Valgrisenche

Valgrisenche, situated at 1.664 metres above sea level, is the side valley of Aosta Valley that stretches towards the French region of Tarentaise. Characterized by a wild and uncontaminated territory, it is surrounded by mountains covered with glaciers, among which the splendid Ruitor. Famous for the weaving of draps, that is a rustic fabric made from sheep’s wool worked on the old wooden looms, Valgrisenche still keeps alive this ancient craft practice today.

WHAT TO SEE
● At Les Tisserands Cooperative it is possible to discover the processing of draps and admire the various and colourful productions.
● The maturing room of the Fontine Cooperative, that is the D.O.P. cheese of the Aosta Valley. It is characterized by a tunnel dug into the rock in the hamlet of La Béthaz. In the period of greatest production, it can contain up to six thousand cheeses.
● The Beauregard dam, built in 1954, after the lowering works, has acquired a new dimension well integrated into the landscape.
● The Documentation Centre of the Resistance is a photographic and documentary exhibition enriched with multimedia elements, testifying the importance of the Col du Mont, located between the Valgrisenche and the French region of Tarentaise.

NATURE AND SPORT
The flanks of Valgrisenche can be reached with short walks such those to the Surier and Miollet waterfalls, longer hikes such as the ones to Bezzi refuge and Chalet de l’Epée hut, and alpine ascents of all levels of difficulty. Not far from the village, there is no lack of great free climbing and vie ferrate opportunities. Among winter sports, the Valgrisenche is a heliskiing and ski mountaineering paradise, while the ski resort is particularly suitable for beginners and families. The cross-country ski runs are suitable for all levels of ability and training.

EVENTS AND TRADITIONS
● Place aux livres, publishing fair that brings Valgrisenche to life in August with book presentations and meetings with authors.
● The Feast of Our Lady of the Snow is a centuries-old procession, that takes place on August 5th every year in the beautiful basin of San Grato Lake.
● Mo'delaine - The wool festival is an opportunity to learn about the wool processing chain and to discover the products that can be created.

FOR THE LITTLE ONES
The Valgrisenche ski area, particularly suitable for families with children, includes a baby snow park with two treadmills where the little ones can have fun with bobsleighs, toboggans, snow bikes, inflatables, bouncy castle and trampoline. In the village centre and near the picnic area kids can find two playgrounds to play in the open air.

IDENTIKIT
● Inhabitants: 190
● Altitude: 1664 m
● How to get there by public transport: Valgrisenche can be reached from Villeneuve by bus with the 'Villeneuve-Valgrisenche' line. Timetables are available on the Arriva company website.