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The Balteo Trail, stretching between Aosta and the Valdigne Valley, is a panoramic balcony overlooking the peaks of Gran Paradiso National Park and Mont Blanc. It crosses some of the region’s lesser-known and least-visited places, yet those who discover them quickly fall in love with them.
Lalla Romano spent long periods in Vétan, writing and contemplating the Grivola and the Ruitor Glacier on the opposite side of the valley.
Over six days of walking, we will follow the sunny adret side of the valley along the slopes of Mont Fallère. There will be no challenging summits or strenuous ascents, but rather peaceful paths through meadows, shaded forest tracks, and the cheerful sound of water flowing through the many ru, the irrigation channels of the Aosta Valley built during the Middle Ages and still in use today. Tiny hamlets, sometimes home to just a single inn, will welcome us each evening as we make our way to La Salle, Morgex and Pré-Saint-Didier, lively villages of medieval origin on the historic route to Savoy. Before returning to Aosta, we will enjoy one final relaxing stop at the thermal baths.
Day 1 – Étroubles to Arpuilles
We begin in the Great St. Bernard Valley, taking public transport from Aosta to Étroubles. Following the Via Francigena and the Ru Neuf, we then continue along the Balteo Trail to Arpuilles, a peaceful hamlet overlooking Aosta.
Technical details: 13 km | +450 m | -300 m
Day 2 – Arpuilles to Vétan
The trail traverses the mountainside, offering stunning views over the central valley. Gradually ascending across wide terraced plateaus, we reach Vétan (1,698 m), a small cluster of alpine huts scattered among the meadows.
Technical details: 14 km | +1,150 m | -450 m
Day 3 – Vétan to Vens
We cross the slopes of Mont Fallère, passing high pastures, hamlets, and alpine farms. After a stop at Lake Joux, we descend to Vens, a charming stone-built village where we stay for two nights.
Technical details: 7 km | +350 m | -300 m
Day 4 – Vens to Jovençan and back to Vens
Following a circular route along the Ru de Vens, we explore the Vertosan Valley with a light daypack. The destination is the hamlet of Jovençan, where a delicious snack awaits us at the local bistro.
Technical details: 14 km | modest elevation changes
Day 5 – Vens to La Salle
The descent into the Valdigne begins, leading into the westernmost section of the Dora Baltea Valley. The mountains become more rugged near the Pierre Taillée gorge, while Mont Blanc appears in the distance, accompanying us throughout the final days of the walk.
Technical details: 12.5 km | +500 m | -1,230 m
Day 6 – La Salle to Pré-Saint-Didier
The pleasant Tsanta Merla path winds through vineyards towards Morgex. We continue along the Dora Baltea River to Pré-Saint-Didier, where we finally relax at the famous thermal baths. Return to La Salle by bus.
Technical details: 9.2 km | +200 m | -180 m
Day 7 – La Salle to Aosta
After bidding farewell to Mont Blanc, we return by bus to Aosta for a short city visit and a farewell lunch before departure.
AIGAE certified hiking guide (Piedmont Region) – Roberta FerrarisAccommodation and breakfast6 dinners4 lunchesTransfers as per itineraryMedical and baggage insurance, including Covid-19 coverage and trip cancellationPre-departure video call to present the tourA welcome gift
Optional transfer service upon requestAnything not expressly listed under “Included Services”Single room supplement where available
Food & Local Specialties:
Mountain cuisine here is simple and authentic. Excellent local products include Fontina cheese, butter and cured meats such as mocetta and Jambon de Bosses. Polenta is often served with fondue or carbonade, a rich traditional beef stew. The Aosta Valley is also renowned for its wines, particularly Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle, and we will walk through the vineyards themselves. Local craft beer is equally worth trying, especially the famous Les Bières du Grand St. Bernard. Even the bread is unique, particularly the traditional rye bread known as pan ner.
Region, Culture & Environment:
Italy’s smallest region is above all a treasure chest of natural beauty. We are in the heart of the Alps, at the foot of some of the most celebrated 4,000-metre peaks on the southern side of the mountain range. Yet the Aosta Valley has also long been a crossroads of cultures and trade routes. From the Salassi tribes and the Romans to the medieval House of Savoy, this Alpine valley has never been a remote frontier but rather a place at the heart of history. Today tourism plays an important role in the local economy, though the region’s true soul remains deeply rooted in the land and the demanding work required to cultivate it.
Difficulty Level:
Moderate. Walking takes place on mountain trails, gravel tracks, forest roads, mule paths and occasional quiet paved sections.
Departure:
Meeting point at Aosta railway station at approximately 11:00 am.
Return:
Morning transfer by bus from Pré-Saint-Didier to Aosta. Departure from Aosta is scheduled for late morning or early afternoon.
Guide:
Roberta Ferraris, certified environmental hiking guide for the Piedmont Region. She is also the author of the official guidebook to the Balteo Trail, published by Terre di Mezzo Editore.
If you would like to contact the guide, please call: +39 334 226 5612
Write to us to receive information about our tours or to design your next journey together.
Via Manzoni 56 – 20900 Monza (MB)
Tel +39 039 832716
betania@betaniatravel.it
Aut. n. 16143 Prov. MB
Ass. RC 8827666 – P.I./C.F. 03140200969
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