The end of summer is the right time in the Aosta Valley to enjoy foliage, castles and vineyard experiences.
Forests and lakes, and spotting ibexes, deer and eagles
Autumn is the season of foliage. And one of the most striking corners to explore it are the Val Ferret and Lake Arpy, at the foot of Mont Blanc, the woods of Valsavarenche in the Gran Paradiso National Park, the beech forests of Fontainemore and the lakes of the Mont Avic Natural Park. In October, the Gran Paradiso National Park is tinged in autumn hues, ibexes and chamois descend the valley, and marmots and eagles are easily spotted.
A perfect time of year for visiting castles
At this time of year, far from the summer crowds, the castles in the Aosta Valley can be visited at a different pace. They include the famous Castle of Fénis, the Castle of Issogne with its pomegranate fountain, entrance decorated with fine lunettes and fully furnished interior. The recently restored Castle of Aymavilles, in 19th-century Baroque style, is also worth visiting. September marks the season of the grape harvest in Valle d'Aosta, but Italy's smallest region has much more than just wine tastings to offer. The high-altitude vineyards of Morgex and La Salle in the Mont Blanc valley - they are among the highest in Europe – offer a unique context for wine tourism experiences and discovering the excellent Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle wine.
Vine trekking and guided cellar visits
Local wineries offer immersive activities such as trekking between the rows of vines, cellar visits and guided itineraries. Among the more dynamic proposals, the Climbing Park Balteo combines via ferrata walks with tastings of typical local products. The Climbing Park consists of a via ferrata and three crags, specifically intended for those taking their first steps in rock climbing.
A cycle tour of vineyards and wine cellars
For an active approach to the area, the Tour of the Cellars is a cycling itinerary of medium difficulty through the vineyards and wine cellars of the towns of Villeneuve, Aymavilles, Gressan, Jovençan, Aosta, Sarre and Saint-Pierre, with the possibility of visiting the area's wine cellars by prior booking. The Booking Valle d'Aosta portal is the tool for booking stays managed directly by the Regional Tourism Office and has a list of accommodation facilities in Valle d'Aosta (hotels, RTAs, B&Bs, farm holiday establishments and apartments). It is possible to book online without intermediaries and without any booking fee, selecting according to the area or type of experience desired in the Aosta Valley.
