This is the smallest region in Italy, situated in the extreme north-west of Italy, Valle d'Aosta lays at the feet of the southern side of Mont Blanc: to the west is the French border and to the north, the Swiss border. It is a bi-lingual autonomous region with Italian and French being the official languages. If you like the outdoor life this is the place for you.
5 things not to miss :
1 Skiing - In this region there are 878kms of downhill slopes and 300kms of cross country runs. Famous resorts include Courmayeur.
2 Summer sports - Including rafting, hiking, mountain biking and horse-riding.
3 Eat and Drink - Aosta produces twenty local wines and several fantastic cheeses.
4 Buy some local handicraft - The annual Saint-Ours Fair takes place at the end of January and dates back to the middle ages. This is the perfect opportunity to purchase local products like, earthenware, wool and hemp products, lace pillow, leather and footwear, wooden furnishings.
5 Visit a castle - Valle d'Aosta is famous for its castles, witness to a particularly rich and intense feudal history. In the primitive fortifications, military forts, sumptuous courtly residences, towers and fortresses, visitors will remain enchanted by the magic and charm of these 'sentries of the past'
