The small mountainous region of Aosta Valley is tucked in the north west of Italy and borders the French Alps, Switzerland. It’s the smallest and least populated region in the country and isn't split into provinces because of its size!
But it does have 74 lovely communes full of pretty towns and villages that have lots to offer the curious tourist. The weather can get bitterly cold here during the winter months and is mild during the summer but be sure to bring warm clothes to protect against a sharp wind blowing down from the alps!
French and Italian are both official languages spoken in Aosta Valley because of its proximity to France. It was conquered by Rome in 25 BC; many new roads and mountain passes were constructed to encourage better communication between the towns and other regions.
But it does have 74 lovely communes full of pretty towns and villages that have lots to offer the curious tourist. The weather can get bitterly cold here during the winter months and is mild during the summer but be sure to bring warm clothes to protect against a sharp wind blowing down from the alps!
French and Italian are both official languages spoken in Aosta Valley because of its proximity to France. It was conquered by Rome in 25 BC; many new roads and mountain passes were constructed to encourage better communication between the towns and other regions.
Although this has greatly helped the region to prosper in some ways, it’s still an area that likes to keep to itself. There are strong traditions of self sufficiency and self governing that keep the people of Aosta Valley content with the little part of Italy that’s theirs.
Tourists have lots to see and do here; taste the delicious cheeses made from the milk of mountain herds. Sample the rich rustic dishes that use staple ingredients like potatoes, cured meats, bread and soups. If you’re feeling particularly brave, why not try a local delicacy which is salted cows udder which has been cooked and sliced! Aosta Valley traditional food is certainly not something to be missed!
Although Aosta Valley is only a very small wine producing region, it can boast to having one with DOC status, ‘Valle d’Aosta DOC’ so enjoy a glass of it as you try some of the superb local cuisine?
Tourists have lots to see and do here; taste the delicious cheeses made from the milk of mountain herds. Sample the rich rustic dishes that use staple ingredients like potatoes, cured meats, bread and soups. If you’re feeling particularly brave, why not try a local delicacy which is salted cows udder which has been cooked and sliced! Aosta Valley traditional food is certainly not something to be missed!
Although Aosta Valley is only a very small wine producing region, it can boast to having one with DOC status, ‘Valle d’Aosta DOC’ so enjoy a glass of it as you try some of the superb local cuisine?
If you love the great outdoors then this is the perfect region for you to visit on your next Italian holiday; there’s several excellent ski slopes like Courmoyeur, Pila and Champoluc in the Alps along the border.
Or take a day or two to walk around Aosta, the biggest town in Aosta Valley or the charming town of Bard?
This welcoming town is surrounded by majestic mountains and offers tourists a fine selection of delicious eateries, crafts, local food delicacies, fine wine and plenty of fascinating ancient Roman monuments.
Stroll around the ancient Sant ‘Orsa fair is held here every January that hosts artisans of every imaginable craft; including pottery, sculpture, wood carving, cheese makers and much more. Why not treat yourself to a stay in a cosy vacation villa tucked up into the foothills of the French Alps that offer breathtaking views of this region? Be sure to bring your camera if you do!The charming little region of Aosta Valley would be an excellent vacation destination on your next trip to Italy!
Or take a day or two to walk around Aosta, the biggest town in Aosta Valley or the charming town of Bard?
This welcoming town is surrounded by majestic mountains and offers tourists a fine selection of delicious eateries, crafts, local food delicacies, fine wine and plenty of fascinating ancient Roman monuments.
Stroll around the ancient Sant ‘Orsa fair is held here every January that hosts artisans of every imaginable craft; including pottery, sculpture, wood carving, cheese makers and much more. Why not treat yourself to a stay in a cosy vacation villa tucked up into the foothills of the French Alps that offer breathtaking views of this region? Be sure to bring your camera if you do!The charming little region of Aosta Valley would be an excellent vacation destination on your next trip to Italy!
Photo credits
picture 1: Rollopack / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Tinelot Wittermans / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Che / CC BY-SA 2.5
picture 1: Rollopack / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Tinelot Wittermans / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Che / CC BY-SA 2.5
