One of the most beautiful sensations you can experience in this round, especially in the warm months, is that of the perfumes and intense aromas of the Valpelline valley nature. A relaxing and fun route, with many pleasant stops among characteristic villages and shining views, ending at Place Moulin Lake, the largest watershed in Aosta Valley.

From Aosta, the regional capital, to the territory of the municipality of Bionaz, passing through the villages of Valpelline and Oyace.

AOSTA CITY: ANCIENT HISTORY AND SHOPPING
Before heading North and entering Valpelline, allow yourself a few hours to visit Aosta. You will discover that it is truly worth the effort and you will head out again with only one thought: to come back soon!
Park your motorbike next to the Arch of Augustus, a symbolic monument of Aosta built in 25 BC, the year the city was founded. A few steps in the historical centre and you arrive at the Porta Praetoria, the Roman Theatre, the Forum… And then the Cathedral, the Church of Sant’Orso, the San Lorenzo basilica, Piazza Chanoux. But that’s not all. You can immerse yourself in the ancient streets of the city, go shopping in the elegant shops of the pedestrian area, enjoy the pleasure of a typical restaurant and visit the exclusive local craft shops. Enough for now, however. Valpelline awaits you!

GO UP ALONG THE VALPELLINE VALLEY
You’ll really enjoy the unique atmosphere of this valley. Quiet and little-travelled roads, a captivating setting, dominated by the imposing peaks that mark the border with Switzerland, thick forests and inviting meadows, ideal for a nice stop. The gastronomic culture is also very lively, with the “Seupa à la Vapelenentse” and, naturally, Fontina cheese, to which the large festival held annually in mid-August at Oyace is dedicated. A whole wheel of cheese, in the hard luggage, maybe not. But a chunk, yes. A nice piece of Fontina to enjoy in the evening or perhaps to melt down for a substantial fondue. So take a small detour, shortly after the capital village of Valpelline, to the visitor centre of the Cooperativa Produttori Latte e Fontina. The visit to the centre also includes the spectacular Fontina maturing warehouses dug into the rock, one of which was created inside the ancient copper mine and where the Fontina remains for 80 days and takes on its sweet and inimitable taste.

BIONAZ AND THE PLACE MOULIN DAM
Bionaz, one of the municipalities with the largest territorial extension in the region, is located at 1600 metres above sea level at the head of  the Valpelline valley. For a different stop than usual, you can stop at the Lexert picnic area, surrounded by greenery, on the banks of a pretty lake. The road continues further between curves and green panoramas until reaching the imposing Place Moulin dam: the vast lake of Place Moulin, with emerald waters, is flanked by a dirt farm road closed to traffic.