Pontboset: Discover Bridges, Gorges and Alpine Culture

Bridges and trails as a first introduction

Pontboset is particularly easy to discover via its trails and bridges. The Passeggiata dei sei ponti is a short circular route with beautiful views of Pontboset’s old bridges and rivers. Most of the bridges on the circular route can be seen from points accessible by paved roads. For your planning, this route combines views with built heritage.

Experience the gorge and rivers on foot

The Ratus Gorge offers a different kind of exploration: it is accessible exclusively on foot via a hiking trail. The trail follows the Ayasse and reaches a long bridge that crosses the Brenve below the gorge. The hike thus follows two rivers to the striking natural setting of the gorge.

Views and sacred sites

From the Santuario di Retempio, there are views across large parts of the Champorcher Valley as well as of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. The Santuario di Retempio is a chapel dedicated to Nostra Signora della Visitazione and San Rocco. Here, panoramic views and a sacred site come together to create a special destination.

Villages, churches and bridge construction

La Borney is a completely abandoned village with around ten houses and an attached church, located in an area cleared to create pastureland. An old path made of stone steps leads to the village of Barmelle. At the entrance to the hamlet of Pontboset stands the parish church of San Grato; its altar and frescoes can be seen there. Pontboset also has six Romanesque-style stone bridges, originally built in the 17th century during the rule of the noble family of Bard.

Festivals with religious and local traditions

The religious tradition of the Santuario is also reflected in the processions: they take place on July 2, the feast day of Nostra Signora della Visitazione, and on August 16 for the feast of San Rocco. Both begin early in the morning at the parish church and proceed to the sanctuary. In autumn, a chestnut festival is one of Pontboset’s established traditions.

Activities on the water and rock

Kayaking is possible along the Ayasse River in Pontboset. The waters of the Brenve River are suitable for canyoning. In the hamlet of Terrisse, there is a climbing facility for free-climbing enthusiasts. In addition to hiking trails, Pontboset therefore offers specific opportunities for activities on the water and on rock.

Cycling route and long-distance hiking stage

Longer connections also pass through Pontboset. The Ciclovia Valle di Champorcher e Val Soana begins in the main village of Pontboset, leads to the municipality of Champorcher and opens out onto Val Soana at Col Laris. Stage 23 of the Cammino Balteo leads from Pontboset via Hône, Bard and Donnas to Pont-Saint-Martin. These two connections add a cycling route and a long-distance hiking stage to the area and help you organize your stay according to your interests and pace.

For further travel planning, you can also discover La Salle, Charvensod, Chambave, Donnas, Valpelline, Frachey, Verrand and Bionaz.

To the main travel overview: Aosta Valley.