5 reasons to plan a summer in the Aosta Valley

Barely an hour’s drive north of Turin and sitting in the shadow of some of Europe’s most iconic peaks, the Aosta Valley deserves its strapline “The Heart of the Alps.” You may think the Matterhorn is in Switzerland and Mont Blanc is in France, and you’d be half right. Both famous mountains form part of the spectacular skyline of the Aosta Valley, along with Gran Paradiso and Monte Rosa. The valley is filled with ski resorts, which in summer offer varying levels of hiking, climbing and mountain biking, and the gastronomy, culture and history round out a superb offering.

And all this within easy reach of well-served airports, and easily accessible by car from the UK. Here’s why you should consider visiting the Aosta Valley this summer.

Aosta Valley is home to over 5,000km of hiking trails, from gentle strolls in the verdant valley to mountaineering challenges among 4,000m-high peaks. The famous Via Francigena passes through and there is Via Ferrata available for those with a head for heights. There are two long distance loops which circumnavigate the entire Aosta Valley. Firstly, the combination of two Alte Via routes puts experienced hikers right amongst the Alpine giants and gives the opportunity to alternate between high altitude hut accommodation and a choice of hotels in the lower resorts. The Cammino Balteo gives a similarly complete tour of the valley at a lower altitude. But clocking in at 350km, it isn’t exactly the easy option. Taking in woodland and pasture, it’s also a great way to explore the ancient villages and the history of the area.

Of course, the Aosta Valley is home to beautiful and varied natural history. It is also very well protected for the future. The region boasts two parks, Gran Paradiso (Italy’s very first National Park, established in 1922) and Mont Avic, which is a Natural Park. Beyond that there are 10 nature reserves and 4 alpine botanical gardens.

Gran Paradiso is the jewel in the crown with 70,000 hectares of protected land ranging from 800 metres up to the summits at 4,061 metres. Aside from the usual ibex, chamois and marmot, you might see golden eagles, otters and lynx. Lammergeier (bearded vultures) have recently returned to the area, and are a protected species, and even wolves are thought to have returned to the La Thuile area during Covid.

The name Aosta is derived from Augusta, and the city itself was founded by the Romans. As a major gateway to the north and west, Aosta was an important city for the Romans and is so full of architectural artifacts it is often referred to as “the Rome of the Alps.” The roads heading north and west led to the Grand St Bernard Pass and the Petit St Bernard pass respectively. The road heading east from the city led to Rome and was marked by a grand gate – the Porta Praetoria –  which remains largely intact and is arguably the architectural highlight. No single sight can so justice to the wealth of visible archaeology though, especially for such a small city. It seems to be around every corner; the city walls, the remains of the Forum, the columns and cryptoporticus.

The cathedral is another monument that warrants a visit, partly for its beauty, but partly for its association with St. Anselm, a former Archbishop of Canterbury and religious philosopher who was born in Aosta.

The culinary prestige of the Aosta Valley is truly one of its standout attractions. Many local products from the region enjoy PDO status (protected designation of origin) including the famous Fontina cheese and various charcuterie such as Bosses Jambon, not to mention a fantastic range of local wines.

In the town of Aosta are several superb cheese shops, often selling their own creations and even aging them in cellars below. Wander the area and sample extensive platters of both cheese and charcuterie – featuring all the local highlights, along with well-paired wines.

Due to its location in the extreme Northwest of the country, Aosta Valley promises rustic Italian food such as wild boar ravioli, blueberries and sage butter. Local antipasti with a very local black bread. And lard. Another surprisingly delicious PDO product; basically, slices of fat which is melt-in-the-mouth-soft and sweet and amazing with a drizzle of honey. Served with mocetta (dried veal), chestnuts and more honey.

In total there are 120 castles in the valley. Aosta had a fascinating history from medieval times until the 19^th century; it was still part of Savoyarde France until 1861, hence the obvious linguistic and culinary influences that remain, particularly in the place names. In fact, French is still an official language of the region after having been forbidden under fascism.

If you approach the Aosta Valley from the south, chances are that the Fort Bard will make its presence very strongly felt, guarding as it does, the mouth of the valley.

Fort Bard was built more for toll collection than for military protection, given the valley’s importance as a route north and west. It was built with protection in mind, but the enemies never came so it was turned into a prison among other things. Bard is now mostly used for art and photography exhibitions (including Wildlife Photographer of the Year) and summer concerts.

Many of the castles in Aosta are open to the public – even some that have been turned into private houses – and they cover a myriad of architectural styles from throughout the Middle Ages.

To enjoy a 10-day tailor-made self-drive trip from £1,255 per person (including flights), head to the Wexas Travel website and uncover the Best of the Aosta Valley itinerary.