Aosta Valley

Italy > Aosta Valley

The autonomous region in the north-west of Italy, bordered by France and Switzerland, is characterized by its alpine landscape, rich history and distinctive culture. Covering an area of 3,260.85 square kilometers, it is home to 0.1 million people (as of January 2022), making the Aosta Valley a charming and authentic place.

History and cultural diversity of the Aosta Valley

The Aosta Valley has an impressive history dating back to Roman times. The capital Aosta, also known as the “Rome of the Alps”, was founded in 25 BC and was once a strategic hub at alpine crossings. Even today, well-preserved Roman remains such as the Arch of Augustus, the Roman theater and the city walls bear witness to this past. A stroll through Aosta’s historic old town is like a journey through the centuries.

After Roman times, the region was shaped by the Franks and later by the Kingdom of Sardinia. These diverse influences are reflected in the architecture, traditions and language. Alongside Italian, French is an official language in the Aosta Valley, and the inhabitants proudly maintain their bilingualism to this day. In more remote valleys, an old Franco-Provençal dialect is still spoken, which is considered a valuable cultural heritage.

The alpine landscape: a paradise for nature lovers

The majestic alpine landscape is the heart of the Aosta Valley. With more than 200 glaciers and countless rivers and lakes, the region is one of the most important water reservoirs in Italy. The Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy’s first national park, is a highlight for nature lovers. Here you can observe ibex, chamois and marmots in their natural habitat and explore the unspoiled nature on numerous hiking trails.

In winter, the Aosta Valley turns into a Mecca for winter sports enthusiasts. Ski resorts such as Courmayeur on Mont Blanc and Cervinia on the Matterhorn offer excellent conditions for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. State-of-the-art lifts, well-prepared pistes and spectacular panoramas make skiing here an unforgettable experience.

But the region also has a lot to offer in summer. The mountains and valleys are an Eldorado for hikers, climbers and mountain bikers. Popular hiking destinations include the Gran Paradiso summit, the only four-thousand-metre peak located entirely in Italy, and the alpine valleys of Val Ferret and Val Veny, which will delight you with their wild flower meadows and clear mountain streams.

Culinary highlights: A symbiosis of Italy and France

The cuisine of the Aosta Valley is strongly influenced by the Italian and French Alpine regions and reflects the geographical location of the region. Hearty dishes perfectly attuned to the alpine climate prevail on the menus. Polenta Concia, a creamy polenta with melted Fontina cheese and butter, is one of the region’s best-known dishes. Game dishes such as venison or deer goulash are also typical of the Aosta Valley.

Fontina cheese, a semi-soft cheese with protected designation of origin, is the culinary flagship of the region. It is used in many dishes, including the famous fondue, which is particularly popular on cold winter evenings. Raclette, another specialty, is often served with local sausages and potatoes.

Wine production also plays an important role in the Aosta Valley. Despite the steep slopes and limited cultivation areas, excellent grape varieties thrive here. The Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle, an elegant white wine, and the Torrette, a powerful red wine, are just two examples of the quality of the regional wines. Many wineries offer tastings where you can discover the diversity and flavors of alpine wines.

Charming villages and towns in the Aosta Valley

In addition to the capital Aosta, known for its Roman ruins and charming old town, the Aosta Valley is home to numerous picturesque villages and towns. Courmayeur, located at the foot of Mont Blanc, is an elegant ski town, which also impresses in summer with its alpine atmosphere and exclusive boutiques. Here you will find the Skyway Monte Bianco, a spectacular cable car that takes you to an altitude of over 3,400 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

In Cervinia, one of the highest ski resorts in Europe, you can ski all year round, as the glacier slopes are also open in summer. The village is also an ideal starting point for hikes and excursions in the mountains.

Cultural highlights include the small village of Fenis with its imposing medieval castle, which impresses with its frescoes and well-preserved fortifications. Other places worth visiting are Valpelline, a remote valley known for its tranquil atmosphere and traditional architecture, and Valgrisenche, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Real estate in the Aosta Valley: living in the Alps

The Aosta Valley is an attractive destination for anyone who dreams of living in the mountains. The region is home to a wide range of properties, from modern apartments in Aosta to rustic chalets and traditional stone houses in remote villages. The restored farmhouses are particularly charming and often offer breathtaking views of the Alps.

Property prices in Valle d’Aosta vary depending on location and amenities, but are often cheaper compared to other alpine regions such as Switzerland. Many houses in the valleys or away from the tourist centers offer excellent value for money and are ideal for people looking for a quiet life surrounded by nature.

Insider tips and recommendations for the Aosta Valley

The Aosta Valley offers numerous hidden gems off the beaten track. The Cogne Valley, known for its traditional wooden houses and its location in the Gran Paradiso National Park, is an idyllic place for nature lovers. In winter, the valley attracts cross-country skiers, while in summer it delights with its flower meadows and hiking trails.

Another insider tip is the Val d’Ayas, a picturesque valley with unspoiled nature and traditional mountain villages. Here you can immerse yourself in the authentic life of the Aosta Valley and enjoy the tranquillity of the Alps. The Bard fortress, a well-preserved 19th century complex, is also an impressive destination that combines culture and history.

Aosta Valley – the ideal place for a new life

The Aosta Valley offers an exceptional quality of life, characterized by the beauty of the Alps, a rich history and a warm-hearted population. The region combines the advantages of living in the mountains with an excellent infrastructure and a diverse cultural offering. Whether you are looking for the tranquillity of nature, love sporting challenges or simply want to enjoy the alpine lifestyle – the Aosta Valley has something for everyone. Moving to this region means becoming part of a unique community and enjoying the spectacular scenery and fresh mountain air every day.

The Aosta Valley is not divided into provinces. It consists of 74 municipalities, which we would like to introduce to you here.

• Allein
• Antey-Saint-André
• Aosta
• Arnad
• Arvier
• Avise
• Ayas
• Aymavilles
• Bard
• Bionaz
• Brissogne
• Brusson
• Challand-Saint-Anselme
• Challand-Saint-Victor
• Chambave
• Chamois
• Champdepraz
• Champorcher
• Charvensod
• Châtillon
• Cogne
• Courmayeur
• Donnas
• Doues
• Emarèse
• Etroubles
• Fontainemore
• Fénis
• Gaby
• Gignod
• Gressan
• Gressoney-La-Trinité
• Gressoney-Saint-Jean
• Hône
• Introd
• Issime
• Issogne
• Jovençan
• La Magdeleine
• La Salle
• La Thuile
• Lillianes
• Montjovet
• Morgex
• Nus
• Ollomont
• Oyace
• Perloz
• Pollein
• Pont-Saint-Martin
• Pontboset
• Pontey
• Pré-Saint-Didier
• Quart
• Rhêmes-Notre-Dame
• Rhêmes-Saint-Georges
• Roisan
• Saint-Christophe
• Saint-Denis
• Saint-Marcel
• Saint-Nicolas
• Saint-Oyen
• Saint-Pierre
• Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses
• Saint-Vincent
• Sarre
• Torgnon
• Valgrisenche
• Valpelline
• Valsavarenche
• Valtournenche
• Verrayes
• Verrès
• Villeneuve

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The Aosta Valley is the smallest region in Italy and is known for its cultural proximity to France.

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