AOSTA VALLEY

The Aosta Valley is the smallest and – with a population of about 130,000 – least populous region of Italy, lying in the north-western part of the country. Its territory is almost entirely mountainous. It is bordered by Switzerland to the north, France to the west and Piedmont to the south and east. From an administrative point of view, it is an autonomous region with special statute. The regional capital is Aosta (after which the region is named). Aosta was founded by the Romans, and this is evidenced by heritage such the Arch of Augustus, the Porta Praetoria (one of the gates of the city), the forum, the enceinte and the towers. Its territory includes the slopes of Mont Blanc (4,810 m), the highest peak in Europe, Matterhorn (4,478 m), Monte Rosa (4,637 m) and Gran Paradiso (4,061 m). The Gran Paradiso National Park was Italy’s first national park, established in 1922 to protect the flora and fauna of the Alps. Major border crossing points include the Mont Blanc Tunnel – 11.6 km in length – linking Courmayeur with Chamonix (France), the Little St. Bernard Pass and the Great St. Bernard Pass, with the tunnel of the same name. The regional language is a dialect of Franco-Provençal called Valdôtain (locally, “patois”), though Italian is much more widely spoken in everyday life. French is a co-official language. “Walser” is an officially recognised variant of a German dialect, which is spoken in specific villages. Summer and (above all) winter tourism are the main drivers of the economy of the Aosta Valley, with the Monterosa, Matterhorn (including Zermatt, Switzerland), Courmayeur and Champoluc ski resorts. The many castles of the Aosta Valley are a major historical and tourist landmark. The region is also home to plenty of museums and sanctuaries. Regional specialties include fontina cheese (that is labelled “protected designation of origin”), made from unheated curd, with whole milk from Valdostana cows. Notable citizens of the region include Anselm of Aosta, also known as Anselm of Canterbury (1033/4 - Canterbury 1109), theologian, philosopher and archbishop, one of the greatest representatives of Christian philosophy, Natalino Sapegno (Aosta 1901-Rome 1990), literary critic and historian, and Pietro Chiambretti (1956), TV host. Going back to a remote, yet glorious past, mention must be made of Maurice Garin (Arvier 1871-Lens 1957). Born in the Aosta Valley, and later a migrant to France with his family at the age of fourteen, he is best remembered as the winner of the first Tour de France in 1903. Before that, the “Little Chimney Sweeper” had achieved two Paris-Roubaix wins, in 1897 and in 1898. He took French nationality as soon as he reached the age of majority, although other sources say that this happened at a later stage. Another big name in cycling is that of Franco Vagneur (Aosta, 1944), professor and cyclo-cross champion. Mention must also be made of the Giro della Valle d’Aosta, a tough amateur stage race across the harsh mountains of the valley, with over 50 years’ worth of history. The riders who prevail there most certainly will have a great Professional career. Mountain biking is very popular in the valley, which offers a wide range of trails for all specialities, and to suit all tastes.