Epinel between village history and historic paths

Epinel combines the history of an old village with paths where the landscape and local traditions meet directly. Between the Arpisson stream, historic buildings, forest stretches, and scenic routes to Crétaz and Cogne, it is a destination for anyone who enjoys combining their stay with walks and cultural discoveries. Some of the paths are also interesting for families, as several sections are accessible with a stroller.

Walking routes with different profiles

The walking route from Epinel to Gimillan begins above the village. It follows an easy, scenic farm track to the Casaforte di Tarambel. The section to the fortress is also accessible with a stroller. This makes it possible to combine a stay in Epinel with a manageable walk without losing the historic significance of the destination.

Another connection runs between Cogne and Epinel. The access route follows the flat mule track from Mougne to Epinel; this section is also accessible with a stroller. For the separate Cogne–Buthier–Epinel route called Sentiero Natura Stagno di Les Fontaines, Epinel is listed as a 1-hour-and-14-minute walk away.

Through wooded areas and a broad clearing, the historic themed trail La Radura delle leggende connects Crétaz and Epinel. The trail is one kilometre long and passes places associated with vanished villages, local legends, and the Casaforte di Tarambel in Epinel. Anyone who wants to experience history not only in buildings but also in a landscape with changing sections of trail will find a particularly fitting way to discover the village here.

Historic traces in the village

Epinel is an old village on the Arpisson stream, connected with local history and traditions. Its history can be traced back to the 12th century. This long historical perspective is also reflected in the surviving names and buildings, which anchor the village between everyday life and the past.

The Casaforte di Tarambel, known in Valdostan Patois as Tor de Mougne, is a medieval fortified ruin between the hamlets of Epinel and Crétaz. It was built in 1198. The village is also home to the Chapel of Saints Fabian and Sebastian, dating from 1619. It is considered the heart of Epinel and a testament to its cultural and spiritual heritage.

Local traditions give the village’s history a seasonal and communal dimension. During the tradition of Fiori di San Giovanni, residents collect flowers on June 24 to protect the houses from fires. During Cantès on November 1, young people ring the bells from the upper part of the bell tower and throw sweets to the children gathered below.

The village’s former internal structure is also part of its history: historic Epinel was divided into four cantons, namely Cuaz, Grange, Bordon, and Tobers. Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Epinel was also a centre of iron smelting; the activities of that period included the processing of magnetite.

Natural attractions and practical information

A climbing wall and the Les Fontaines pond are associated with Epinel as excursion destinations. The Les Fontaines pond is considered a natural attraction in Epinel.

On the Grand Eyvia, there is an access point at the Ponte Brenvè bridge, immediately downstream from Epinel. The documented status is important for understanding this area: the section along the Grand Eyvia was closed under Presidential Order No. 04/2024. The paths and destinations around Epinel should therefore be distinguished according to their respective location and specific status.

More places for your travel planning

If you would like to combine Epinel with other places on your trip, you can also find Saint Vincent, Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Morgex, Arnad, Gressan, Etroubles, Ozein, and Jovencan here.

For the overall travel overview: Aosta Valley.