Holiday apartment in Etroubles: mountains, trails and alpine culture

Etroubles lies at an altitude of 1,270 metres in the alpine valley of Gran San Bernardo. Extensive forests and green pastures surround the village.

Alpine culture and regional specialities

In the hamlet of Vachéry stands the Torre di Vachéry, a tower dating from the 12th century. The Latteria Turnaria, founded in 1853 as the region’s first turnaria dairy, now houses a museum about the production of Fontina, butter and Séras. The museum contains the original tools from that period. The historic tower and the dairy, with its tradition of regional production, provide two distinct focal points within the local culture.

Meadows, forests and mountains along the way

The Etroubles–Bruson summer hike leads through meadows and a cool forest. In the early morning hours, deer may be seen there. The Mont de la Tza and the Pointe de Metz are located in the vicinity of Etroubles. The Testa di Crevacol and the Becca France are also nearby. This route therefore combines a summer trail, forest sections and a specific time-of-day reference for possible wildlife sightings.

Two trails with different routes

The Etroubles–Saint-Oyen health trail runs for 2.1 km from Etroubles to Saint-Oyen and has an elevation gain of 79 m. With 2.1 kilometres and 79 metres of elevation gain, the length and ascent of the health trail can be assessed precisely before setting out. It is easy, suitable for everyone and also accessible with a pushchair. The Nordic walking trail starts at the Etroubles sports area, passes through Saint-Oyen among other places, and then returns to its starting point in Etroubles. Comparing the two routes, the health trail’s fixed destination in Saint-Oyen contrasts with the Nordic walking trail’s return to Etroubles. The trails therefore differ both in their route and in whether the starting point is reached again.

Historical traces in the valley

The Via Francigena later developed along the ancient Via delle Gallie, which passed through Etroubles. The Centrale Bertin was redesigned as an ecomuseum and documents the transition of the rural communities of the Gran San Bernardo Valley to the modern era. The ruins of Le Crêt are also located in the vicinity of Etroubles. The historical references thus range from an ancient route through Etroubles and the valley’s development to the ruins in the nearby area.

Getting there and further travel ideas

Etroubles can be reached by bus from Aosta via the Aosta–Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses route. The “Giardini pubblici Aosta” garden is also located in the vicinity of Etroubles.

If you would like to extend your travel ideas beyond Etroubles, you will also find Châtillon, Aosta, Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Courmayeur, Bionaz, Valpelline, Gaby and Émarèse here.

To the main travel overview: Aosta Valley.