Attractions and Places To See around Fontainemore - Top 20

Fontainemore is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Oropa Sanctuary, the largest Marian sanctuary in the Alps, or the impressive Fort Bard, a medieval castle at the entrance to the Aosta Valley with three permanent museums. Within the village, don't miss the Medieval Hump Bridge over the Lys River, the Sant'Antonio Abate Church, and the Church of San Lorenzo. Further afield, the Roman Arch and Road in Donnas offers a glimpse into ancient Roman engineering.

The region boasts stunning natural beauty, centered around the Mont Mars Nature Reserve, the largest in the Aosta Valley. Here you'll find diverse landscapes, from forests and alpine meadows to glacial lakes like Lake Vargno, Lei Long lakes, and Lago della Barma. The impetuous Lys Stream carves through the Guillemore Ravine, creating picturesque views. Hikers can also reach the Barma Pass and Refuge for breathtaking vistas.

Yes, Fontainemore offers several family-friendly options. The Adventure Park features exciting zip lines across the Lys stream with routes for various ages, including an 'adventure village' for younger children (3-6). The Fox Trail (Sentiero della volpe) is an itinerary-game starting from the Mont Mars visitors' center, leading families on a loop hike to discover hamlets, stone bridges, and wooden statues. Many of the well-preserved villages also offer charming walks.

Fontainemore is an excellent base for hiking. You can embark on the historic Oropa pilgrimage trail, or explore routes within the Mont Mars Nature Reserve, such as the Trail to Lake Vargno. For more challenging treks, consider the Trail 2 to Colle della Barma d'Oropa or the path to Rifugio della Balma. Many trails, including the Coumarial Loop, are suitable for various skill levels. Find more options in the Hiking around Fontainemore guide.

Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting the Mid-mountain Ecomuseum in Pra dou Sas, which showcases traditional rural life and the history of local masons. The Museum of Alpine Culture, next to the Church of San Lorenzo, displays objects and tools from the region's peasant and pastoral traditions. Fontainemore is also known for its centuries-old Good Friday Procession and the historic Oropa Procession, which takes place every five years.

Yes, during the winter months, Pian Coumarial transforms into a hub for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Many hiking trails, such as the one leading to Col Gragliasca, can be enjoyed with snowshoes or for ski mountaineering, offering a different perspective of the alpine landscape.

The Mont Mars Nature Reserve is the largest nature reserve in the Aosta Valley, offering a diverse ecosystem. It features larch and fir forests, alpine meadows, streams, and glacial lakes. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot chamois, ibex, marmots, and various alpine birds. The Visitors Centre in Fontainemore village provides information and exhibitions on local fauna and the Oropa Procession.

Absolutely. Fontainemore is surrounded by charming, well-preserved hamlets such as Pian Coumarial, Farettaz, Planaz, Crosatti, Borney, Niana, Pillaz, and Chuchal. These villages retain typical alpine architecture with stone and wood houses, flowered balconies, and cobbled streets, often featuring frescoed chapels that reflect their unique identities.

Beyond hiking, you can enjoy mountain biking on the disused Biella-Oropa tramway, which includes the scenic Three-arch bridge. For climbing enthusiasts, the Gabriele Beuchod Climbing Gym is located in the hamlet of Borney. Canyoning is also popular along the Bouro and Pacoulla streams. Additionally, you can find running trails and mountain hikes in the surrounding area.

Visitors appreciate Fontainemore's authentic alpine charm, its unhurried pace of life, and the blend of historical landmarks with stunning natural landscapes. The village's recognition as one of Italy's most beautiful villages since October 2023 highlights its preserved character. The diverse outdoor activities, from gentle walks to challenging hikes in the Mont Mars Nature Reserve, are also highly valued by the komoot community.

In the hamlet of Niana, you can visit the Rock Garden. Here, visitors can observe various rock varieties, each accompanied by explanatory panels describing their characteristics and geological significance.

Yes, the Rifugio della Balma is a modern and comfortable hut located at 2,060 meters above sea level within the Mont Mars Nature Reserve. It's set on a promontory with two beautiful lakes at its foot, offering stunning views and amenities like 24h electricity, Wi-Fi, and hot water. It also serves as a stop for the Oropa Valley walk.