Valsavarenche: Nature, History and Alpine Experiences

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Valsavarenche lies in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park. If you are interested in wildlife, the I preziosi predatori visitor centre has a documentation area dedicated to the wolf. It includes two taxidermied wolves, interactive videos, as well as selected texts and websites. The different media and objects each highlight specific aspects of the same subject.

The Acqua e Biodiversità centre in Rovenaud offers indoor and outdoor visiting routes with multimedia installations, videos and aquariums. Three otters live at the Acqua e Biodiversità centre in Rovenaud. Biodiversity is therefore conveyed there through different spaces, media and live animals.

The visitor centre in Dégioz focuses on predators, particularly the lynx. Within the theme of predators, the lynx is therefore the main focus of this centre.

Trails with a Natural and Hunting History

The trail to the Federico Chabod Refuge passes through larch and Swiss stone pine forest before reaching an alpine meadow and the refuge. For your hiking plans, the route is clearly structured: wooded sections give way to an alpine meadow, followed by the refuge as the destination along the trail.

A large part of the trails still used in Valsavarenche today were commissioned by the Savoy kings for hunting. The trail network thus brings together historical origins and present-day use.

The route from Dégioz to Orvieille follows a historic royal mule track to the former royal hunting lodge of Orvieille. Its historical character lies both in the type of path and in the hunting lodge’s former status.

Alpine Culture and Mountain Sports

A guided tour of the rural village of Rovenaud focuses on the history of Valsavarenche and alpine farming culture. The tour therefore centres on the development of Valsavarenche and the world of alpine agriculture.

Le Gordze du Terré adventure park offers canyoning and climbing along the rocky banks of the Savara stream. Both activities are tied to this specifically named natural setting: the rocky banks of the Savara.

At the Valsavarenche Ice Park, you can try ice climbing accompanied by mountain guides; special courses and practice days are also offered. The programme therefore ranges from an accompanied introduction to specifically scheduled courses and training sessions.

Event and Bus Connection

Fiha di Civet is a chamois festival held on the second Saturday in August. For scheduling purposes, the second Saturday in August is therefore the event’s relevant date.

Valsavarenche can be reached from Villeneuve by bus on the “Villeneuve–Valsavarenche” route. The connection directly names Villeneuve and Valsavarenche as its departure and destination points.

Other destinations you can include in your travel plans are Châtillon, Antey-Saint-André, Etroubles, Morgex, Rhemes-Saint-Georges, Valpelline, Avise and Gressan.

For the overarching travel overview: Aosta Valley.