In northern Italy, sandwiched between France and Switzerland lies one of Italy's most beautiful cycling spots. The Aosta Valley, or Valle d'Aosta, is a beautiful slice of mountain scenery. You can cycle beautifully in the Aosta Valley. It is a special part of Italy, as French is also one of the vehicular languages here. Like Sudtirol, where German and Ladin are also official languages, the Aosta valley is also bilingual. Other well-known regions with their own languages? Napoli, of course, and also in Sicily and Sardinia, although that is more dialect. The Aosta Valley is also an autonomous region and has special status in Italy. Good. Back to cycling.
Cycling in the Aosta Valley: the Colle di Gran San Bernardo
The geographical location betrays a lot, because in the Aosta Valley, not one metre is flat. One of the most important climbs in the Aosta valley is the Colle di Gran San Bernardo. The Mountain High Chasers climbed this classic already once, but from Switzerland. From Italy and from the Aosta valley, it's a little different. It is a monster climb of 33 kilometres long. At the top, though, there seems to be a top pizzeria, with reasonable prices. Winner!
Gran San Bernardo, Aosta, Italy
- Distance: 33.6 km, Elevation: 1872 m, Avg. Grade: 5.8 %
Mont Blanc and the Petit Saint Bernard
When you say Aosta valley, you automatically say Mont Blanc. The Mont Blanc massif is part of the Aosta Valley, and if you ever wanted to consider doing a 'round of Mont Blanc', you would have to go through the Aosta Valley. One of the climbs you will then encounter is the little 'brother' of the Grand Saint Bernard (or Gran San Bernardino) and that is the Piccolo San Bernardo. This is another one for the books. This one is 22 kilometres long, but a lot gentler than its big brother. Here you have an average of 5% and it doesn't get above 7. That's another fine climb. But those 22 kilometres in length do make for quite a challenge.
Passo Piccolo San Bernardo, Pre' Saint Didier, Italy
- Distance: 22 km, Elevation: 1141 m, Avg. Grade: 5 %
Even more road bike fun
That there is more to Aosta than the above two climbs should be obvious. On the website of the local tourism office, you will find no less than 38 (!) different road cycling routes. Not bad, considering the size of the area. We immediately highlight one for you: the route is 'only' 52 kilometres, but heads west from Aosta. You follow the route of the Salassi, an ancient population group of this region.
For off-roaders: Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso
One thing the Aosta Valley perhaps excels at is its MTB and gravel options. Alpine gravel, that is. Because it goes up steeply here and you have a lot of narrow trails, but then again you get to exceptionally beautiful places. Mountain lakes and whatever else is on offer. The Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso is on the border with neighbouring Piedmont. In the PNGP you can cycle to your heart's content, especially mountain biking and off-roading. All info on this park and lots of beautiful cycling routes can be found on the national park site.
Tips for your next cycling adventure in the Aosta Valley
- In terms of accessibility, the Aosta Valley is best reached by car. From the Netherlands or Belgium, you almost always rely on the Mont-Blanc tunnel. Note that it is not free and costs for a return ticket is €67.50 for cars (slightly more for motorhomes/caravans/buses) and you can book through: https://tunnelmb.net/en-US/plan-and-calculate-transit
- Another option is the train, although this one has a bit more difficulty. Think via Paris to Geneva and then with two changes to Aosta. Not ideal, but do-able.
- In the Aosta Valley, you will find many good biking hotels. We give you some options:
- Hotel Crabun: good location also for exploring Piedmont. Free bike rental, everything present for a good bike hotel. Good prices
- Le Charaban: Perfect location, right in the middle of Aosta. From here, the entire Aosta Valley lies at your feet
- Le Clos D'Anbot: also good in terms of location in the middle of Aosta. For sustainability enthusiasts: you can also charge your car here. Handy!
- You can find all cycling routes in the Aosta Valley via the Valle d'Aosta site: https://www.lovevda.it/en/itineraries/bike
- Round Mont-Blanc? How about the Gran Fondo Mont Blanc? You will find all info on this crazy ride on the organiser's site.
More info on the Aosta Valley and the possibilities for cycling in the Aosta Valley? You can find it on the official site of the Tourist Office: https://www.lovevda.it/en
