Roisan: Mountain Panorama, Trails and History

Roisan is a destination with a clear connection to the mountains and a range of options for an active or culture-focused stay. The highest point in the municipality is Becca di Viou at 2,855 metres above sea level. It offers a 360-degree panorama of the peaks of the Aosta Valley. This elevation refers to the highest point in the municipality of Roisan and not to the general elevation of the village.

Mountain Panorama and Trails around Roisan

Several clearly distinct routes are relevant for hiking. The trail designated as Route 105 leads from Blavy in Roisan to Alpe Viou and Tsa de Viou, then continues to Colle de Viou and Bivacco Penne Nere. The Blavy–Becca di Viou hike begins in Blavy in Roisan and ends at Becca di Viou. The Roisan–Arpuilles stage of the Cammino Balteo begins in Roisan and leads to Arpuilles over 12.905 kilometres. The starting points are therefore spread across two locations: Route 105 and the hike to Becca di Viou begin in Blavy, while the Cammino Balteo stage begins in Roisan. The Blavy–Becca di Viou hike has a single destination, whereas Route 105 connects several stations one after another on the way to Bivacco Penne Nere. SVAP’s Allô-Nuit service includes Roisan among the municipalities it serves.

Mountain Biking and Nordic Walking

The Roisan Bike Park has more than 76 kilometres of signposted mountain biking routes. It includes family-friendly cross-country routes with little elevation gain as well as signposted freeride descents with more technically demanding sections for experienced riders. The cycling area therefore caters to different skill levels without being limited to a single type of route. The Roisan Nordic Walking Park comprises almost 80 kilometres of fully marked trails and extends over nearly 1,000 metres of elevation gain. The trails are suitable for beginners as well as experienced users. The low elevation difference of the cross-country routes is a different planning factor from the more technically demanding freeride sections. At the Bike Park, cross-country and freeride differ in terms of elevation gain and technical sections; the Nordic Walking Park combines fully marked trails with almost 80 kilometres and nearly 1,000 metres of elevation gain.

San Vittore and Local History

The elevated Church of San Vittore offers a viewpoint over the main village of Roisan. It is first mentioned in a papal bull issued by Pope Alexander III on 20 April 1176. The vault of the nave is decorated with frescoes of the four Evangelists and angels. The organ is also part of the building’s history: it was created in 1831 by Giovanni Battista Franzetti and Ferdinando Arioli from Gemonio. More than six centuries lie between the papal bull of 1176 and the organ of 1831.

Rhins Castle is a medieval defensive tower that was once the seat of episcopal jurisdiction. Next to the castle is the Chapel of the Apparition of Saint Michael; it dates from the 17th century. The Carnival of Roisan is a recurring cultural event. It takes place every year during the “fat week”, that is, on the days before Ash Wednesday.

Further Places for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to compare Roisan with other places, the direct destinations Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Challand-Saint-Anselme, Ollomont, Acque Fredde, Arvier, Issime, Quart and Lillianes will take you to further travel destinations.

To the higher-level travel overview: Aosta Valley.