The Joux Col (1640m) is a wooded pass that connects Saint-Vincent with the municipality of Brusson, and is therefore an impressive alternative route to reach the Val d’Ayas from the road that goes up from Verrès.
The route skirts characteristic hamlets and crosses fascinating woods, offering exceptional views of the Central Valley and the Val d’Ayas.
The Joux Col also hosts the last section of the ru Courtod, an irrigation channel from the Ventina Glacier, dating back to the 14th century.
In addition, a legend tells that Napoleon, in May 1800, met casually at the Joux Col, near a spring just a few minutes from the col (the fountain still exists today), with the Austrian commander De-Breux, to bargain for the transit of French troops at the Fort of Bard.
The itinerary starts from the bridge on the Regional Road No. 33 leading to the Joux Col (after the Hotel Laghetto).
Turn right and from take the trail No. 1 (running alongside the ice-skating building) that winds through a wonderful pine forest of fir and larch trees.
The trail crosses the regional road several times to the top of the col.
From the Joux Col there is a priceless view of the entire Aosta Valley, up to the Rutor glaciers.
Several hiking trails of various difficulties start from the hill, for example to Testa Comagna or the Tzecore Col, but you can also walk pleasantly along the flat farm, leading to Sommarèse, or towards the hamlet of Pallu, with its artificial pond.
You can also walk along the path (ru Courtod – ru Retrouvé) towards the municipality of Ayas.
Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.