Villeneuve: Châtel-Argent, Trails and Dora Baltea

Villeneuve between Castle and Church

Villeneuve features a range of clearly identified destinations for culture, walks and activities on the water. Châtel-Argent is strategically located and controlled the important route to the Great St Bernard Pass. The present-day structure of Châtel-Argent probably dates from the late 13th century and was rebuilt around 1275. For orientation, the location and architectural history of Châtel-Argent are the main points of focus.

Santa Maria and Historic Trail Destinations

At the foot of the medieval castle stands the old Santa Maria church, a Romanesque church. Excavations at the old Santa Maria church uncovered the remains of an early Christian church and its baptismal font. The old Santa Maria church has a semicircular crypt dating from the 11th century. Significant frescoes from the 13th to the 16th century have been preserved in the old Santa Maria church. The frescoes from the 13th to the 16th century complement the crypt and early Christian finds as historical evidence.

The “Vivre Châtel-Argent” circular trail follows green paths to the Romanesque Santa Maria church, the keep and the 12th-century Santa Colomba chapel. For your walk, the route focuses on three specific cultural and historical destinations.

Cammino Balteo and the Trail to the Waterfall

The 17th stage of the Cammino Balteo leads from Villeneuve to Aymavilles and is 12.294 kilometres long. The Villeneuve–Aymavilles stage includes a panoramic trail known as the “sentiero delle farfalle”, which passes through a gallery beneath a waterfall. For planning purposes, this stage provides both the route length and the panoramic trail with its gallery and waterfall as specific reference points.

Riverside Park, Walking Trail and Water Sports

At the entrance to Villeneuve, there is a landscaped riverside park with a children’s playground. From the riverside park, a walking trail that is also accessible with pushchairs follows the Dora Baltea to the sports area. For planning with a pushchair, the accessibility of the walking trail is a specific point of reference.

On the Dora Baltea near Villeneuve, outdoor enthusiasts can try rafting, kayaking or hydrospeed accompanied by qualified instructors. All three activities are accompanied by qualified instructors. The river provides another specific reason to visit in addition to the walking trail along the Dora Baltea.

Visiting and Bus Connection

The Châtel-Argent complex is accessible year-round and can be visited independently with a multilingual explanatory brochure. The brochure is available at the chalet in the car park at the entrance to the village. The brochure supplements the self-guided visit with explanations in several languages.

The “Aosta–Courmayeur” bus route connects Aosta with Villeneuve. For your journey, you can include the bus connection between Aosta and Villeneuve in your planning.

Further destinations that you may also wish to visit: Aymavilles, Morgex, Chateau, Cogne, Coveyrand, Valgrisenche, Chamois and Ollomont.

For the overview of the wider region: Aosta Valley.