Whilst the mountains are more traditionally associated with winter getaways, there is plenty to do on a mountain escape in the summer months. Whether you’re looking to discover something new, or simply want to immerse yourself in the delights of the local cuisine, you can’t go too far wrong with a trip to northwestern Italy’s Aosta Valley – a place where the magic and majesty of the mountains runs through the very make-up of the landscape….
THE TOP PLACE TO SEE:
Skyway Monte Bianco – Not just are the views from this cableway and platform absolutely jaw-dropping, but this engineering marvel is worth seeing in and of itself. Borne from a need to rebuild the existing cableway, the project (completed in 2015) grew to offer travellers a fully-comprehensive experience as they journey the 3,466 metres up the snowy slopes to the top of the mountain. Today, the incredible vertical assent includes three stopping points – The Valley (at 1,300 metres), The Mountain (at 2,173 metres) and The Sky (at 3,466 metres). The Skyway – situated just four and a half miles away from Mount Blanc – also offers the highest event location in Italy, with its 360-degree observation platforms nicknamed “the rooftop of Europe.”
THE TOP PLACE TO DISCOVER:
Aosta – Framed by the mountains which surround it, this Roman city was first founded in 25 BC, when it was known as “Augusta Praetoria.” Now nicknamed “the Rome of the Alps,” Aosta still boats its original city walls, its majestic old entrance to the city, and its old Roman theatre. In the contemporary centre of the city, you’ll find copious shops, restaurants and bars, while there are also plenty of opportunities for indulging in summer sports.
THE TOP PLACE TO SHOP:
Chocolat – For those with a sweet tooth, the beautiful Chocolat shop in La Thuile is a must-visit destination. With over 40 years of experience, the Collomb family have run this world-renowned business with one goal in mind – to make excellent chocolate creations using only the best raw ingredients available on the national and international market. The result is a stunning array of chocolates that taste just as good as they look. Plus, it will come as no surprise that in addition to the hard stuff, Chocolat’s other two specialities are velvety hot chocolate and irresistible, must-try chocolate fondue. A word of warning – when you pop into Chocolat, the only thing that will come out lighter is your wallet!
THE TOP PLACE TO EAT:
Lo Riondet – Another family-owned business with over 40 years of experience (with one generation taking over from the next), Lo Riondet serves up delicious fayre in its mountain restaurant, with its top dining spot being “La Terrazza” – the beautiful outdoor terrace that takes in the sweeping views up the mountainside. Be sure to book in for one of their classic “Mountain Chalet Evenings,” with a sumptuous set menu of local specialities, and a varied wine list with some interesting labels. At the end of your meal, you can make your way back to your accommodation by car, motorbike – or even on foot via a magical torchlight descent.
THE TOP PLACE TO STAY:
Chalet Eden – A beautiful 4-star hotel situated in the south of La Thuile, this unforgettable destination combines the beauty of its unspoiled natural environment with an outstandingly high standard of customer service and attention to detail. Wake up refreshed after a deep night’s sleep, with wooden floors and furnishings serving to create a warm natural ambience, while travellers can be assured of contemporary touches, including Wifi and an in-room TV. Chalet Eden will also soon feature wellness treatment rooms, set to be opening soon. An extensive menu of relaxing and aesthetic treatments will allow guests to lose sense of time while finding inner balance. From “massaggio drenante” (a drainage massage, designed to eliminate toxins from the body, and to help you dispose of excess water retention), to “massaggio rilassante” (a relaxing hot stone massage, to give relief to muscular tension, to promote an improvement in blood and lymphatic circulation, and to help soften the skin), there looks to be something to soothe all manner of ailments. We’re booking our place as soon as it’s open!
AND FINALLY….
No visit to the Aosta Valley would be complete without sampling some Fontina cheese! Visit Grotta delle Fontine, carved into a World War I bunker and accessed via a secret door in the mountain. The bunker cave is the perfect spot for the maturing process because of its humidity and temperature, and more than 6,000 Fontina cheeses are stored here. Cheese tastings are held here regularly, giving you the chance to discover exactly how the maturing process affects the cheese that is produced.