Chalet Valle d’Aosta

In the northwestern part of Italy, you will find the beautiful region named Aosta Valley. This province is the smallest in the country and it borders France and Switzerland to the north. Despite being so small, Valle d’Aosta is home to the two highest peaks throughout the Alps – Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.

Aosta Valley will enchant you with its alpine landscape and unique culture mix as the locals have taken something from the Italians, something from the French and something from the Swiss. We offer traditional alpine-style chalets, open throughout the year. The hosts will readily welcome you into their homes, ensuring you have everything you might need on your alpine adventure. The chalets are equipped with modern facilities, so that you can feel comfortable and taken care of.

The nature in the Alps

The most prominent part of the French Alps in the Aosta Valley region are the Graian Alps. There is a vast protected area on them, which has been recognized as a national park – Gran Paradiso. At the beginning of the 19th century, the crown prince Victor Emmanuel had an idea to try to preserve the population of the Alpine ibex by turning its main territory into an official royal hunting ground. Today there are more than 4,000 ibexes roaming in the area. Due to the mountainous terrain and the presence of glaciers on more than 10% of the park’s territory, breathtaking views welcome those who are keen on undertaking strenuous hikes up the mountain.

Another stunning place to visit is the Paradisia Alpine Botanical Garden, named after the unique flower Paradise lily. This flower grows in several locations throughout the world and is considered one of the rarest finds for flora-enthusiasts. In this garden it thrives on the meadows. Except for the Paradise lily, you have a chance to see more than 1,000 other plant species, as well as to spend some time in the butterfly garden, where rare and exotic butterflies will land on you for a meet and greet.

Activities

Did you know that Aosta Valley is one of the most famous places in Europe for rafting? The Dora Baltea is a river often divided into numerous alpine streams, which offers visitors the chance to enjoy some water-based activities such as canoeing, kayaking and rafting. If you would like to enjoy the river from the side, you can either sunbathe on its bank or try rock climbing on the high cliffs to its sides.

The mountainous setting of the valley is perfect for hikers and mountaineers. Bear in mind that any route includes a strenuous ascend which is definitely not suitable for beginners. Gran Paradiso National Park for example has a huge network of paths continuing for more than 700 km as a whole. Some of these paths were actively used in the 19th century and are still in use today.

Cycling and mountain biking are not as popular, although there are facilities organized for these sports, too. For example, mountain bikers might enjoy the Piamprato-Grangia Cia Vanessa route with its gentle climb to the village, scenic panoramas and a breath-taking descent.