractions.
In summer and winter, you can take the spectacular and convenient Skyway cable car (Skyway Monte Bianco) up to 3,462 meters above sea level, to Punta Helbronner, and marvel at the breathtaking panorama. You’ll find yourself up close with Monte Bianco, the highest mountain in Europe, and surrounded by all the peaks associated with modern alpinism: Grandes Jorasses, Dente del Gigante, Mont-Maudit, Mont-Blanc du Tacul, and Aiguille du Midi.