Arvier between Cultural Heritage, Vineyards and Mountain Landscapes

Arvier at the entrance to Valgrisenche

Arvier lies at the entrance to Valgrisenche. This gives you a geographically clearly defined destination whose distinctive features can be explored through architectural history, viticulture, protected landscapes and trails. Depending on your interests, historical details, nature observation, regional specialties or winter mountain sports may take center stage.

Church and historical sites

The present parish church of Arvier was built between 1680 and 1701. Its bell tower has a four-sided pyramidal spire with four smaller pinnacles. This design is almost unique in the Aosta Valley and makes the tower a particularly distinctive architectural detail.

In the nearby hamlet of Leverogne are the frescoes of the pilgrims’ hospice founded in 1368. The Notre-Dame de Rochefort sanctuary also has a religious connection: it is backed by the Château Blanc Glacier, and the profile of Mont Blanc can be seen from the sanctuary.

Another historical detail can be found in Planaval. The Casa-forte dei Signori d’Avise in Planaval was built in 1312.

The cylindrical tower of Castello di Montmayeur can be reached on foot from the hamlet of Grand Haury.

Viticulture and distinctive landscapes

Terraced vineyards lie on the sunniest slopes of Arvier. The red wine Enfer d’Arvier is produced in Arvier and was among the first wines in the Aosta Valley to receive DOC designation. This gives viticulture and regional food culture a concrete place in the local identity. Wine enthusiasts can include Enfer d’Arvier as a distinct regional focus in their own travel planning.

The Lago Lolair nature reserve contains a lake fed by three springs. An extensive reed belt and rounded, smoothly polished rock formations of glacial origin surround it. The nature reserve can be reached via a walking path that begins in the village of La Ravoire.

The Les Balmes area in Leverogne features fluvioglacial potholes as well as an archaeological remnant of a Roman road.

Hiking, water and winter sports

Arvier lies along the Camino Balteo hiking route.

The Ru Eausourde is a canal system that carries water from the mountain to farmers. Along the Ru Eausourde, works of art by local school students depicting the native flora and fauna are displayed. Butterflies and birds can be observed along the way.

Every two years, Planaval hosts the Tour du Ruitor ski mountaineering race for teams of two. The event is therefore one of the town’s special connections to winter mountain sports.

Traditions, specialties and getting there

“Levrogne d'eun cou” is an event dedicated to reviving the past and traditions of Leverogne. It includes a market featuring handicrafts and agricultural food products from the Aosta Valley, as well as tastings of regional specialties. Those interested in regional specialties can consider the event a specific reason to include in their travel planning.

From Aosta, Arvier can be reached via the “Aosta-Courmayeur” bus route.

Other places for orientation

Chief town, Charvensod, Antey-Saint-André, Coveyrand, Jovencan, Valtournenche, Challand-Saint-Victor, Chateau

For the higher-level travel overview: Aosta Valley.