A rush of bends in the Aosta Valley: from Saint-Christophe via Cervinia back to Quart

Route details

A varied Aosta Valley tour that takes you from the valley floor near Aosta up to the large high mountain stage of Cervinia and back into quiet forest valleys. The route alternates between Matterhorn moments, Alpine architecture and natural side landscapes.

The route starts in Saint-Christophe on the outskirts of Aosta - where the broad Dora Baltea valley provides the backdrop: sunny slopes, scattered hamlets, vineyards and orchards and behind them the striking mountain ranges that surround the Aosta Valley like an arena. Shortly after the start, everything feels "alpine" without you immediately being in the high mountains: villages cling to the slopes, small chapels and stone walls pass by, and the view up the valley opens up again and again.

The landscape becomes more dramatic with every kilometer towards Valtournenche. The valley becomes narrower, the mountains get closer and the scenery changes from the "Italian Alps" to real high mountains. At the top in Breuil-Cervinia, you are suddenly standing at around 2,000 meters in a world of larches, rock and wide, open spaces - and if the Weather plays along, the region delivers its great cinema: the presence of the Cervino/Matterhorn dominates the horizon as if it were a backdrop for a nature film. It's worth making a longer stop here: coffee on the terrace, the gondolas above you, clear air and this unmistakable mix of Italian mountain resort and international Alpine flair.

The route then takes you away from the hustle and bustle and back to quieter areas - towards Champdepraz/Covarey. This is the contrasting part of the Tourer: less "postcard", more pristine nature. Forests become denser, light and shade change, and the valley seems more secluded. In Covarey, you are practically at the entrance to a landscape of forests and lakes that is part of the Mont Avic Nature Park - ideal if you want to extend the Tourer with a short walk, a photo stop or simply a break in silence.

Finally, the route comes full circle back to Quart/Regione Amérique above Aosta. After around 159 km, you are left with the feeling of a Tour that shows very different faces of the Aosta Valley in a short space of time: urban proximity, high alpine views and a quiet, green side valley to "come down" at the end.