The Aosta Valley, Italy's smallest region, is located in the far north-west of the country and borders France and Switzerland. Surrounded by majestic mountains such as Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, it is a paradise for nature lovers.
- PopulationThe approximately 125,000 inhabitants of the Aosta Valley are true Alpine experts and have learnt to adapt to the often harsh conditions of their environment. Their hospitality is just as heart-warming as the picturesque villages in which they live.
- LanguageOfficial bilingualism makes the Aosta Valley special: not only Italian is spoken here, but also fluent French - a relic of the historical connection to French culture. The local dialect "Patois" is a variant of Franco-Provençal.
- CulinaryThe cuisine in the Aosta Valley is hearty and savoury - the Fontina cheese or the "Zuppa Valdostana", a bread, cheese and cabbage soup, invigorate body and soul after a day in the mountains.
Top five sights
- Gran Paradiso National ParkPerfect for hiking and wildlife watching.
- Mont Blanc SkywayBreathtaking views of the highest peaks in Europe.
- Castello di FénisA medieval castle straight out of a fairytale.
- Pré-Saint-Didier thermal bathsRelaxation in hot thermal springs.
- Roman theatre of AostaAn impressive heritage of antiquity against a mountain backdrop.
Pizza? Not at all! This is how hearty the Aosta Valley eats
Lots of meat, lots of cheese, cabbage and turnips.
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