Valsavarenche: Nature, Historic Trails and Mountain Sports in Gran Paradiso

Valsavarenche in Gran Paradiso: Historic Trails and Alpine Nature

Valsavarenche lies in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park. The topics range from the history of royal hunting and wolves, lynx and otters to trails through forests and an alpine meadow, as well as activities by the mountain stream and on the ice.

Historic Trails and the Transition to Alpine Terrain

A large part of the trails still used today in Valsavarenche was created by the Savoy kings for hunting. The route from Dégioz to Orvieille follows a historic royal mule track to the former royal hunting lodge of Orvieille. The trail to the Federico Chabod mountain hut initially passes through larch and stone pine forest before reaching an alpine meadow and the hut. For choosing your own route, the historic destination is the relevant feature at Orvieille, while on the Chabod trail it is the transition to alpine terrain.

Wolves, Lynx and Otters

The I preziosi predatori visitor centre has a documentation area about wolves with two taxidermied wolves, interactive videos, and selected texts and websites. The visitor centre in Dégioz addresses the subject of predators, especially the lynx. Another way to access the world of wildlife is the Acqua e Biodiversità centre in Rovenaud, with indoor and outdoor visiting routes, multimedia installations, videos and aquariums. Three otters live at the centre. Wildlife is therefore made visible in different places and through various facilities: the wolf is featured in the documentation area, the lynx in the predator exhibition, and the otters at the centre in Rovenaud.

Active Experiences on the Water and on the Ice

Le Gordze du Terré adventure park offers canyoning and climbing along the rocky banks of the Savara mountain stream. At the Valsavarenche Ice Park, visitors can try ice climbing accompanied by mountain guides; special courses and practice days are also offered. Along the Savara, rocky banks shape the canyoning and climbing experience; at the Ice Park, ice climbing is part of the programme.

Village Culture, Getting There and the Fiha di Civet

A guided tour of the rural village of Rovenaud focuses on the history of Valsavarenche and alpine farming culture. From Villeneuve, Valsavarenche can be reached by bus on the “Villeneuve–Valsavarenche” line. The Fiha di Civet is a chamois festival held on the second Saturday in August. The second Saturday in August provides the specific date for planning a trip to the Fiha di Civet. For getting there, Villeneuve is the starting point of the bus line; Valsavarenche is its destination. In Rovenaud, the rural tour combines history with alpine farming culture; the bus line connects Villeneuve with Valsavarenche, and the festival assigns the event a specific date in August.

More Destinations

Antey-Saint-André, Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Roisan, Grand Brissogne, Cogne, Gaby, Etroubles, Gignod

To the higher-level travel overview: Aosta Valley.