Essenza Hotel

This is a decidedly challenging route in the Alps of the Aosta Valley but highly remunerative given its fantastic panoramic views, ponds, streams, waterfalls, shady woods, mountain pastures, and even various castles: the Verres Castle at the beginning and the Castle of Villa Challand halfway. To do on foot in one day or several stages or by mountain bike.

A segment full of cultural ideas: crossing the Bard bridge, a delightful village dominated by the fort which houses the Museum of the Alps; and above all the entrance to Donnas, along the Roman road to the Gauls. As you enter Piedmont, the reliefs soften, the slopes and differences in height of the route become less demanding. The route alternates characteristic villages with pleasant stretches of nature. Do not miss a visit to the historic center of Ivrea. The route continues at the foot...

A walking tour rich in attractions: the marvellous Saint Martin’s Parish in Arnad, perhaps the main attraction along Via Francigena in our itinerary in Val d’Aosta; cross the two ancient bridges of Echallod and Bard, a pretty village dominated by a fort which is also the site of the Alps Museum; and, most of all, the entrance to Donna, along the Roman street of the Gauls, before finishing the itinerary in front of Pont Saint Martin, the Roman bridge. Road-houses in Hone, Bard, Donnas....

The waterfall at Isollaz, the church of San Préjet, the medieval castle at Villa and the imposing fortress at Verrès are major landmarks along this part of the route, that ends at Covarey, in the heart of the Mont Avic Regional Park. The overview list of all segments of the Blue Trail can be found here: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/via-alpina-blue-trail-riale-sospel

An excursion starting from the village of Petit Rosier, where it is possible to leave the car and start the circular route in an anticlockwise direction. Trail 14 reaches Col de Plan Fénetre (1696m) and then continues right towards the top of Téte du Mont (1897m). To reach the summit, the route follows the EE path with some passages secured by iron steps and fixed rope. Return with passage to the Oratory of Sant'Anna and descent to Petit Rosier