Third itinerary that departs from Saint-Pierre. Consider it: It could be the right opportunity to stop for a few days in the area to enjoy the charm of this splendid corner of Aosta Valley. First Valsavarenche, then Rhêmes Valley and now Valgrisenche, another valley of a wild beauty to be discovered.

Valgrisenche
Keep your eyes open so you don’t miss a thing, in a fascinating journey through history, tradition and a charming environment. The road climbs along the narrow bottom of the valley to Planaval. Then the first pleasant surprise: The valley suddenly opens, dominated by the backdrop of Grande Sassière mountain and, to the right, by Testa del Rutor. From here the forward route goes gently up the vast plateau to the main village, Valgrisenche, traditional district of medieval origins, with its Romanesque bell tower. Just above the town Beauregard Lake is announced by the imposing dam. The ideal place to relax among the intense green of the coniferous forests and the silver of the ridge that indicates the watershed with Val d’lsère.

The draps, quality by necessity
Snow once isolated the valley and the economic possibilities were not great. And so it was necessary to use ingenuity, to produce warm fabrics, practical and above all, durable. Here are the famous Valgrisenche Draps, made of sheep’s wool on “métiers” -- antique looms. Originally, to make them waterproof, they were made to become matted by immersing them repeatedly in cold water and beating them with wooden brushes. Times have changed, but the tradition of the Draps, in this valley, has remained. Blankets, tablecloths, garments, shawls, sofa and armchair coverings…to this day are made on looms built on the antique model. Exclusive fabrics, which you can admire in the permanent exhibition in the capital of Valgrisenche and purchase in the artisan shops throughout the valley.