Challand-Saint-Anselme amid waterfalls, mountain trails and cultural heritage

Waterfall and trails along the Rû d’Arlaz

Challand-Saint-Anselme combines nature trails, local history and regional everyday culture. One prominent natural feature is the Cascata d’Arlaz, formed by the Rû d’Arlaz. The access route begins at the Orbeillaz car park, passes through a wooded area along the Rû d’Arlaz and then descends to the waterfall.

When planning a trip by mountain bike or with a stroller, it is relevant that the path from Orbeillaz towards Col d’Arlaz is considered suitable. The Arbaz–Béchaz–Pra Boton route leads from an unpaved road above Arbaz to the mining area of Béchaz.

Gold mining on old trails

The Miniera d’oro di Bechaz was a place where gold was sought in the Monte Rosa area. Visitors can explore the historic circular route along old trails using information boards and maps. Access is possible by car as far as Arbaz and then via a mountain trail that takes approximately 50 minutes.

Chapels and ecclesiastical history

The Cappella di Sant’Anna was built shortly before 1500 as a cemetery chapel. It is known as a chapel featuring depictions of the Last Judgment and the Triumph of Death. The Chiesa Parrocchiale di Sant’Anselmo is also located in the hamlet of Quinçod. It was consecrated in 1762 on the site of an earlier chapel dedicated to the Madonna della Consolazione, San Valentino and Santa Barbara.

Routes with clear distinctions

The Col Tzecore–Testa Comagna route leads from Col Tzecore along trail 1C to the junction with trail 5, and then climbs to Testa Comagna on trail 5. Col Tzecore connects Challand-Saint-Anselme with Emarèse.

The Tilly–Corvera hike leads from Tilly at 875 m to Corvera at 952 m. It covers an elevation difference of 77 m, is 773 m long and takes 22 minutes in one direction. The stated time explicitly refers to one direction; additional time must therefore be planned for the return. The Pésan–Ru Herbal–Viérin route initially follows a paved road from Pésan and then an unpaved road along the Ru Herbal into a meadow landscape.

Water, mills and black bread

The use of water is also part of the local character. The water in Ruvère was used to operate mills for grinding grain and producing walnut oil. In October, traditional black breads are baked in the ovens of several villages in the Aosta Valley during the Festa del pane nero; this also includes the oven in the hamlet of Tilly.

Challand-Saint-Anselme can be reached by the “Verrès–Saint-Jacques” bus line.

More places for planning your trip

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Challand-Saint-Anselme: Lillianes, Oyace, Saint Pierre, Torgnon, Acque Fredde, Villeneuve, Roisan and Bionaz.

For the higher-level travel overview: Aosta Valley.