Resorts: Donnas, Pont-Saint-Martin
A cycling route suitable also for city bikes and e‑bikes, running between the towns of Donnas and Pont‑Saint‑Martin along quiet secondary roads and short, easy dirt sections. Ideal in spring and autumn, its southern exposure and low altitude also make it rideable in winter when there is no snow, while in summer it may be quite warm.
Technical difficulty: easy
Physical difficulty: easy
Rideability: 100%
Route type: paved roads, dirt tracks
The route starts at Donnas railway station and enters the town centre, beginning to climb among vineyards and olive groves. After crossing several hillside areas, it follows a section of the Vineyard Road, where terraced landscapes and views over the valley floor become increasingly wide. In the Artada area, slightly above the route, it is also possible to see olive‑growing terraces.
A little further on, the route reaches the Mission Cross, a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the terraced vineyards. The ride then continues along a flat stretch, passing Ronc Cretaz and reaching Bousc Daré, where a picnic area provides a perfect place for a short break. The descent towards Pont‑Saint‑Martin begins here: after two hairpin bends, the route reaches Baraing Castle, a neo‑Gothic building that now houses the Mont‑Rose Mountain Community.
Continuing downhill, you pass the ancient Church of Fontaney with its adjoining cemetery. The route then leads into the historic centre of Pont‑Saint‑Martin, along Émile Chanoux Street and Castle Street, near the historic fortified house known as ’l Castel. Crossing Chanoux Street again, a pedestrian path leads to the Roman Bridge, dating back to the 1st century BC, next to which stands the Roman Bridge Museum.
After crossing the Lys stream on the road bridge, the route returns to Chanoux Street and continues along Baraing Street, following the cycle‑pedestrian footbridge over the Lys. The ride then continues gently downhill along the cycle path that runs beside the stream to the railway station area and the Crestella sports centre. From here, the cycle path along the Strada delle Cascine leads back towards Donnas.
After passing under the motorway, the route follows Via Mamy, first on asphalt and then on easy dirt tracks through fields and vineyards. It continues towards Pramotton, then along Strada Pié du Mont and Strada Ronquet, tackling a short uphill stretch among vineyard pergolas to Montey, where the church of Vert is located. Heading towards the Dora Baltea, a dirt road leads to the hamlet of Outrefer, before returning to Donnas via the pedestrian bridge over the river.
The itinerary ends in the historic village of Donnas, where a short detour allows visitors to admire the Roman arch and road and the Chapel of Saint Orso. Cycling through the historic streets, you pass the medieval gate and the Bellet stream, alongside the municipal library, the town hall and the Museum of the vine and wine, before finally returning to the railway station.
Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.