Hiking in Italy,the 5 routes of the Via Francigena in the Aosta Valley

Hiking In Italy, the 5 routes of "Via Francigena" not to be missed

photo credit Associazione Europea delle Vie Francigene

1 - Gran San Bernardo - Echevennoz 14,9 km

photo credit Sumei Baba

Difficulty: E

Recommended period: june-september

Departure: Gran S. Bernardo (2469 m) Arrival: Echevennoz (1233 m)

Outbound Duration: 3h55 Return duration: 5h00

Signpost: 103



The Great Saint Bernard Pass, dominated by the statue of the Saint, is the gateway to the itinerary in the Aosta Valley. Near the lake, still in Swiss territory, stands the Hospice, built as early as 1050, and where today the Canons Regular of Sant'Agostino raise the famous San Bernardo dogs.

From the Gran San Bernardo you descend to Saint-Rhémy, a village among coniferous forests known for the production of "Jambon de Bosses" (raw ham). From here a path leads to Saint-Oyen where Château Verdun stands, a welcome home for pilgrims. The path continues towards Etroubles with important historical evidence: the church, completely rebuilt in 1814, and the old social dairy with walls blackened by smoke. Continue in the direction of the hamlet of Echevennoz, where there is a stopping place.

2 Echevennoz – Aosta 13,6 km

photo credit Associazione Europea delle Vie Francigene

Difficulty: E

Recommended period: april- november - all the year

Departure: Echevennoz (1233 m) Arrival: Aosta (583 m)

Outbound Duration: 3h10 Return duration: 2h55

Signpost: 103



The path continues along the ru Neuf irrigation canal, flanking the Aosta hill through woods populated by deer and roe deer and clearings with a view of the Valpelline mountains.

You reach Gignod and the bell tower of the parish church of Sant'Ilario, while the background is occupied by the southern slope of the Grand Combin, one of the highest four-thousanders in the Pennine Alps.

We then arrive in Aosta, the ancient Augusta Praetoria founded by the Romans in 25 BC. and where there are infinite architectural and cultural testimonies to visit.

3 Aosta – Châtillon Km 27,8

photo credit Associazione Europea delle Vie Francigene

Difficulty: E

Recommended period: january - december, all the year

Departure: Aosta (583 m) Arrival: Châtillon (549 m)

Outbound Duration: 8h10 Return duration: 8h30

Signpost: 103

From Aosta, head towards Saint-Christophe and Quart, passing above the Mater Misericordiae monastery and skirting the picturesque Quart castle.

Following the same directions as the "Chemin des Vignobles" among sunny vineyards you arrive at Nus. Don't miss a detour to Fénis castle, which surrounded by crenellated walls is the most representative symbol of a medieval castle in the Aosta Valley. We continue to Chambave, known for the famous Muscat wine, where the route winds through meadows and vineyards until reaching Châtillon (where Liberty House is located ). Another short detour to reach the Gamba Castle, home to the museum of modern and contemporary art of the Aosta Valley.

4 Châtillon – Verrès Km 19,4

photo credit Associazione Europea delle Vie Francigene

Difficulty: E

Recommended period:  april - november, all the year

Departure: Châtillon (549 m) Arrival: Verrès (391 m)

Outbound Duration: 6h15 Return duration: 1h35

Signpost: 103

We continue our journey along the Roman road to Gaul. In Saint-Vincent you skirt the Church and reach the Roman bridge, to continue along the state road or, alternatively, along the secondary road that begins in the old village of Montjovet. Having reached the village of Torille, the route continues on the state road up to the town of Verres and its village dominated by a castle located on a rocky knoll closing the Ayas Valley.

5 Verrès - Pont-Saint-Martin Km 14,9

photo credit Associazione Europea delle Vie Francigene

Difficulty:E

Recommended period :aprile - novembre, tutto l'anno

Departure: Verrès (391 m) Arrival: Pont-Saint-Martin (345 m)

Outbound Duration: 3h35 Return duration: 3h45

Signpost: 103

From Verrès you cross the town of Arnad, a place known for its DOP lard and for its splendid medieval church, and crossing the village of Hône, you arrive in Bard.

Here the Bard fort stands on a rock, one of the best examples of military architecture not only in the Region. The Fort hosts the Alpine Museum and prestigious art and photography exhibitions.

Through the village you reach the road towards Donnas via the longest remaining stretch of Roman road in Gaul, carved into the rock and perfectly paved.

You finally reach Pont-Saint-Martin, where the first Roman bridge that led to the Gallie road stands, and where the route of the Via Francigena ends, for the Aosta Valley section.

 Further information

• To learn more about the routes of Via Francigena and download maps, please refer to the Valle d'Aosta Region tourism website: open link to the dedicated section
• and to the website of the European Association of the Via Francigena www.viefrancigene.org

Reservations

to stay at Liberty House, located 650 meters from the end of the third route from Aosta to Châtillon, call us, send us a whatsapp or write us an email by selecting one of the icons below