Aosta Italy reviews. Surrounding villages in Aosta

Aosta, the capital of the autonomous region, is a Romanesque, medieval, neoclassical and at the same time modern city, which is the center of both culture and tourism. This is a city with a population of about 35 thousand people, framed on one side by the greenery of the forest, and on the other - by alpine snows, it is the fourth highest regional center. The mountains seem to hug the city, trying to preserve its natural beauty.

This unique location creates a special climate in Aosta: here early summer and early winter, and the off-season - spring and autumn are much shorter than in other areas of northern Italy. The heat can come as early as May, and frosts - in November. Dry summers are accompanied by short but frequent thunderstorms, the hottest month of July is around 21°C. Winters are quite cold and snowy, with an average January temperature of 1°C.

Aosta is often chosen as a starting point, from where you can see the beauty of all the surrounding landscapes, since this area contains the most famous peaks of the Alpine arc, including Monte Bianco, Cervino - inexhaustible sources of exciting excursions. At any time of the year, these lands are interesting: in summer, nature lovers enjoy exploring mountain trails, in winter, modern ski routes await lovers active rest. However natural beauty- this is not all that Aosta has to offer. The city itself is interesting for its ancient center and numerous historical, artistic and cultural evidence.

Already in prehistoric times, this region was inhabited by the people of the megalithic culture, then the Celtic-Ligurian tribe of the Salassi settled here. As the legend tells, in 1158 BC. the ancestor of the Salasses, Cordelo, a descendant of the god Saturn (Kronos) and a friend of the mythical Hercules, founded the city of Cordelia here.

Archaeological area Saint-Martin-de-Corléans

Evidence of the presence of the Salasses here is the necropolis, several ancient graves, as well as Saint-Martin-de-Corléans - an archaeological zone of the megalithic period, which is located on the outskirts of Aosta and allows you to learn a lot about the prehistoric period of Europe. The archaeological zone covers an area of ​​9.821 sq. meters and is located at a depth of 4-5 meters. According to some hypotheses, this is what remains of the mythical city of Cordelia. During the excavations, numerous artifacts were found (glassware and ceramics, stone slabs with drawings), which are now in the Regional Archaeological Museum, and in the future will become exhibits of the museum, which will be built on the site of today's excavations, its opening is scheduled for 2013.

archaeological zoneSaint-Martin-de-Corleans.Photoregione. vda. it

Fortress walls and towers

The city walls of Aosta, which protected the city even in the Roman era, have been preserved almost unchanged, despite the fact that they have partially merged with other, more modern buildings. The walls are a 724 by 572 meter rectangle and the main gate is the Porta Pretoria, oriented to the side.

City gate of the Port of Pretoria. Photomedioevo. org

At the four corners of the fortress walls, as well as every 20 meters, there were quadrangular towers with windows in two rows - some of them have survived to this day. Tourists can take a walk along the walls about 3 km long and look at the preserved towers of Torre del Lebbroso, Tour Fromage, Torre del Pailleron.

Arch of August (Arco d'Augusto)

Behind the ancient city walls you can see the Arch of Augustus, built in 25 BC. on the occasion of the victory of the Romans over the Salassi. The arch stands near the eastern gate (Porta Praetoria), it consists of a single vault 11.40 meters high. In the XII century, the arch served as the dwelling of a noble local family, and in 1318 a small fortification was built in it, intended for crossbowmen.

Arch of Augustus. Photoitineritaly. it

The modern look of the arch is the result of its restoration and strengthening in 1912. A wooden crucifix, located under the vault of the arch - a copy of what was installed on this site in 1449 as a votive gift - so that the Buthier tributary flowing nearby would not overflow its banks. The ancient original of the crucifix is ​​kept in the Museum of the Cathedral Treasures of Aosta.

Collegiate Church of Saints Peter and Ursus

This church is the largest medieval building in the city, it was built in 994-1025, and the Romanesque bell tower was built already in 1131. Among its interior decorations, frescoes from the 15th century, wooden choir stalls from the 17th century, stained-glass windows and a Romanesque courtyard stand out.

Inner courtyard of the Church of Saints Peter and Ursus. Photoisolafelice.forumcommunity.net

Duomo of Aosta

One of the most interesting places Aosta - Cathedral Square (it is partially located on the site of the Roman forum), on which, as the name implies, the Duomo is located, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist. The original appearance of the cathedral of the XI-XII centuries in the Romanesque style has been preserved, the facade was decorated later, in 1526. Inside the cathedral is made in the Gothic style, here you can see several valuable stained-glass windows, wooden choirs of 1469 and the tombstone of Count Thomas II of Savoy.

Duomo of Aosta. Photoaostasera. it

From the Duomo, you have direct access to the Museum of the Cathedral Treasures, which houses some of the works of art that used to be in the Duomo and other churches in the region.

local holidays

The Fair of St. Ursus (Fiera di Sant'Orso) is held at the end of January in the center of Aosta. It is also called the "thousand-year" one, since it is believed that for the first time such a fair took place in the year 1000. And today more than a thousand craftsmen take part in it. More than 150,000 visitors from Valle d'Aosta and the surrounding regions come to the fair every year.

Handicrafts at the Saint Ursus Fair. Photopseudo-myblog.blogspot.it

Every two years, on the last Sunday of September, Aosta organizes the Désarpa festival (in the local dialect - descending from the Alpine pastures), the main participants of which are the cows descending from the high mountain pastures at the end of summer.

holiday momentDé sarpa. Photodiscoveryalps. it

The chain of Alpine mountains, which for a long time was insurmountable, predetermined the features local cuisine, almost entirely based on local products. Local products include fontina (soft cheese), lard, veal sanato, chestnuts, polenta, which is cooked here with butter and cheese.

Sanato. Photodonnamoderna.com

Valle D'Aosta is a small autonomous region of Italy, located at the junction of the borders of Italy, France and Switzerland.
It is the smallest province in Italy, north of Turin.
Historically, Valle d'Aosta speaks Italian and French, and the restaurants serve traditional Swiss fondue.

How to get to Aosta

Closest to the Aosta Valley international Airport- is in .
But while there are no direct flights from Russia, you can use Milan airport Malpensa as a starting point.
I booked a car at Milan airport and received it, an hour later I crossed the border of the province of Piedmont and Valle D'Aosta.

I can't imagine how you can travel to these places on public transport so I can recommend.
On the way from Malpensa to Aosta, navigation took us along toll-free narrow roads.
I will not recommend this route.
It is better not to regret 10-15 euros and go to the A4 Milan-Turin motorway, and then keep to Aosta.

Since this territory was a passing banner and in different times it was owned by different rulers and states.
And also because the valley connects northern Italy with Alpine France and Geneva - very, very many fortresses were built here.

We can say that while driving along the road from Bar (Bard) towards (Courmayeur) - the border with France - castles and fortresses will haunt you.
Therefore, one of the entertainments here is viewing and photographing the fortresses.

The second tourist attraction of the Aosta Valley is the surrounding mountains and the landscape that accompanies them.
In winter - mountain skiing - there is a large French ski resort of Chamonix and Mont Blanc nearby.
In summer, hiking and cycling routes along the branches of the valley to forests and mountain lakes.

The main city of the valley - Aosta - is famous for its Roman ruins, overlooking which we stopped.
We had a very short trip to Italy this time - for one night.
The hotel in Aosta that I can recommend is Ad Podium.

Aosta ski resort

We were in Aosta before the opening of the ski season.
But looking at the level ski infrastructure Aosta, it would never occur to me to go skiing here.
Aosta is a decent-sized metropolitan area with only one lift per small ski area.
It's more of a place to hang out and shop.

Surrounding villages in Aosta

In general, the landscapes here are pretty, but when compared with the landscapes ( south island), then Aosta fades and falls silent.
A couple of photos and that's it.
That is, Aosta can be one of the points in the route along

Valle d'Aosta is the smallest region of Italy, located in the northeast of the country, on the border with France, with which it is connected by a tunnel under Mont Blanc and the Piccolo San Bernardo Pass, and Switzerland, into which the tunnel under the Gran San Bernardo leads.

In contact with

The territory of the region is completely covered with mountains and surrounded by the most high peaks Italy and Europe: Mont Blanc (4810 m), Matterhorn (4478 m), Monte Rosa (4637 m) and Gran Paradiso (4061 m). People live mainly along the valleys formed by mountain rivers and glaciers. Due to global warming, glaciers in our time have survived only on the highest peaks.

Mount Monte Rosa / Shutterstock.com

The main border passes are called Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo and Colle del Gran San Bernardo. A through tunnel was dug under the latter.

In the south of Aosta is national park Gran Paradiso, founded in 1922 to protect rare alpine animals and plants (moufflons, sulfurs, marmots and ermines live here), as well as Natural Park mountains of Mont Avic.

Since the area is mountainous, the average temperature depends on the height above sea level. In the highlands, the climate is harsh, summers are short, and winters are long and cold; In the valleys, a typical continental climate is observed: in winter the temperature drops below 0, and in summer it can exceed 30 ° C, which, due to the lack of wind, leads to stuffiness. Precipitation falls in the form of snow all year round wherever the altitude exceeds 2400 m above sea level.


Night Aosta / Shutterstock.com

Tourism

The smallest region in Italy, surrounded by the highest mountains, offers its guests a huge wealth of choice. Virgin nature, traditional architecture, sports, culture, health tourism, haute cuisine: these are the elements that have made Aosta resort place already in the days of ancient Rome.
For riding on skiing you can go to famous resorts, but you can stay in smaller towns, where there are much fewer people. In addition to downhill skiing, here you can go cross-country skiing, freeride, heliskiing, snowkiting, freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

A single ski pass Valle d'Aosta (www.skivallee.it) allows you to use any ski lifts in the region, and even those that are outside of it (the resort of Alagna Valsesia in Piedmont and La Rosiere in French Savoie).


Castle of Baron Camba in Châtillon / Shutterstock.com

Aosta also has significant cultural heritage. From the era of Ancient Rome, the Gallic road remained, passing along the lower reaches of the Aosta Valley and bifurcating in the direction of the Piccolo San Bernardo Pass (France) and the Gran San Bernardo Pass (Switzerland). The system of roads and trails forms what was once the second most popular pilgrimage route in Europe, the road of the Franks. On it they moved from central Europe to Rome and back. Many churches, temples, chapels and crosses were built along it.
The special pride of Aosta is the Valdostan castles, a legacy of the feudal period. There are over a hundred of them! They rise at key heights, occupying a strategic position on the ground. Often they were built on the site of former Roman fortifications.

Wine and food


Friendship Cup / Shutterstock.com

Valle d'Aosta is a region known not only for the beauty and richness of its artistic and cultural heritage, but also for its enogastronomic achievements: traditional products widely known not only among the local population, recognizing their status as a symbol of their identity, but also among tourists who come to this region every year for vacation. These delicacies express the close cultural connection that unites people with their land. They have all the best that this land gives to the Valdostans, and all the wisdom and skill with which they cultivate it from time immemorial.
There are really a lot of traditional products in the region. Let's talk about some of them that you should definitely try if you want to get to know the spirit of this enchanting northern Italian region, enjoy its aromas and tastes.
Cheeses. The fresh and aged cheeses of Valle d'Aosta are appreciated by many experts and are known internationally. First of all, we are talking about Fontina cheese, which has been made here since the 15th century, and Formazo, a product with a protected designation of origin (DOP).
Meat delicacies. The famous Jambon de Bosses DOP ham, an integral part of the Valdostan meat plate, is produced at an altitude of 1600 m, in the homonymous village of Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, in the Valle del Gran San Bernardo valley. Salo Lardo d'Arnad DOP is a complex alchemy of water, salt, fragrant herbs and spices that are added to the product. It tastes good and is reminiscent of those herbs that go into brine: each slice is white, there may be a small layer of meat, and the core is slightly pinkish. It is stored in special containers made of chestnut, oak or larch. The first inventory of Arnad Castle in 1763 contains a record of four such containers stored in the kitchen. Let's not forget the prosciutto Saint-Oyen: this ham is made from the leg of a pig grown in Italy (Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Valle d'Aosta), flavored, roasted in an oven, and then lightly roasted over coals. Or about La Motsetta - dried meat from cow, sheep or goat muscles; in the old days it was made so that the meat was stored longer, and it was enough for the whole family for the winter. Salt, garlic, juniper branches and fragrant herbs are added to it; and keep it from a month to a year. Serve sliced ​​into thin slices with rye bread or croutons.
Honey. locals it has been produced for a long time according to ancient technologies, keeping its organoleptic properties unchanged.

Fruits. In sun-drenched orchards region grow mountain apples and pears with a rich taste and aroma and juicy pulp.

Black bread ("Panner"). It has been made in Valle d'Aosta for a long time, so it has recently received the status of a traditional agricultural product.

Genepie liqueur has ancient history, pleasant taste, digestive and balsamic properties.

Guilt. The Alps protect Valle d'Aosta from the north from cold winds, and from the west from wet ones, so the climate of the region is perfect for viticulture. Numerous testimonies confirm that this art was practiced here in the era ancient rome. Over the centuries of the region's history, the industry has experienced both good times and serious crises - for example, during the period of barbarian invasions.
After the Second World War, having received the status of an autonomous region, Valle d'Aosta managed to attract significant financial resources for the development of this area, which now lives extremely dynamically: local wines receive important awards, both Italian and international.
The main wines produced in the region are Blanc de Morgex et La Salle DOC from Prié Blanc grapes, Enfer d'Arvier DOC from Petit Rouge grapes and Chambave Muscat DOC from White Muscat grapes.

Grappa. If we talk about quality, then Valdostana grappa is definitely not worse than local wine, but in terms of production, grappa, of course, is inferior. This drink is a true friend of the mountain dwellers, an ideal digestif after rich meals made up of local specialties. The importance of this production for local traditions and special regional regulations even allow - within certain limits, of course - the distillation of grape pomace for family consumption. The distillation apparatus and other necessary tools begin to operate in late autumn (November and December), when local families, having gathered relatives and friends, begin this ritual of producing transparent nectar with a delicate aroma and dry taste. In addition to family production, there is, of course, industrial production; it allowed to expand the range of products, although it is still based on traditional technologies that give the drink a unique taste and naturalness.

How to get there

By plane
The nearest airport to Valle d'Aosta is in Turin. You can also use the airport of Milan, Bergamo and Geneva.
The main cities of Aosta can be reached from these airports by bus.

By car
The A5 motorway leads from Turin to Pont Saint Martin, the eastern gateway to the region. The distance is only 55 km. The distance to the capital of the region, Aosta, is already 98 km, and to Courmayeur - 136 km.
If you drive from Milan (164 km), then, moving along the A4 motorway, you need to turn onto Aosta at the interchange in Santia. To get to Aosta from Geneva, you need to drive 226 km.
You can also get to Aosta through France or Switzerland, through the tunnels of Mont Blanc and Gran San Bernardo along highways No. 26 and No. 27, respectively. In summer (June-October) you can also drive through the Piccolo and Gran San Bernardo passes.

By train
Going to Valle d'Aosta by train is a great alternative to traveling by car, as it avoids the traffic jams and fogs that are common here in the winter months, and also contributes to the fight against pollution. Aosta train station is located near the lower station of the funicular, which lifts to the ski resort of Pila. The railway connects Aosta with Turin (porta Nuova and Porta Susa stations), trains run quite often.
On average, the journey from Turin takes 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a change in Chivasso (or Ivrea). Intermediate stations (Pont-Saint-Martin, Verrès and Châtillon/Saint-Vincent) are connected to the transverse valleys by buses, the schedule of which is tied to the arrival and departure of trains.

From Aosta, you can drive to the picturesque Pre-Saint-Didier train station at the foot of Mont Blanc. This is the end station. The journey from Milan will take approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, with a change in Chivasso.

Official tourism website of the Valle d'Aosta region: www.lovevda.it

Aosta is the capital of an independent and very picturesque region. When I visited here for the first time, this small town seemed to me as if lost among high mountains.

It is also the most French of the Italian cities. Walking the streets, I often heard French speech than Italian! French names, French flags on the streets - everything suggests that France is within easy reach. Even the local Valdostan language, Patois, is a mixture of something incredibly ancient with French.

However, Aosta has never been Italian. People have settled here for centuries. Nationalities changed, conquerors came, bloody wars for territory were fought. Aosta went through everything and defended its autonomy.

How to get there

Aosta is located in northern Italy, almost on the border with France and Switzerland.

The easiest way to get there from Russia is by plane. From St. Petersburg and Moscow there are daily direct flights to Milan, you can also take a ticket to Turin, but in this case you will have to make a transfer. Then there are several options to get to Aosta. I will list them below.

By plane

Aosta does not have its own airport, so it is better to take a ticket to Milan. You can read more about how to get to this city at.

Most planes arrive at Malpensa, a large international airport. The most common air carriers are Aeroflot and Alitalia. There are flights every day, but it is better to book tickets in advance.

The Pobeda low-cost airline offers low ticket prices, but you need to read the baggage rules well. Information can be found on the carrier's website.

If it is more convenient for you to travel through, be prepared for transfers. In this case, the carrier will depend on the country where the transfer will be made. More often it french airport Charles de Gaulle. Ticket prices vary by season, carrier and distance. It will be more economical to take a ticket to Malpensa and, say, at least a month before departure. The earlier you buy a ticket, the more likely it is to do so on favorable terms.

You can find out about other airports located in nearby cities. Compare actual prices for tickets and find suitable options for yourself, for example,.

By train

From Milan

First, from the airport you will need to get to the central railway station Milan on a special bus. Travel fee: 10 EUR.

Then we take the train and go to Aosta. Trains of different classes run quite often: several times an hour. Travel time is 3 hours, you will need to make a change in the town of Chivasso. The minimum ticket price is 16.05 EUR. There are tickets and more expensive, it depends on the train and the level of comfort. I advise you to buy a ticket immediately to Aosta, it will be written there where to make transfers.

From Turin

There is also a special service from the airport to Turin train station. The ticket will cost 7.50 EUR and the travel time will be approximately 45 minutes.

Trains in the direction of Aosta depart from Porta Nuova and Porta Susa stations in Turin at intervals of one hour during peak times (less often in the evening). Travel time will be 2 hours 10 minutes. Also, as in the previous route, buy a ticket to Aosta. You will need to make a change in Chivasso, and it will be included in the fare. Most cheap ticket costs 9.45 EUR.

How to get from the train station to the center of Aosta

Railroad station in Aosta is located near the station cable car, connecting the city with the ski resort of Pila, and in close proximity to the historical center.

As you can see, everything is within walking distance.

Helpful information

A train ticket can be bought at the box office or at the station's machine, as well as via the Internet. Keep in mind that you must validate your ticket before departure. It often happens that tickets are not checked, but if the controller passes and you have a ticket, but it is not validated, the fine can be unexpectedly high.

If you are traveling together, then it will be most profitable to take tickets with departure on Saturday, since on this day the “Two tickets for the price of one” promotion is valid. This applies not only to Milan and Turin, but to most destinations for high-speed trains. All offers and discounts can be found at the ticket office of the station.

A detailed and thorough guide to railways Italy.

By bus

Aosta can also be reached from Milan or Turin by bus.

Here are the websites of bus companies that have flights between these cities and you can buy tickets online:

But if I were you, I would take the train. It's much more convenient than the bus.

By car

Rent a Car

if you have international law, you can rent a car at Milan or Turin airport. The car will cost approximately 30-50 EUR per day, depending on your preferences, of course. You can compare the prices of different rental companies and find the best option for you.

Route from Milan

Motorways in Italy are very good, but toll. From Milan to Aosta - 164 kilometers along the A4 highway. You need the Santhià junction, and then the direction to Aosta. Travel time will be approximately 2 hours if the traffic is not difficult.

Route from Turin

From Turin on the A5 motorway to Aosta is 115 kilometers (exit from the Aosta highway).

Taxi

Also at the airport it is possible to order a taxi at the appropriate counter with the inscription TAXI. It is better to find out the price in advance from the operator. Approximately your trip will cost 280 EUR. There is another option to agree on the cost personally with the taxi driver when leaving the airport. There you will always be offered this service (even if you don't need to!).

It is well and completely written about taxis in Italy. Read on for all the details!

shuttle

If you are arriving by plane at the airports of Turin (Caselle), Milan (Malpensa, Linate or) or Geneva, there is a convenient way - to use the shuttle buses connecting these airports with Aosta. But: these shuttles require a mandatory reservation (at least two days before your arrival) and run only on Saturdays and Sundays. This service is possible both for large companies and for a couple. The cost will depend on where you are coming from, how many people and probably the time of your arrival. Look for information about this method on the Internet.

Transfer to Aosta

The most comfortable way to get to Aosta (especially with ski equipment) is to book a transfer from the airport you need in advance. It is better to do this online, on the websites of large carriers. As a rule, you receive a confirmation email, and the driver is waiting at the exit of the arrivals area with a sign with your name on it. Payment of the full amount only upon arrival at the place.

Clue:

Aosta - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Yekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season. When is the best time to go

Aosta is good at any time of the year. Largest number tourists come in summer and winter. Rainy weather in the off season.

Aosta in summer

In general, it is very hot in Italy in summer, but a trip to the mountains can be a good solution for a Russian tourist who does not like to lie on the beach under scorching sun. In the summer, in the mountains, of course, there is also the sun, but it is not as hot as on the plain, besides, there is always a light breeze.


In addition to the historical center of Aosta, you can also enjoy the beauty of the local nature and go on an exciting journey along the mountain paths. Here you will rest both in body and soul, especially if you come from a big and dusty city like Moscow.

The temperature in summer usually ranges from +20 °С to +30 °С. During this period, there are a lot of fruits, and often they are not brought from distant lands, but grown on their own, on their own land, so eating them is a pleasure!

Aosta in autumn

Autumn is also a very good time to relax in nature. The variety of colors will not leave you indifferent. The only negative is the changeable weather and frequent rains. Temperature from +15 °С to +25 °С.

A very unusual and long-awaited period is the Indian summer (Estate di San Martino), when it would be time to say goodbye to warm days, but they continue to please! Indian summer falls in Aosta in the first half of November. At this time, persimmon and chestnut fruits are harvested, fun fairs are arranged.

Aosta in spring

I especially love spring!

During this period, the most optimal temperature for walking: +20 ° C, and everything still blooms and smells. In the markets you can buy fresh cherries, sweet cherries, strawberries and medlar.

Aosta in winter

Winters are mild here. There are, of course, frosts down to -15 °C, but mostly the temperature is from -5 °C to +5 °C.

At this time of the year, Aosta turns into real paradise for lovers of skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. Here is the famous ski resort of Pila - the usual place for the training of the Italian national team in alpine skiing.

It is also possible to ride for the whole family: from moms and dads to kids. If you don't know how to ski, it doesn't matter, the complex has ski school and experienced trainers will always help you.

Aosta - monthly weather

Clue:

Aosta - monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

Although Aosta is relatively Big city, there are a lot of different places for lodging, recreation and housing. These are traditional hotels with different numbers of stars, boarding houses, alpine chalets and villas with excellent service.

The city can be conditionally divided into two parts: the historical center and the rest of its territory.

Historical Center

I would advise you to stay in historical center or as close to it as possible. Choosing this zone, you kill two birds with one stone: all the sights of the city are at your fingertips, plus you can walk to the cable car to Pyla, forgetting about the car for a while.

From the point of view of economy, this is also beneficial: here the cost of hotel rooms and dinners in restaurants is two to three times less than in ski resorts or in places not too well known to tourists, such as Torgnon, Valtornenche, St. Vincent and Pre-Saint-Didier.

Personal experience

I liked the HB Aosta Hotel (I marked it on the map below). There are spacious rooms, decorated in different colors, with photo wallpaper, which depicts beautiful mountain landscapes. Friendly staff, traditional breakfast with local cheeses, Wi-Fi, spa area (for a fee), a spacious terrace with sun loungers (you can sunbathe if you wish) and parking (not included in the total price, 10 EUR per day).

Very convenient location - in the pedestrian area of ​​the historic center. By the way, if you want to choose this hotel and you will get there by car, I give a hint: at the entrance to the pedestrian zone there will be a sign prohibiting driving further into the territory by car (the word zona is in a circle on the map below). This sign can be ignored and safely drive under it, then there will be signs on how to get to the hotel. Clients can :)

If you are a lot of people and you want to stay in the city for a long period, then I advise you to rent an apartment.

Outside the historic center

The only place where I would not recommend staying is near the train station. Not that it is very dangerous there: on the contrary, everything is fine with security. It's just dirty and you will hear the noise of passing trains, which is not very pleasant, especially at night.

By choosing to stay overnight in the western part of the city, you will be closer to the motorway and other roads.

If you are not constrained in resources and comfort is important to you, you can opt for a zone outside the city. Housing there is more expensive, but the level of service is higher. One of the best hotels- Hotel Milleluci. This family friendly Alpine-style hotel is located on a hill 1 kilometer from the city, offering a beautiful view of Aosta and Pila.

Pyla resort

If you still prefer to be in close proximity to ski slopes, you can settle not in the city itself, but in a ski resort. There you will also find various hotels, chalets and apartments.

Helpful information

In general terms, I will talk about housing prices below. Before stopping somewhere, compare the options that are relevant for the dates of your trip (it is most convenient to do this), because there is always a chance that there is something cheaper. And you can book a suitable room at. Apartment offers can be searched at.

What are the prices for holidays

All payments here are made in euros. It is better to change the currency in advance in Russia: this way the exchange rate will be more profitable.

Housing

The cost of living in local hotels is quite low compared to neighboring, more popular ski resorts. It is best to take care of booking a room in advance. guests local hotels are travelers staying on vacation in other nearby resorts, it is the low cost of living that attracts them to Aosta.

For example, a hotel room can be found from 70 EUR, while in Courmayeur prices for hotels of the same class as in Aosta start from 120 EUR. You can save on accommodation by staying in a hostel or guest house, where the price per night will be from 30 EUR. The apartments will be beneficial for large companies coming to long term. So, a week of stay in an apartment will cost about 250 EUR.

Nutrition

Tourists who want to save on food should pay attention to the numerous bars of Aosta. Since the number of establishments is incredibly large, each of them tries to attract guests with great deals. So, ordering a glass of vintage wine, you can get an excellent dinner or a large platter of snacks as a gift. It is best to come to the bars immediately after opening, when the choice of dishes is quite large.

If you prefer to cook your own food, you can buy food from the Carrefour Express supermarket. It is located at: via Maggiore Giuseppe Cavagnet 3. The prices here are the best. A grocery basket will cost you about 30 EUR.

Leisure

Almost all museums and art galleries One day a week you can sign up for a tour for free.

Entrance to many cathedrals and churches is also free. Students will be pleased with a favorable system of discounts, so when going on a trip, it is important not to forget Required documents. Local malls often have great sales where you can buy clothes and shoes with a 50% discount.

Hint for students

You will be entitled to a discount upon presentation of a student card or receipt of tuition fees for the current year.

I advise you to make a plastic ISIC card, it is accepted everywhere, and there are no problems with it.

Main attractions. What to see

I remember Aosta as beautiful place with fabulous scenery. However, natural beauties are far from all that this medieval Romanesque town has to offer. It is interesting both for its ancient center and for numerous historical, artistic and cultural evidence.

As the locals told me, already at the time of the megalith, this region was inhabited, then the Celtic-Ligurian tribe of the Salassi settled here. According to legend, in 1158 BC, the founder of the Salasses, Cordelo, a descendant of the god Saturn (Kronos) and a friend of the mythical Hercules, founded the city of Cordelia here.

Top 5

Archaeological area Saint-Martin-de-Corléans

Evidence of the presence of the Salasses here is the necropolis, several ancient graves, as well as Saint-Martin-de-Corléans - an archaeological zone of the megalithic period, which is located on the outskirts of Aosta and allows you to learn a lot about the prehistoric period of Europe.

Just don't expect to see something out of the ordinary here like extensive excavations, sarcophagi with skeletons and archaeologists in helmets with light bulbs :). This is a small area that covers an area of ​​only 10 square meters and is located at a depth of 4-5 meters. Here you will see what remains of the mythical city of Cordelia.

During the excavations, numerous artifacts were found (glassware and ceramics, stone slabs with drawings), which are now in the Regional Archaeological Museum, and in the future will become exhibits of the museum, which will be built on the site of today's excavations.

Gate of Pretoria (Porta Pretoria)

Eastern entrance to the city of Aosta. The gate is named after the great emperor Augustus, whose full name at one time sounded like Augustus Pretoria Salassorum.

This is a huge stone structure that looks very ancient, having stood for almost 2 thousand years and is ready to stand for the same amount more!

The gates of Pretoria consist of stone blocks fastened together with crushed slate, which was mined from the bottom of the Dora-Baltea River, which at that time was very rich in this rock. The Romans, of course, are no match for modern builders. There are two rows and three hikes: the middle one was intended for carts, the side ones - for pedestrians. On both rows there are guard posts.

When I walked through these gates, I felt like the protagonist of a historical film. It seemed that I would pass right now, and the bridge would be closed with lifting bars!

Over time, the gate was altered several times. The north tower has been significantly rebuilt, the south one has retained the old features of ancient Roman architecture. In the Middle Ages, a chapel was built on top of the central arch of the eastern row. Under it was a baking oven, as evidenced by the dark soot stains on the stones that have survived to this day.

In general, the gates of Pretoria, as well as the whole city, leave an indelible impression even for those tourists who are difficult to surprise with the monuments of Roman times.

Arch of Augustus

It is located on the square of the same name in the eastern part of the historical center of the city, about 800 meters from the cathedral. The arch was built in 25 BC in honor of the victory of the Romans over the Salassi tribe, which I have already mentioned above.

The arch is built from blocks. Previously, it was on the same axis with Decumanus Maximus, not far from the eastern entrance to the city (Pretoria Gate). Decumanus Maximus was called the main street in ancient Roman cities, leading from east to west. In the XII century, the arch served as the dwelling of a noble local family, and in 1318 a small fortification was built in it, intended for crossbowmen.

The arch itself is quite large: its height is 11 meters and its width is 9 meters, which adds to it a certain impressiveness and power. So if you are in Aosta, do not miss the opportunity to take pictures with this majestic symbol of the city, but be careful: heavy traffic.

Roman theater (Teatro Romano)

Not far from the gates of Pretoria, on Via Baillage, there is a large Roman theater. His main feature is a wide monumental facade 22 meters high. This is the only part of the architectural complex on its southern side that has survived to this day. WITH reverse side only the seats for spectators, the stage and the side parts of the arcade survived.

Archaeological excavations have shown that the city had a vast space for spectacles. Indeed, the theater and the amphitheater, standing almost on the same axis, occupied three adjacent blocks near the city walls. The theater is supposed to have been built several decades after the founding of the city, probably in the early 1st century AD.

In summer, the theater hosts the Aosta Classica classical music festival.

Cryptoportic (Criptoportico)

An imposing underground gallery from the Roman period, around the creation and function of which archaeologists are still debating. It was also used in the Middle Ages, being converted into cellars and given the name Marche des Romains.

Access to the cryptoportic from piazza Giovanni XXIII (on the left side of the Aosta Cathedral). Go there with your kids, they will love it. This is a great place to play hide and seek!

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

In Italy, as in any Catholic country, churches are of great importance. There are several of them in Aosta, they are all very beautiful, but I will only talk about the main ones:


In any of the churches you can come to Mass. Please note that it is forbidden to enter here with bare shoulders and knees, you may be asked to cover yourself.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

Archaeological Museum

It is located in close proximity to the cathedral, in the northwestern part of the historical center of the city, on the territory of the former monastery. It was built on the site where the main left gate of the city used to be. During archaeological sites the remains of a gate have been found. You can also see them here.

The museum presents glass, terracotta vases, stone products, cups, plates, items for theatrical performances and folk games, cutlery, sculptural fragments and remains of frescoes, household items. Special attention given to the funeral cult of the ancient inhabitants of the region.

Address: Piazza Pierre-Leonard Roncas, 12.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday - 10:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00.

Ticket price - 7 EUR (5 EUR for persons under 18).

Treasury Museum of the Cathedral of Aosta

Here is a small but very interesting exposition of the gallery. It contains works of art from the Roman period, including a unique cameo from the 1st century, medieval tombstones and baroque jewelry.


Address: Piazza Giovanni XXIII.

Opening hours: Saturday to Sunday - 15:00 - 17:30, closed Monday - Friday.

Ticket price - 3 EUR, children free of charge.

parks

Aosta is a fairly green city, with big amount squares, there is also a park within the city - "Fontaine de Saint-Urs" (Parco Fontaine de Saint-Ours). It's very calm and beautiful here. perfect place for outdoor recreation.

There is a legend that during a period of drought many centuries ago, Saint Ursus did the impossible by making the water flow like a spring from a rock. In memory of this miracle, a small well with clean mountain water was installed, which you can find while walking along the narrow paths here.

This park has a very rich flora. You will learn about the main types of wild flowers and plants found on the territory on a special panel made in the form of a table.

There are some incredibly beautiful national parks but they are out of town. I will talk about them in.

tourist streets

If you find yourself in Aosta, be sure to walk through the city center, where the narrow streets meander. They are extremely interesting to wander around.

I will list some of them:

  • Via Croce di Città- there is a monument with a cross in honor of the expulsion of Lutherans from Aosta in the 16th century, and during the Christmas period there are many extraordinary shops.
  • Via E. Aubert- the street leads to the western entrance to the city and to Republic Square.
  • ViaForum leads to the cathedral.
  • Via de Tillier- Central street with many shops.
  • Via Porta Praetoria- the main street that leads to the gates of Pretoria.
  • Via Antica Zecca- Antique mint street.
  • Via Sant'Anselmo- the street leads to the eastern entrance to the city and the Arch of Augustus.
  • Via Sant'Orso leads to the College of Sant'Orso.
  • Via Antica Vetreria There used to be glass-blowing workshops here.

What to see in 1 day

Aosta is not a very big city, in one day you can see all the sights and visit, for example, the archaeological museum. For the ski resort of Pila or national parks, I advise you to take a separate day, because once you get there, you are unlikely to want to come back!

So, start the tour from Republic Square (Piazza della Repubblica). Continue on via E. Aubert towards via Croce di Città.

In Roncas Square (Piazza Ronkas) you will see Archaeological Museum. You can go on a tour.

Then look Cathedral(there is also a museum), it is located on Piazza Giovanni XXIII (piazza Giovanni XXIII).

Then go through piazza S.Caveri to central square piazza E. Chanoux. On the right side is Porta Praetoria street (there are many shops and souvenir shops). Consider that you are in the heart of Aosta: right in front of you is the Pretoria gate, and turning left you will find yourself at the Roman Theater.

Inspired by the grandeur of ancient Roman monuments, continue an amusing trip via Sant'Anselmo. There are many bars and restaurants, check it out for an aperitif!

Sant "Orso Street will lead you to the collegium of the same name, and then you will go to the Arch of Augustus. After passing through it along the Roman bridge, you can complete your tour of the city with a walk in the park.

How much time to spend, decide for yourself. In a day you will definitely have time for everything!

What to see in the surroundings

There are many things to see and do around Aosta. Each town has its own charms, I will talk about them in a separate article about the area. Here I will only mention two of the most beautiful castles.

Verres Castle

The fortress was built in the 14th century, but it has been perfectly preserved to this day and, moreover, is a permanent venue for a dance festival.

Near the castle there is an excellent Observation deck from which you can admire the picturesque surroundings of the city.

From the city to the fortress 37 kilometers, it is most convenient to get there by car.

Issogne Castle

No less beautiful architectural monument is Isson Castle, the first mention of which dates back to the 12th century.

On the walls of the castle you can see interesting inscriptions made by the owners and servants living in it. In the courtyard there is an intricate fountain in the shape of a pomegranate, which has also become a kind of symbol of the castle.

This place is located near Verres, 40 kilometers from Aosta. It is best to go there by car.

Food. What to try

Food in Italy is part of the culture, I would even say that for Italians it is a cult. It is appropriate to talk about food at any time of the day, and the more enthusiastic, the better! Often after the standard "how are you?" the question “what did you eat today?” may follow, and every self-respecting Italian will begin to tell with pleasure what he ate and how it was prepared.

Since this Wonderland very fragmented, each region has its own traditional dishes that locals can proudly praise for hours. The cuisine of Aosta is quite fatty, it is based on meat (you can hardly find fish here), milk, mushrooms, vegetables and herbs. They make a huge amount of cheeses here (which I have never heard of before), and this region also boasts a large selection of homemade wines and, of course, sweets. Briefly about the main:



Here I have listed only some of the dishes, read about the rest of the features of regional cuisine in the article about.

The most popular restaurants are:

  • Europe. It receives guests every day except Sunday. Visitors are offered to taste classic dishes of European cuisine. The spacious hall is perfect for organizing and holding celebrations.
  • Osteria Nando. Located a few steps from the city center. The menu is based on regional cuisine. Part of the tables of the restaurant is located on a beautiful terrace surrounded by rich greenery. Osteria Nando is perfect for family vacation, its specialties are meat delicacies with mushrooms and fresh vegetable salads.
  • Hostaria del Calvino. I really liked this tavern. It has good service, delicious traditional food and an old frescoed interior.

The average bill in these places will be about 20 EUR per person.

Budget

  • Ristorante Pizzeria Caesar (Via Giorgio Elter 20, tel.: +39 0165 361241),
  • Officina della pasta (Via Sant "Anselmo 65, tel.: +39 0165 040005),
  • Opificio del Gusto Panineria (Via de Lostan 27, tel.: +39 0165 236680),
  • Ristorante Pizzeria Moderno (Via Edouard Aubert 21, tel.: +39 0165 35669).

Intermediate level

  • Osteria La Vache Folle (Piazza Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto 14, tel.: +39 0165 230845),
  • Agriturismo La Reina (Località Saint-Benin 17/A, 11020 Pollein, tel.: +39 0165 253775),
  • Trattoria Aldente (Via Croce di Citta" 34, tel.: +39 0165 194596),
  • La Vineria (Via Sant "Anselmo 121, tel.: +39 0165 610143).

Expensive

  • Giuliani Ristorante (Via Sant "Anselmo, 49, tel.: +39 0165 610637),
  • Il Vecchio Ristoro (Via Tourneuve 4, tel.: +39 0165 33238).

The latter is considered the best restaurant of national cuisine. Excellent mussels with spicy sauce, gnocchiti with zucchini, lamb baked in beer with onions and herbs - these are just a few culinary masterpieces that the chef of the restaurant can please visitors with. The Vecchio Ristoro restaurant has quite a lot of regular customers, so it is recommended to book tables in advance.

Holidays

Italians are very noisy and cheerful people who love holidays and festivities with all their hearts. Here are some of them:

Marché Vert Noel Christmas Market

What could be brighter and more colorful than a Christmas market? In the center of Aosta, on Kaveri Square, a traditional Christmas market is open from December 1 to January 6. There you can taste local cuisine, wines, buy handicrafts and a variety of Christmas souvenirs.

Every day, guests will be able to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere, as well as choose gifts for themselves and their loved ones. At the Christmas market, you will be able to buy candles, handmade soap, ceramics, wood-carved souvenirs, various antiques, accessories and clothes made of wool, lace, Christmas decorations, traditional delicacies from Valle d'Aosta, pastries, sweets and much more.

In addition, in December, on Saturdays, an exhibition and sale of antiques takes place on the main square of Aosta.

Swap meet- a great place to find old Christmas decorations, paintings and lithographs, coins, dishes, embroidery and other things from the past.

Craft Fair Sant Orso (Fiera di Sant "Orso)

It takes place annually on 30 and 31 January. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. The best works of Valdostan artisans are exhibited on the streets of the city.

The event is famous for folk festivals. Every year, about a thousand exhibitors present the fruits of their labor with pride and legitimate satisfaction: handicrafts made in their spare time, or professional works made in an equally sincere artisanal manner.

All traditional crafts are represented here: sculpture and woodcarving, works made of soapstone, wrought iron and dressed leather, dra textiles (woolen fabric woven on old wooden looms), and, of course, lace, baskets, household items, wooden stairs, barrels ...

During the fair, the special features of the identity of the people of Valle d'Aosta are revealed. This is not only a noisy fair festivity of unprecedented scope, but also a celebration of local residents belonging to their culture.

In the Middle Ages, the fair took place on the outskirts of Aosta, in the area adjacent to collegiate church, which is called Sant'Orso (hence the name of the fair). Legends say that it all started right in front of the church, where the saint, who lived before the 9th century, used to distribute clothes and clogs to the poor - traditional wooden shoes that are still presented at the fair to this day. Now the entire city center inside and outside the city wall, built during the Roman Empire, participates in the folk festival.

The fair is music, folklore and a convenient opportunity to take part in gastronomic wine tastings and traditional dishes. This is a real folk festival, the highlight of which is Veia - a vigil on the night of January 30-31, when the streets are lit and full of people until dawn.

Carnivals

Held from 21 to 28 February. Knightly fights, processions in luxurious costumes of the Middle Ages, tastings of local wines and cheeses, performances by folklore groups gather a lot of people. This is a real explosion of color, music, dance and costumes.

In the fair festivities, in addition to regional ones, groups from other regions of the Alps and regions of Italy participate, which represent the traditions of the mountain peoples associated with the carnival.

The column, which includes hundreds of characters in masks and carnival costumes, passes through the streets and squares of the historic center of Posta. The procession ends at Shanu Square with a festive musical performance. The gaiety of the masks and the majestic solemnity of historical characters embody carnival traditions different districts the Aosta valley.

San Giovanni

The summer season of local folklore opens with festive bonfires on the night of June 24, on the eve of the feast of St. Giovanni. According to ancient belief, the sun (fire) binds itself in marriage to the moon (water). Hence the rituals with bonfires and dew, present in the peasant and folk tradition.

Bonfires that burn that night in the fields and on the slopes of the mountains are considered an auspicious sign, this custom is found in many European and North African religions. Bonfires also serve for purification: therefore, old and unnecessary things are thrown into them so that the smoke from them drives away evil spirits and witches.

Classic Aosta (Aosta Classica)

If you appreciate classical music, then this festival will appeal to you. It runs from July to August.

Safety. What to watch out for

In Aosta, you can not be afraid of anything, everything is calm. Even if you leave your phone, wallet or bag at the bar (or somewhere else), you will find everything in the same place. The locals will always tell you if something has fallen or if you have forgotten something. There are practically no immigrants in this city. You can confidently walk the streets and not be afraid of anything. However, this does not mean that you need to relax and lose focus. Be vigilant at the station and with a large crowd of people.

Things to do

In Aosta, at any time of the year, you will have something to do. This is especially true in summer and winter.

Shopping and shops

Shopping while walking

Shopping lovers should definitely walk the streets Via Croix de Ville And Via de Tiller, where fashionable shops and fashion boutiques are located.

I marked them in red on the map above.

outlets

Lovers of economical shopping will like the store Vestebene Factory Store. Here you can also buy clothes from the world's leading brands with huge discounts.

Goods for sports

Athletes should go to shopping mall where you can buy clothes and sports equipment of famous brands. It, like other complexes, unites dozens of stores, including Calvin Klein, Woolrich and boutiques of local manufacturers.

If you go there by car, take the A5 highway (- Aosta) to the exit onto the A27 road and continue from the junction according to the sign for Località Amerique, 9. Opening hours:

  • Monday - 15:00–19:30,
  • Tuesday to Saturday - 9:30-12:30 and 15:30-19:30.

Tourists also do not ignore the shops. Courmayeur (Courmayeur) . They are located on the old main street. In Courmayeur, you can buy high-quality sportswear and items from Italian designers.

Bars. Where to go

Walking around the city, do not miss the opportunity to look into the bar for a cup of fragrant cappuccino, hot chocolate or something stronger:

  • Bar Gelateria Colombo (Via Edouard Aubert 55),
  • Caffe Nazionale (Piazza Emile Chanoux 9),
  • Bar L "Incontro (Edouard Aubert 6),
  • Kakaòthè (Viale Conte Eduard Crotti 5/7),
  • La Bottega Degli Antichi Sapori - Le Bar a Vin (Via Porta Pretoria 55а).

extreme sports

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

In summer, in September and December, handicraft fairs are held. As a memorable souvenir, you can buy lace, wooden products, ceramics, as well as inexpensive, but original decor items and antiques.

One of the most common souvenirs that tourists buy as a keepsake is grolla. This is an interesting teapot with multiple spouts, usually made of wood. The idea of ​​the teapot is that friends drink from the same teapot and thus strengthen friendship. You don’t have to worry about the drink, it won’t spill in different directions, since the top of the kettle is covered with a lid, and friends carefully drink each from their spout (that is, you don’t need to pour the contents into cups). You can buy an original souvenir in any craft shop.

How to move around the city

There are no buses in the historical center, everyone walks, as the distances are short. There are buses outside this zone. The fare is 1.50 EUR. Detailed information and see the schedule

Have something to add?

Valle d'Aosta. Photo: Ferruccio Zanone/flickr.com

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Valle d'Aosta- Italy's smallest autonomous region. Despite its small size, the region has hundreds cultural monuments, has natural resources and developed infrastructure. In Valle d'Aosta, everyone will find entertainment to their liking, whether it's conquering the slopes, shopping, spa holidays or a trip into Italy's past.

Geography of the region

The region is located in the northwestern part of Italy in the Alpine valley. She is surrounded Mountain peaks Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, and in general the Valle d'Aosta area is quite mountainous. The region borders on France, which is reflected in its culture - French is used as a second language, and Italianization began only under Mussolini.

Not in Valle d'Aosta major airports. But getting to the area is not difficult. The easiest way to get there is from the airports of Turin (100 km) or Milan (185 km). These cities are connected with the autonomy established bus service and freeways.

Valle d'Aosta Map

Big cities

There are almost no big cities in the region. On average, the population of each does not exceed 3,000 people. The only exception is Aosta, which performs the functions administrative center. For locals, the capital of autonomy is a source of pride. Aosta is surrounded by areas for skiing and amazing landscapes. It is a city of art galleries, Roman ruins and spas, as well as medieval monuments.

At the same time, Aosta is a modern city with dozens of hotels. It is often chosen as the starting point for travel throughout the Valle d'Aosta. The Italians themselves and some tourists choose Aosta to travel in January, when the artisan festival is held here on a grand scale.

Climate Valle d'Aosta

From all sides the region is surrounded by impregnable mountains, so it is characterized by a typical alpine climate. The highlands of Valle d'Aosta have cold summers and harsh snowy winters- the temperature can drop down to -15 °C. On the plains, the climate is continental - in summer the air is warmed up to +30 °C, and in winter the temperature reaches -1 °C. The dry summer season is sometimes broken by rains with thunderstorms.

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Sights of the region

A significant part of the sights is concentrated in the city of Aosta and around it. On the outskirts there is an archaeological zone, where many ancient artifacts have been found: from stone slabs with drawings to pottery. All of them are kept in the Regional Museum. The fortress walls of Aosta are well preserved. They protected the city back in the Roman era, and now they have almost merged with modern buildings. Tourists can walk along the city walls and see the surviving towers and gates.

Among the interesting places of Aosta is the Duomo Square with the cathedral. Its facade is close to the Romanesque style, while inside the cathedral is decorated in the Gothic tradition. In the Duomo you can see old stained glass windows. And in the cathedral museum - get acquainted with the works of church art.

Valle d'Aosta became famous medieval castles. There are more than a hundred of them throughout the region, but only a few are well preserved. Not far from Aosta, on a picturesque hill, stands the castle of Klee. From point of view architectural solutions this 12th-century monument is rather primitive. But its location and the remains of an old Romanesque church nearby make the castle interesting for tourists.

Much more remarkable is the architecture of St. Peter. Built in the 12th century, it passed from one dynasty to another. And each owner brought something new to the structure of the building. In the 19th century, the castle acquired a fabulous look due to the addition of decorative towers.

No less interesting is the well-preserved castle of Isson, built in the Renaissance style. It became famous for its pomegranate-shaped fountain and unique frescoes in the style of rare Alpine paintings from the Middle Ages. It is curious that the inscriptions left by its inhabitants, servants and visitors survived on the walls of the castle. Once inside, you can climb into the chic chambers of the former owners of the castle, decorated with family coats of arms.

Holidays in Valle d'Aosta

Outside of Italy, this region is widely known as a winter holiday destination. All ski resorts autonomies are located nearby, and the owners of a single ski pass can even visit the slopes of neighboring France. Among the resorts of Aosta, Courmayeur stands out. Since ancient times, it has been popular among Europeans as a destination with a healing climate. Today, luxury hotels operate here and more than 100 km of slopes are available for skiing. Pyla is another resort with a free ski area and a snowboard park. In terms of infrastructure, it is not inferior to its neighbors: there are clubs, swimming pools, a casino and more than 20 restaurants.

But the opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts do not end there. The region has a well-developed network of high-mountain cycling routes, mountain climbing and trekking are available. And for those who want to relax in Valle d'Aosta, all the benefits of spa tourism are available. Not far from Courmayeur there is a large thermal complex. These baths have been known since antiquity - the procedures have a positive effect on the entire body, especially in combination with the influence of mountain air.

Shopping in Valle d'Aosta

At the end of January, large fairs are held in Aosta. Here you can buy lace, wooden products, and ceramics as a souvenir. In summer, in September and December, another popular fair is held in the village of Verres. Here, tourists have the opportunity to buy inexpensive, but original decor items and antiques.

The city of Aosta attracts with its many boutiques. The center presents both Italian brands and international brands. But the widest selection of accessories and clothing is in the outlet. It brings together dozens of stores, including Calvin Klein, Woolrich and boutiques of local manufacturers. Shopping lovers do not ignore the shops of Courmayeur. They are located on the old main street. In Courmayeur, you can buy high-quality sportswear and items from Italian designers.

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