Holiday Apartment in Epinel – History, Trails and Traditions

Epinel is an old village on the Arpisson stream, connected with local history and traditions. Epinel has existed since the 12th century.

Trails for different day plans

The walking trail from Epinel to Gimillan begins above Epinel and leads along an easy, scenic farm track to the Casaforte di Tarambel. The section up to the fortress is also accessible with a pushchair. The easy nature of this trail distinguishes this connection from the flat mule track from Mougne to Epinel.

Another connection leads from Cogne to Epinel via a flat mule track from Mougne to Epinel; this section is also accessible with a pushchair. The route designation “Sentiero Natura Stagno di Les Fontaines” for the Cogne–Buthier–Epinel route is also associated with Epinel. The walking time for the route to Epinel is 1 hour and 14 minutes. This walking time provides a clear time frame for planning the day locally.

The historical themed trail “La Radura delle leggende” is a one-kilometre-long path connecting Crétaz and Epinel through wooded areas and a wide clearing. It passes places associated with vanished villages, local legends and the Casaforte di Tarambel in Epinel. At one kilometre, its length is clearly defined for a short historical excursion.

Historic Places and Traces of the Past

The Casaforte di Tarambel, known in Valdostan Patois as “Tor de Mougne”, is a medieval fortified ruin between the hamlets of Epinel and Crétaz. It was built in 1198. In Epinel itself, the Chapel of Saints Fabian and Sebastian is considered the heart of the village and a testament to its cultural and spiritual heritage. The building dates from 1619.

The history of the village also extends beyond individual buildings. Historic Epinel was divided into four cantons: Cuaz, Grange, Bordon and Tobers. Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Epinel was a centre of iron smelting, with activities involving the processing of magnetite. Iron smelting adds an economic aspect to the architectural history.

Local Traditions and Small Excursion Destinations

Recurring customs are also part of Epinel’s cultural character. In the “Fiori di San Giovanni” tradition, residents collect flowers on 24 June to protect the houses from fires. During “Cantès” on 1 November, young people ring the bells from the upper part of the bell tower and throw sweets to the children gathered below.

Excursion destinations associated with Epinel include a climbing wall and the Les Fontaines pond. In Epinel, the Les Fontaines pond is designated a “natural attraction”. At the Grand Eyvia, there is an access point at the Ponte Brenvè bridge, immediately downstream from Epinel. The section along the Grand Eyvia was closed due to Presidential Ordinance No. 04/2024.

Grand Brissogne, Chamois, Coveyrand, Chambave, Verrayes, Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, Ollomont and Gressan.

Aosta Valley