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'INSIDER TIPS' | |
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In the footsteps of elephants Around La Thuile, in summer, chairlifts rise up to 2,400metres (7,900ft) for spectacular trekking and walking. From here it's also possible to go into the French resort La Rosière, and follow in the footsteps of Hannibal and his elephants that are said to have crossed around here when he marched his elephants and army over the Alps against Rome during the Second Punic War (218-203 BC). Taking the waters Picturesque Pré Saint Didier is famous for its warm thermal waters said to be good for toning, detoxifying and anti-inflammatory. From May to November the well-known spa Allée des Thermes Pré-Saint-Didier is a popular spot for taking the waters. The White Valley From Courmayeur it's possible to do day trips to Chamonix 24km away through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. It's also possible for competent skiers and boarders to do the famous Vallée Blanche (White Valley) run down to Chamonix from Punta Helbronner. This off-piste run is 24km (15 miles) in total length passing through mind-blowing scenery of dizzying peaks, seracs and gaping crevasses. It should only be attempted with a guide, but the great bonus is that from Courmayeur you miss out the horrific ridge walk that forms the start on the Chamonix side.
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Holidays in Val d'Aosta
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Set in the northwest corner of Italy, sharing borders with France and Switzerland, surrounded by Europe's highest Alpine peaks, the Valle d'Aosta is Italy's smallest province dominated by the spectacular Monte Bianco.
Straddling France and Italy, Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) is Europe's highest mountain, but the loftiest entirely within Italy is the Gran Paradiso at 13,321ft (4,061 metres) from which the country's first national park takes its name. Once the royal hunting reserve for Vittorio Emanuele ll, this is now a paradiso for animals, birds and rare flora set in a glorious landscape of meadows, valleys, glaciers, waterfalls and high Alpine beauty.
The king and symbol of Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso is Europe's largest Alpine mammal, the ibex (stambecco), a powerfully-built mountain goat with long, curved horns. Its smaller cousin, the chamois, is also a permanent member of the park along with foxes and ermines. So, too, is the Alpine marmot, the largest squirrel species, which usually announces itself with a loud whistle, especially when the resident Royal eagles hover menacingly overhead.
The Gran Paradiso is criss-crossed with about 450 miles of mule-tracks and marked trails and sprinkled with rifugi (mountain huts) where many walkers stay during the summer months. As well as spotting the resident wildlife, trekkers can expect to be accompanied by clouds of colourful butterflies and sightings of rare Alpine flowers. The very attractive valleys of Cogne and Valnontey are the main access points to this park.
Some of history's greatest armies, led by Hannibal, Augustus and Napoleon have marched through the Alps near Aosta. Named after Emperor Augustus, Aosta is the regional capital and was nicknamed by Augustus the 'Rome of the Alps'. Your first sight of the city is likely to be the triumphal Arco d'Augusto (Arch of Augustus), which although now sitting on a traffic island, is still remarkable. Most of the Roman city walls remain intact and the ruins of the Roman theatre have a splendid backdrop.
The whole area is speckled with castles and medieval forts - the most famous of which is the fairytale castle in Fénis, the Castello di Fénis, bristling with towers, turrets and crenellations. At Issogne, Il Melograno takes its name from the fountain in the courtyard adorned with a pomegranate tree (melograno) and is more château than fort.
The local cuisine matches robust mountain flavours with French flair. The soft fontina cheese is produced here - a vital ingredient for fonduta (fondue) and especially delicious with nearby Piedmont's white truffles from Alba. More hearty fare is served up in steaming mounds of polenta valdostino - polenta topped with melted cheese - or even larda, a rasher made of pure fat often served with cold meats and sweetened with honey. Not to everyone's taste, but hearty fuel for exploring the rugged landscape.
It was in this region that modern mountaineering developed and, during the winter months, it also becomes a winter sports playground. La Thuile is a picturesque hiking and skiing town, especially popular with families. Nearby, chic Courmayeur sits in the majestic shadow of Monte Bianco - so close you feel you could touch the mountain. The main hub, the Via Roma, sparkles with designer shops and gourmet delicacies while the Museo Alpino Duca degli Abruzzi tells tales of dramatic mountain rescues. There's plenty to keep everyone amused on and off piste in this stylish resort and, nearby at Entrèves, a cable car leads to Punta Hellbronner at 3,462 metres (11,360 ft) from where there are stunning views.