in Regions
Many visitors see this fairytale land of snow-capped peaks, castles and flowers from atop a pair of skis.
A closer look finds it steeped in history and culture: a year-round paradise for the outdoor enthusiast and wine tourist.
This region – Italy’s smallest, highest and least populous – is situated in the country’s north-westernmost corner. It shares international borders with France to the West (at Mont Blanc/Monte Bianco), and Switzerland to the North.
The region is entirely Alpine. Steep mountain walls channel the central river, the Dora Baltea, forcing it apace from its source at the foot of Mont Blanc, to the Piemontese plain at Pont St. Martin.
Lateral valleys flow into the Dora Baltea, giving the map a ‘fish skeleton’ appearance.
Human activity in the Valle d’Aosta is traced to the late Stone Age. Visitors can see its many layers best at the Alps’ most important neolithic site, the Area Megalitica di St. Martin de Corléans, just oustide Aosta city. Additionally, hikers booked on to Heart of the Italian Alps pass the site of the neolithic necropolis at St. Nicolas.
In pre-Roman times, the celtic tribe called Salassi controlled the trade routes over the Great and Small St. Bernard Passes. James wrote this article describing the demise of the Salassi, and the corresponding rise of Rome. The article lists some Roman sites in the valley, and highlights the ones MTW clients typically visit.
If Roman history is your thing, the Valle d’Aosta has to be on your bucket list.
Read more: Tales from the regions: the Salassi and the early Romans.
As an important region on the trade routes to France and Switzerland, we also find traces of the early Christians, and, later, centuries of pilgrims walking the Via Francigena between Canterbury and Rome.
Medieval castles dot the region, the earliest being simple lookouts – symbols of the local noble’s dominion over their peasants; and the larger, grander ones acting as imposing, fortified residences.
Modern times bring skiiers flocking to world-famous sites like Courmayeur, La Thuile, Pila, Valtournenche and Cervinia. In the summer, the combination of sunshine and fresh mountain air attract hikers. Aosta city revels in its moniker, The Rome of the Alps, with many sites presrved and open to visitors.
Some remarkable architecture like Les Crêtes’ rifugio del vino and, of course, the extraordinary Skyway cablecar which takes us to the top of Monte Bianco.
Click here for is an overview of wine and winemaking in the Valle d’Aosta. A tiny growing area leaves no space for mediocrity: be in no doubt that this is a high quality wine region.
Being so small, there’s just a single appellation, Valle d’Aosta DOC – but this has multiple sub-zones, and these are looked at in greater detail here.
The region is famous for its native grapes, such as Petit Rouge and Prié Blanc. (📸 Pavese e Figli, with permission.)
The cuisine has its base in traditional mountain fair, and is also significantly influenced by neighbouring gastronomic powerhouses Piemonte and Bougrogne.
Our connection with this region runs very deep, and we’ll be thrilled to see you on one of our trips. Our own Cinzia Long grew up here, and it was the scene of our first itinerary, Heart of the Italian Alps – whose inception wasn’t without drama.
Each year we run Spring in the Alps, a five-night trip fixed in early May for small groups. This is great for solo travellers or couples looking to join a group of like-minded people. Clients enjoy the vivid colours of the mountains as they awake from their winter dormancy. We visit wineries, eat magnificently and stay in beautiful accommodation. You have the chance to explore the magnificent city of Aosta and ride the Skyway.
You can visit most of what we’ve covered in this little introduction through our self-guided walks in the region, Heart of the Italian Alps and The Five Days of the Matterhorn. Enquire today and immerse yourself completely in this magical Alpine region.
