Verrès: Castle, Saint-Gilles and Paths through the Landscape

Verrès combines a striking castle, sacred architectural history and nature observation with hiking and cycling. It offers you a destination for days focused on culture and the landscape.

Castle and Sacred History

Castello di Verrès is located in the immediate vicinity of Verrès. Iblet de Challant had the pioneering castle built as a single structure; an inscription confirms that he began the work in 1390. The Castello stands on a rocky spur above the Evançon mountain stream and controls the entrance to the Challand-Ayas valley.

The present-day parish church of Saint-Gilles was built in 1775 on the remains of an earlier Romanesque church. The Saint-Gilles complex also includes a Gothic chapel with a carved trefoil-shaped stone window and a Gothic vault.

Hiking to Croce di Saint-Gilles

The hiking trail from Verrès to Croce di Saint-Gilles is classified as difficulty level E – Hiking. It is recommended from May to October, involves 312 metres of elevation gain and is 1,449 metres long. The elevation gain and trail length are taken into account when planning the time and energy required for the hiking day.

The trail begins at Piazza René de Challand, passes the collegiate church of Saint-Gilles and continues into the “Borna de Laou” arboretum.

The Borna di Laou Arboretum can be reached on foot from Verrès. Information boards there identify the vegetation by its botanical names as well as its Italian and French names. Croce di Saint-Gilles stands on a highly scenic rocky elevation that is visible from the village of Verrès.

Castles in the Surrounding Area

Several castles add to the cultural surroundings. Castello di Issogne is located in the immediate vicinity of Verrès. Castello di Saint-Germain and Castello di Chenal are located in the area around Verrès. Together with Castello di Verrès, they create a broad range of historic buildings, without implying that their respective locations are the same.

Cycle Route and Historic Carnival

Verrès is a stage on the Via Francigena cycle route along the Dora Baltea. The Historic Carnival of Verrès provides another cultural highlight: it was founded in 1949 during the carnival season to recreate an event handed down through tradition.

For planning your trip, the main attractions can be clearly organised. Castello di Verrès and the Saint-Gilles complex focus attention on architecture and history, while the trail to Croce di Saint-Gilles, the arboretum and the Via Francigena appeal to hikers, nature lovers and cyclists. When choosing a hotel, you can consider your travel group’s interests and the desired balance between culture and activity.

You can find more destinations in the same region under Gressoney-La-Trinité, Cogne, Saint-Oyen, La Thuile, Fénis Ao, Frachey, Saint Vincent and Oyace.

For the overarching travel overview: Aosta Valley.