AOSTA

Just spent a few days in a valley famous for skiing as it is among the highest mountain peaks in the world like Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.  There are great walks and views and of course it is only a few kms to go over to France or Switzerland from there.

I was on a great walk up in Pila with so many beautiful mountain flowers and lakes.  It is possible to drive up to a high level and then take a 4 person chairlift almost to the top.
It is, of course, a ski resort but they make great use of it in Summer as a haven for cyclists who can take their bikes up on the lift and then go off road all the way down.  This way the lifts can stay open in summer and the restaurants are busy.
Serious cyclists were having a race the day I was there and they cycled up and down even young boys seem to be able to manage these mountain roads with their Dad.  What strong legs.


AOSTA at first site seems a bit grey since the local stone is that colour and they make full use of it so even the roof tiles are made of stone shaped like scallop shells.  There are large amounts of the old Roman City still intact including the ampitheatre and it is just wonderful.

The city is very well known for it's great cheese and has lots of excellent restaurants and shops.  The whole region is wonderful for trekking and it is high enough not to be too hot even in July.