CNA - To slow down the pace

Slowing Down: Trekking to Chalet de L'Epée Refuge, Grand Haury and Montmayeur, Visits to the Villages of Avise, Arvier, and Leverogne

Our journey through the Valgrisenche will allow us to explore not only its magnificent and imposing landscapes but also its history and the lives of the local populations.

We will start from the Beauregard dam, which, more than other structures, has left indelible marks of its development in the valley. Along the trails that run alongside it, one can see the remains of the now-abandoned villages that were submerged when the dam operated at full capacity in its early years. Today, its capacity has been drastically reduced, and it is possible to walk along its banks observing what has re-emerged.

We will hike towards the Chalet de l'Epée refuge, entering a very picturesque forest dotted with centuries-old larches and breathtaking views. Immersed in nature and surrounded by glaciers, streams, and waterfalls, we will enjoy a guided hike of medium intensity, suitable even for occasional trekkers. We can stop for a lunch break with a panoramic view of the highest surrounding peaks, including Monte Ormelune, Testa del Rutor, and the Mont Blanc massif closing the horizon to the northwest.

After descending and returning to the meeting point, we will move to the village of Capoluogo, a small center that preserves the culture of Valgrisenche. Here, we will immerse ourselves in the tradition of sheep wool weaving on looms, a craft that has represented the valley's main artisanal specialty since the 18th century. This ancient craft is now preserved by the cooperative Les Tisserands, which will welcome us with a hot drink and some other refreshments before taking us inside their atelier. The workshop, ancient looms, weaving demonstrations, and the making of their products today will reveal the meeting of tradition and innovation. We will experience firsthand the uniqueness and quality of their handcrafted items, which will be available for purchase, ordering, or simply trying out.

There will be time for relaxation before moving to Hotel Perret, where a new itinerary of local dishes and products tasting awaits us. A dinner will immerse us in the gastronomic tradition of the territory.

The second day will take us to discover the history of the lower valley through an itinerary that will unfold among medieval villages and castles. Accompanied by our tourist guides, we will start the day's activities by visiting the small village of Grand Haury, a hamlet of Arvier that has benefitted from its proximity to the Alpine forests. We will immerse ourselves in the warm colors of the autumn foliage, walking up to the ancient Montmayeur castle, dating back to the 13th century, built and inhabited by some members of the Avise family, except for a brief period under the Savoy management. Today, only the ruins are visible, including a crenellated tower and surrounding walls.

From here, we will move to Avise, starting from the well-preserved old bridge, to discover the origins of this ancient noble family of the Aosta Valley. We will visit the village streets and the elegant 15th-century castle, the most recent of the lords' residences in the village, following the Maison de Blonay. Part of the castle is still inhabited, while another portion houses a restaurant, Boniface d’Avise, where we will enjoy a typical Valdostan lunch with genuine products and good wine from the native vineyards of Avise. We will then begin our descent back to the starting point, but not without first visiting the recently restored small chapel of Provaney.

Our journey of discovering Valgrisenche will conclude with a visit to the village of Arvier, whose history dates back to Roman times as a stopping place for travelers resting along the Via delle Gallie, built by order of Augustus. The village is dominated by the remains of the late 13th-century La Mothe Castle, where we will also enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the entire valley. From the medieval village of Leverogne, we will bid farewell and begin our return journey.