Aosta Valley, Italy in the Springtime: Undiscovered Italy

The Aosta Valley, known as the Valle d’Aosta to locals, may be in Italy but its influences, culture and history are distinctly French. Located on the border between France and Switzerland,, the Aosta Valley’s surviving esoteric local language, local architecture and local cuisine reveals the regions interesting combination of Northern Italian and French culture.

Italy in the spring is one of the best times to visit, as the snow begins to thaw and flowers start to bloom, Aosta comes alive in the spring. The smallest region in Italy, Aosta’s peaks dominate the vallley, which include Mont Blanc, Cervino and Monte Rosa. From relaxing in natural springs to hiking through beautiful national parks, the Aosta Valley is a fantastic place to spend your spring vacation.

Here’s some of the best things to do in Aosta Valley:
 

Visit the Gran Paradiso

Gran Paradiso is the oldest national park in Italy and sits in the middle of Aosta Valley. The stunning natural space still has wild creatures living in their natural habitat, such as eagles, chamois, and marmots. Hike through the 450 miles of trails in the park on a guided or self-guided tour and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped Alpine landscape.
 

Drive Gran San Bernardo

The third highest road in Switzerland, the Gran San Bernado, or Great Saint Bernard Pass, is on the border between France and Switzerland and has some extraordinary modern tunnels to drive through. The road opens in late spring as it can be dangerous during the winter months, so expect stunning views of the forest and valley weather permitting.
 

Castle Hop

Aosta Valley is full of castles, in fact there are about 150 castles and fortified houses in the Aosta Valley. Some of the castles are open to visitors in the spring, although even just spotting them from a far offers great views of the medieval forts and green landscape. Chateau St. Pierre, which has a hotel, and the Chateau Sarriod de la Tour, which has a history that dates back to the 12th century, are both worth exploring.
 

Take the cable car over Mont Blanc

You can take a four-person cable car at the base of Mont Blanc for the best views of the Europe’s highest peak. Measuring over 15,000 feet the mountain is popular with skiers, snowboarders and mountaineers alike, and the cable car crosses the mountain range from Courmayeur to Chamonix, with unbeatable views of the white mountain. Be aware that the cars will only run as long as the wind isn’t too strong.
 

Relax at the Pre Saint Didier

A visit to the Aosta Valley would not be complete with at least one afternoon at Pre Saint Didier thermal spa. The outdoor spa has been operating since the beginning of the 19th century and is located at the foot of the famous Mount Blanc mountain. And if the naturally warm waters, which come from a nearby ravine, aren’t enough to relax you then you can book into the Pre Saint Didier spa for a massage or facial.

Planning Your Exploration of the Undiscovered Italy

Getting out and about into the far-reaching corners of undiscovered Italy is certainly a journey worth taking, and Kemwel is proud to provide some of the best travel deals to help you get there! Put the troubles of public transit options like expensive taxi cabs and crowded buses behind you and opt for a cheap car rental in Italy instead; you’ll be able to go wherever, whenever you want in the comfort of your very own vehicle. Give us a call today at 1-877-820-0668 and one of our travel experts will be glad to help you arrange whatever you may need for your next trip, from cheap rental cars to comfortable hotels and more!