Arnad: Cuisine, Castles and Mountain Landscapes in the Aosta Valley

Arnad lies at an altitude of 340 metres in a section of the central valley that widens into a small plain.

A Culinary Tradition with Local Character

The Festa del Valle d’Aosta Lard d’Arnad PDO is a tradition in Arnad that has taken place regularly for around fifty years. Tastings of local products are at its centre, with farmers displaying them in characteristic little houses.

The Festa also includes practical demonstrations of traditional crafts under the title “TRAVAL D’IN CO”. This gives you an insight into two aspects of local life: products are sampled while traditional craft activities are presented in an engaging way. Those interested in regional food culture and established everyday traditions will therefore find a tangible cultural point of reference in Arnad.

Church, Museum and Historic Architecture

The Museo parrocchiale di Arnad is located in a side aisle of the parish church of San Martino. Its connection with this church building already makes a visit to the museum part of the local sacred setting. This cultural focus is complemented by Castello Vallaise: the castle was built by the Vallaise family in the 17th century. Its structure comprises three storeys, flanked by two square towers.

Religious visits are also part of the character of the surrounding area. The Santuario di Notre-Dame aux Neiges di Machaby once again welcomes worshippers, pilgrims and visitors. Together with the Museo parrocchiale di Arnad and Castello Vallaise, it offers culturally interested travellers a range extending from ecclesiastical history and museum spaces to representative castle architecture.

Sport Climbing and Excursions in the Surrounding Area

Corma di Machaby in the municipality of Arnad is now the most important centre for sport climbing in the Aosta Valley. Alongside the historical and culinary themes, this gives the Arnad area a clear sporting focus. Whether this aspect is decisive for your trip depends on your own interests and how you wish to structure your days; as a local point of reference for sport climbing, however, Corma di Machaby is firmly established.

Castello di Issogne, a castle, is located in the immediate vicinity of Arnad. Castello di Verrès, also a castle, is likewise nearby. Museo delle Alpi Nel Forte, a museum, is another nearby attraction. Forte di Bard, a fortress, is also located in the immediate vicinity. These destinations expand the cultural horizon beyond Arnad and make the surrounding area appealing to travellers who would like to include historic buildings and museums in their itinerary.

Mountain Landscapes Around Arnad

Several mountains are also located around Arnad. Col di Courtil and Tète de Cou are in the immediate vicinity. Mont Crabun and Monte d'Arpille are also located in the area around Arnad. The different names point to a landscape in which mountain-related activities and sights stand alongside the cultural and culinary offerings. If, when choosing your hotel in Arnad, you value a varied range of interests, these landscape destinations can be an important part of your personal trip planning.

When choosing your accommodation, it makes sense to decide early what you want to focus on during your stay: Would you primarily like to experience the local food culture, visit museums and castles, or combine your stay with mountain and sporting activities?

Other destinations you can discover: Gaby, Saint Jacques, Quart, Émarèse, Lillianes, Saint-Christophe, Courmayeur, Challand-Saint-Anselme.

For the overarching travel overview: Aosta Valley.