What to see and do in Valle d'Aosta region?
 

Hello everyone
I would be grateful to hear about the sights I should see and the places I should visit and the things I should do in the Valle d'Aosta region - I am planning to drive through this area next summer.
Many thanks!

Me again!
Should I visit Monte Bianco and Monte Cervino and if so, how?
Should I drive over the Colle del Gran San Bernardo?
What is Saint Vincent Chatillon? Is it worth visiting?
What is Biella like?
Are there any cable cars/chairlifts in this area that I should take to enjoy fab views?
Once again, thank you!

ttt

I'm trying to 'top' my request!

Aosta, itself is very interesting--with lots of Roman ruins. We drove over the San Bernado and it was beautiful--winding mountain road up through the clouds.

Cheers,

Jinx Hoover

Aosta is a wonderful town to stroll around, with fantastic Roman ruins if that interests you (it should). Castello di Fenis, just east of Aosta is well worth a visit. Monte Cervino, i.e., the Matterhorn from the Italian side, is pretty disappointing - really just another mountain. It's only from the Zermatt side that you get the "classic" view. I did find the drive up to Cervinia to be interesting and somewhat scenic in places, though.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34666742

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34667114

Thank you for your replies - I want to visit the highlights of all the northern Italian regions but I know that Valle d'Aosta will not be half as spectacular as the Dolomites - that's why I'm leaving the Dolomites until the latter part of my holiday - saving the best 'til last!!
Pam

Hi:

I was in the Valle d’Aosta for a weekend in August last. No, it is not as spectacular as the Dolomites, which I visited a few years ago, but beautiful nonetheless.

I stayed at the hotel Bellvue in the village of Conge and recommend it highly. The hotel has three restaurants in the town; all excellent. http://www.hotelbellevue.it/indexsitoe.htm

Gogne is in the national park and the surroundings are very beautiful. I drove to Courmayeur on the Saturday. Lovely small very up-market town with fabulous shops. I was going to drive further up the mountains, but the day turned very overcast and the rain pelted down. I spent the Sunday in Aosta; a great town to explore.

I didn’t do too much because I was resting between business meetings, so I just relaxed, had nice meals, leisurely strolls and drank wine!

I will post back later with some photos.

Regards Ger

I should tell you more about the hotel Bellvue. It is a Relais & Chateau hotel, which means the service, food and comfort is top quality, but it is a family-run hotel and so it feels like you are staying with old friends. They are just the most wonderfully hospitable hotel owners I have ever met.

I arrived near mid-night on the Friday, after getting lost (as usual!) on my way from Turin airport and also encountering some of the worst mountain driving ever: I still tremble just thinking about it J. The kept the fondue restaurant open until I arrived and were unbelievably charming to me, despite the fact I was keeping them all out of their beds. When I arrived for breakfast next morning, I was greeted by name by the staff and, as I was alone, they all seem to make a point of chatting to me during meals. The food was superb, every meal.

The bedroom was very large and comfortable, with a beautiful bathroom and view over the town. Furnishings were definitely on the twee side, as you would expect in the alps.

Regards Ger

Hello Ger and thank you for your info -it does help me with my planning - cheers! Pam