Aosta Valley Car Hire

Guide of Aosta Valley

Geography

Aosta Valley is the smallest of Italy’s 20 regions. The 3,263 sq. km stretch encompasses a central valley lined with over 200 glaciers, carved out by Dora Baltea, which feeds into the River Po. There are two different subregions within the valley known as the “plaine” and the “montagne”. The latter includes 1246 named mountains, of which the highest is Mont Blanc.

Almost one-third of the region is protected to safeguard its incredible biodiversity. The two largest natural parks in Aosta Valley are the Gran Paradiso and the Mont Avic Regional Park. The former was Italy’s first national park, established in 1922.

Climate in Aosta Valley

The Aosta Valley features a diverse topography, so the climate changes depending on where you are. The valleys set above 1,600 metres have a cold continental climate, with a long snow season of as long as eight or nine months. Mist and rain are common here too. The coldest month is January with average temperatures of between −7 °C and −3 °C, while July is the warmest month with average temperatures between 20 °C and 35 °C. Cities at a lower altitude, such as Aosta, experience a moderately continental climate with cold winters and warm summers.

Culture

Aosta only became part of Italy in 1821. Before that, the area belonged to Savoy, so many locals speak both French and Italian. There is also a unique local dialect called Valdotain, which is categorized as a Franco-Provcencal language. Today, Aosta Valley is one of the country’s five semi-autonomous regions which, combined with its connection to France, has created a real cultural melting pot. The Romans have left their mark on the region’s cities and towns too. The Aosta Valley was under Roman influence for almost five centuries, and you can see this in the Roman Theatre, Arch of Augustus, Via delle Gallie, necropolises and ancient bridges scattered across the region.

Things To Do in Aosta Valley

Hike around Italy’s oldest national park

Gran Paradiso National Park is the oldest protected park in Italy. In the 19th century, Alpine ibex were intensely hunted here and only 60 remained. King Victor Emmanuel declared the Royal Hunting Reserve of the Gran Paradiso in 1856 to protect the animals. His grandson King Victor Emmanuel III donated the park's original 21 square kilometres in 1920 and the national park was established in 1922. Today, it’s home to diverse flora and fauna, as well as thousands of beloved ibex.

Relax at the Pré-Saint-Didier thermal springs

The ancient Romans were the first to find out about these natural springs, but it wasn’t until the 17th century that an official spa was built here. Little of this original structure survived and most was built in the 19th century, but it’s still very picturesque. The mineral waters filter through from the nearby Orrido waterfall and are said to cure all sorts of ailments.

Hunt for Roman ruins in Aosta

Aosta is the capital of the region and the bulwark of ancient Roman civilisation. There are dozens of ruins and monuments scattered across the city, but the most impressive are the Arch of Augustus, the amphitheatre, the bridge and the theatre. Beyond ancient ruins, there’s the Romanesque Complex of St.Orso and the Cathedral, founded in the 11th century.

Visit the majestic Mont Blanc

No trip to Aosta Valley would be complete without a trip to the monumental Mont Blanc. At 4.792 metres high, it’s the highest summit in Western Europe. You can either choose to ride on the Skyway, a rotating cable car that offers sweeping views, or book onto the Mont Blanc Tour, which crosses into France and Switzerland.

Explore fairytale castles

The Aosta Valley is crammed full of castles. Savoia Castle, built in the late 19th century for Queen Margherita, is one of the most famous. Designed by Stramicci in a neo-baroque style, the three-storey palace features royal apartments, gentlemen’s rooms and original kitchens accessed via an underground railway. The Verres Castle, a 14th-century fortress, is also well worth a visit.

Eating Out in Aosta Valley

Food in Valle D’Aosta is hearty and humble — think rich beef stews and gooey fondues. Milk, butter and cheese are staples, particularly fontina cheese, which has been made here since the 12th century and boasts PDO status. The Valle D’Aosta is also home to some of the highest cultivated vineyards in Europe, situated 1,200 metres above sea level in Valdigne. Wines here are similar to those mineral-rich mountain wines found in France.

When it comes to eating out, the choices are endless. In Aosta, the family-run Osteria da Nando has been serving up traditional Valdogainian cuisine with French influences since 1957. For something a little more upmarket, there’s Vecchio Ristoro, set in a former 17th-century mill. Menus feature Aosta valley specialities, French dishes and international cuisine, accompanied by an extensive wine list of over 200 labels. Or, for a more contemporary take on the region’s hearty cuisine, there’s the Summit Restaurant, housed in the exclusive campZero Active Luxury Resort in Champoluc.

Transport

The Aosta Valley is well-connected and easy to access from Turin, Genoa and Milan Malpensa airports.

Getting Around Aosta Valley

There are daily bus services throughout the Aosta Valley, connecting the city of Aosta with the central valley. The train line runs from Aosta right through Nus, Châtillon/Saint-Vincent, Verrès, Bard and Pont-Saint-Martin. However, for the most flexibility, we recommend hiring a car. Public transport runs irregularly, particularly in the winter months, and many of the region’s most picturesque sights are most easily accessed by car.