court. One of Italy wealthiest towns, Aosta is
typical of the valley’s resorts. Instead of an icy
and snooty atmosphere, it has a warm, easygoing
vibe. On my second day in town, I stroll over to
a family-run trattoria in Piazza Chanoux and
dine in solitary splendour on a giant plate of
spaghetti alla carbonara washed over with grappa
while the family at the next table digs into fondue
(these are the Italian Alps, I have to remind
myself, not the sunny South) and a little girl from
another family comes by to chat.
To get a feel of an ancient Roman military base,
walk through the massive, arched Praetorian Gate
to the ruins, comprising the Teatro Romano, Museo
Archeologico and 11th century Cattedrale. There’s
also a slightly spooky underground mercantile city,
equipped with the clever Roman audio systems.
The Pila Ski Resort is just a short walk from the
downtown area, but if you’re prepping for some
high-voltage backcountry action, do take the 35
kilometres pleasant drive to the town that’s the
heart of the valley—Courmayeur.and business barons from Milan, Turin and
Geneva descend upon the cobblestone streets,
Roman ruins, quixotic castles and understated
glamour of Valle D’Aosta. Home to some of
the continent’s loftiest peaks including the
Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso,
the region is a haven for serious skiers, and the
highest mountain of them all—the magnifi cent
Mont Blanc—beckons with all manner of
seductions to those who are keen to knock off a
must-do on their Alpine bucket list.
At the heart of the valley is the ancient city
of Aosta. Barely 130 kilometres from Geneva, it
makes for an ideal family weekend, where kids
can run amok at cosy pizzerias, while fashion-
forward parents indulge in retail therapy or
stroll hand en masse through the ruins where
Emperor Augustus’s mighty army once held
The terrace on Punta
Herbronner offering
a 360 degree
panoramic view.