Things to Do in Aosta Valley: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking, Sightseeing and More
The Aosta Valley, which encompasses Italy’s far northwestern corner, is one of the country’s best kept secrets. This Alpine paradise boasts stunning mountain scenery, superb hiking, skiing, ancient Roman ruins, and charming villages straight out of a storybook. This guide highlights the best things to do in Aosta Valley, in any season.
Jump to:
- Go for a Hike
- Visit Italy’s Oldest National Park
- Summit Mont Blanc, One of Europe’s Highest Mountains
- Spend a Day in Courmayeur
- Stroll Whimsical Cogne
- Peer into Ancient Rome in Aosta
- Go Wine Tasting at Europe’s Highest Vineyard
- Feel On Top of the World at the Matterhorn
- Climb the Ramparts of a Medieval Castle
- Soak in Healing Thermal Baths
- Find Thrills at Parco Avventura Adventure Park
- Play in an Alpine Winter Wonderland
Go for a Hike
Aosta Valley is a veritable Shangri-la for hiking enthusiasts, with scenery so stunning, your friends back home will think you doctored your photos.
There are picture-perfect trails in every corner of the valley. Regardless of where you’re based, you’re sure to find scenic hikes just steps from your front door.
But for what it’s worth, we’ve included a few of our favorites (of varying distance) below:
- Rifugio Bonatti (Courmayeur): in our opinion, Rifugio Bonatti is one of the most scenic trails, in a valley that’s full of them. There are varying trailheads and distances from which to reach the rifugio. Starting in either Lavachey (4.4 km roundtrip) or Arnuova (11 km roundtrip) are just a few examples.
- Rifugio Bertone, 8.7 km roundtrip (Courmayeur): you can pick up the trail to Rifugio Bertone from the town of Courmayeur. It winds through the outlying neighborhoods, before picking up a forested service road that connects to the trail.
- Vittorio Sella Hut via Valnontey, 11.1 km roundtrip (Cogne): with blistering elevation gain, this is a challenging day hike but it rewards with stunning views.
Visit Italy’s Oldest National Park
Gran Paradiso was Italy’s first national park, and it remains one of the most scenic.
There are plenty of hiking trails to enjoy. We recommend perhaps the 11-km Vittorio Sella Hut or Lillaz Waterfalls, accessible via either a 2.4-km or 11.5-km loop.
Valnontey is one of the most scenic valleys in the park, with dramatic views of distant glaciers. Numerous hiking trails and footpaths crisscross the valley, allowing you to enjoy spectacular views for either as long or as short of a hike as you wish.
There are also plenty of scenic drives, for those who prefer more languid exploration. Along the park’s southern environs, the 25-km Colle del Nivolet will take you to one of the highest mountain passes in the Alps. Nearby, the 10-km drive to Lago di Ceresole leads to the dazzling Lake Ceresole.
While in Gran Paradiso, you can also spot the iconic Alpine ibex, chamois, wolves, and even lynx if you’re particularly lucky.
Note: many mountain roads become impassable during winter months. Be sure to check the official park website for up-to-date conditions before visiting.
Summit Mont Blanc, One of Europe’s Highest Mountains
Quick numbers crunch: Mont Blanc straddles three countries, rises to over 4,800 meters, and is the tallest mountain in Western Europe. That all adds up to a truly spellbinding vision.
Unless you’re an experienced mountaineer, the best way to summit Mont Blanc is via cable car.
You can catch the Skyway Cable Car just outside of Courmayeur. As soon as your journey begins, the cable car will slowly rotate for 360° views of the surrounding peaks and valley below. The car will stop at Pavillon du Mont Fréty (2,173 meters) to acclimatize, before continuing on to the top station of Punta Helbronner (sitting at an oxygen-thinned 3,466 meters).
From here, you can either return to Courmayeur, or even continue on, passing over the Mer de Glace glacier before descending into Chamonix, France.
Spend a Day in Courmayeur
This charming ski village is the gateway to Mont Blanc, being the closest major town to the base on the Italian side. As a favorite destination of the second-home Milanese crowd, it has plenty of boutique shops and fine dining options.
You’ll find shops devoted to all the big outdoor outfitters here (La Sportiva, Patagonia), as well as luxury fashion brands, home goods boutiques, and even the well-stocked Buona Stampa local bookstore.
Beyond shopping and dining, you can also explore Courmayeur’s Alpine Museum, or possibly check out one of the town’s many festivals. Between Carnevale, saint days, and an annual film festival, there’s something special happening nearly every month of the year. You can view the annual Courmayeur event schedule here.
If you’re looking for a memorable meal, Cadran Solaire is one of our favorite spots in town. Run by the same family who owns the town’s 5-star Auberge de la Maison, Cadran Solaire serves up traditional Aosta specialties, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and menu items that change with the seasons.
Stroll Whimsical Cogne
Just as Courmayeur is the gateway to Mont Blanc, Cogne is the gateway to Gran Paradiso National Park (see above). The village itself is small, but the quaint cobblestoned old town still makes for an enjoyable stroll through storybook-like architecture.
The 15th century Sant’Orso Church, steeped in local legend, is a charming example of a small Alpine parish. Just past the church is the 12th century Cogne Castle. While it’s a private residence and not accessible to the public, it’s still a fairytale-esque landmark that adds an extra dose of whimsy to the village.
Cogne makes another great base for hiking, with scenic trails crisscrossing Valnontey valley. For less effort, you can also admire the region’s natural beauty via the cable cars that are open year-round.
Cogne is known for its traditional bobbin lace, which continues to be made by hand, the way it has for centuries. You can observe the local craftswomen at work, and pick up lovely tablecloths, sheets and more in one of the local stores.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll find local restaurants serving up hearty regional specialties. A few of our favorites include either La Brasserie du Bon Bec or Bar a Fromage for a nicer meal, or Trattoria Sonveulla for simple favorites.
Peer into Ancient Rome in Aosta
Aosta was a vital military center for ancient Rome, and numerous structures still survive today.
The ancient walls are nearly fully intact, surrounding Aosta with interspersed towers among the four gates. Particularly impressive is the Porta Praetoria, consisting of two towers that flank the east entrance to the city.
Other Roman relics include the Teatro Romano amphitheater and adjacent forum, Arco di Augusto, and Pont d’Ael bridge. You can also catch a lot of Roman history in one place at Aosta’s Archaeological Museum.
Go Wine Tasting at Europe’s Highest Vineyard
The vineyards of the Aosta Valley sit at the highest elevation of any grapes in Europe. The result is prié blanc, a crisp white varietal that’s ideally suited to the cool climate.
Our personal favorite winery in Aosta Valley is Pavese Ermes, tucked into the hills between Morgex and La Salle. Now in their second generation, they have perfected the cultivation of quality white and sparkling wines.
Feel On Top of the World at the Matterhorn
The world-famous Matterhorn sits in the far reaches of the Aosta Valley, straddling the borders of Italy and Switzerland. It’s about a 75-minute drive from the town of Aosta, making it a reasonable day trip.
The Italian side of the mountain offers a wealth of activities similar to what you’ve come to expect elsewhere in Aosta Valley.
Breuil-Cervinia is the main town, and the pedestrian-only center is full of shops and restaurants of the expected ski variety.
One of the most popular hiking trails is Theodul Pass, the historic footpath crossing between Italy and Switzerland. It’s part of the larger Tour Mont Rosa trail, but segment #1 will take you across the border. It’s a fun thing, to say that you walked to Switzerland. The full trail goes 14.3-km to Zermatt, but you can take it as far as you desire before turning around (or, take the cable car back).
Lago Blu, a crisp alpine lake just off the main road, is a popular photo spot for the Matterhorn’s reflection in the clear waters.
The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing cable car, just opened in 2023, is Europe’s highest altitude border crossing. Passing between Italy and Switzerland, the ride takes 90 minutes each way, but includes multiple stops for you to get out and explore each unique vantage point. You can buy tickets here.
Alternatively, for a cheaper and less time-consuming trip, you can also take the cable car only as far as the Plateau Rosa stop. Straddling the border, you can still get your kitschy photo with one foot in Italy and one foot in Switzerland. There is also a small restaurant here, but the most memorable experience is the Grotta di Ghiaccio, an ice cave accessible via a 50-meter tunnel. You can connect to the Piccolo Cervino cable car from here, to reach it.
Climb the Ramparts of a Medieval Castle
For centuries, Aosta Valley has been a key strategic defense, from the time of the Romans to the more recent House of Savoy. That longstanding history has left numerous castles and fortifications dotting the valley, many of which are open to visitors.
Castello di Fenis, just a 15-minute drive from the town of Aosta, is the most visited castle in the region. Dating back to the 14th century, Fenis is renowned for its classic medieval architecture, including towers and boundary walls, beautifully restored frescoes, a weaponry, and more. Buy tickets.
The 12th century Castello di Saint-Pierre, just 10 minutes outside of Aosta, now houses the Regional Museum of Natural Science. It’s an educational exploration into the flora and fauna of Aosta Valley, all within the walls of the nearly 1,000-year–old castle. Buy tickets.
Lastly, those who prefer whimsy over ancient history will enjoy Castel Savoia. Built in the 19th century as Queen Margherita’s summer residence, the castle appears straight out of a storybook. Located near the village of Gressoney-Saint-Jean, the castle’s turrets rise above luscious woodland in the shadow of Monte Rosa. Buy tickets.
Soak in Healing Thermal Baths
Locals and visitors alike have long sought the healing thermal baths of the Aosta Valley, where even the ancient Romans reveled in a hot soak.
Today, two of the most popular baths include Pré-Saint-Didier (dating back to 1834, with views of Mont Blanc) and Saint-Vincent (operational since 1770).
Patrons credit the restorative waters with everything from improving circulation to healing gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments. But those simply looking to unwind in a spa-like setting will find that, too. Both locations offer a host of thermal pools, saunas, steam baths, treatments, and more.
Find Thrills at Parco Avventura Adventure Park
Situated just past Courmayeur in the hills above Pré-Saint-Didier, you’ll find numerous adventures and activities for all ages and levels of thrill-seeking. Footpaths wind through pine forests and open up to expansive views of Mont Blanc and the picturesque villages below.
Visitors can enjoy a glass-bottomed skyway rising high above the gorge, suspended obstacles and rope bridges, and even a 130-meter long zipline for the most adventurous.
Best of all, it’s free admission. Learn more at the Parco Avventura website.
Play in an Alpine Winter Wonderland
Unsurprisingly, during the winter months Aosta Valley is a veritable playground for all ages. Some of the most popular skiing can be found near Courmayeur (Mont Blanc) or Breuil-Cervinia (Matterhorn), while families and beginners may appreciate the gentler slopes of Pila, La Thuile, or Crévacol.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is also prevalent throughout the valley, although some of the best trails include the extensive trail network near Cogne, Val Ferret outside of Courmayeur, and Valtournenche (the longest valley in Aosta).
For a unique four-legged exploration, you can go dogsledding in either Courmayeur or Cervinia, where local snow-loving huskies (and their guides) will whisk you across a winter wonderland. A few of the primary operators include either Dogsledman in Courmayeur or The Husky Experience in Cervinia.
Featured image of Courmayeur courtesy Angelo Casto.