Saint-Pierre: Castle, Museum and Activities

Castle, Museum and Sacred Buildings

Saint-Pierre Castle stands on a hill overlooking the town. Since 1985, it has housed the Regional Museum of Natural Sciences. The museum tour includes 16 rooms on the ground floor and the two upper floors. Among the notable exhibits is the Lyskamm marmot, considered the oldest mummified specimen discovered in Italy.

Immediately below the castle, on a rocky outcrop, stands the parish church of Saints Peter and Paul. The Priorato di Saint-Pierre is documented as early as 1176 and was rebuilt between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Today, the priory accommodates guests in single rooms and has two conference rooms, two libraries, two dining rooms and a private chapel.

Another architectural detail awaits you in the Hall of Heads at Sarriod de La Tour Castle. It features a late-15th-century wooden ceiling with anthropomorphic figures, monsters, insects and animals. In 1420, Jean Sarriod had the existing tower converted into a prestigious residence; a spiral staircase and crossed windows made of dressed stone were added in the process.

Nature and Activities around Vetan

The Ambienti xerici di Mont Torretta – Bellon area extends across the municipalities of Sarre and Saint-Pierre. At low elevations, rare animal and plant species of steppe and/or Mediterranean origin can be found there.

Paragliding is possible in Vetan, at the foot of Mont Fallère. Near Saint-Pierre Castle and the priory, there are artificial outdoor rock-climbing facilities suitable for beginners and advanced climbers. Along the path from Vetan to the Mont Fallère refuge, there is also an open-air museum with wooden statues. In winter, a prepared snow area is available in the Vetan district for downhill rides on bobsleds, sledges and tubes.

Wine and Products from the Aosta Valley

The Di Francesco-Gasperi Vino&Spiriti winery offers tours of the vineyards and tasting room throughout the year by telephone or written reservation. The family-run Di Barrò winery combines tours of the cellar and vineyards with a wine tasting; during the visit, it is also possible to purchase wine. Château Feuillet offers tours of the cellar and vineyards, explaining the winemaking process from harvesting through pressing, fermentation and bottling to ageing.

Cofruits collects and stores the apple harvest from local farmers and also sells other typical products from the Aosta Valley.

Getting There and the Local Annual Cycle

From Aosta, Saint-Pierre can be reached by bus route 29 Saint-Pierre–Villefranche and by the Aosta–Courmayeur route. The Saint-Pierre Pro Loco organises three days of events for the patronal feast of Saints Peter and Paul at the end of June, with meals, dance evenings and activities for children.

More Destinations for Your Trip Planning

For further orientation, you can also view Epinel, Donnas, Sarre, Fénis Ao, Saint-Rhémy-En-Bosses, Verrayes, Gratillon and Courmayeur.

For the higher-level travel overview: Aosta Valley.