Camping iin the Aosta Valley

Framed by the mightiest mountains in the Alps, camping in Valle d'Aosta is an unforgettable experience in north-west Italy. Visitors to this fantastic region can admire the snow-capped peaks of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Gran Paradiso and Monte Rosa up close from the comfortable campsites, which are open all year round. Winter camping in the mountains of the Aosta Valley is possible with your own caravan or motorhome as well as in rented accommodation.

Camping in Valle d'Aosta: all important information at a glance

The autonomous Italian mountain region of Valle d'Aosta consists of the areas of Valpelline, Valtournenche and Lystal and borders both France and Switzerland. Surrounded by high mountains, the valley is a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, cyclists, walkers and hikers. Skiers in particular get their money's worth here: the Aosta Valley is home to Courmayeur, the "secret capital of alpinists" and one of the most famous winter sports resorts in Italy.

The 4,061 metre high "Gran Paradiso", the highest mountain in the country, is also located here in Italy's oldest national park of the same name. The natural landscape with its alpine character, rock and glacier formations as well as coniferous forests provides a unique backdrop for extensive hikes. Along the way, you will come across the ibex, the park's emblem, marmots, hares, badgers, stone martens, buzzards and rock ptarmigans.

There are a number of recommended campsites in the Aosta Valley, most of which are just a stone's throw from the villages. Access is easy via the access road to the Great St Bernard Pass. Local buses connect many of the campsites with other towns, including the provincial capital of Aosta. In addition to the usual pitches, the campsites often also offer luxury pitches or rental accommodation, mobile homes or holiday flats. Dogs are allowed on many campsites and the valley is ideal for long walks with your four-legged friend.

How to get to the Aosta Valley

Due to its location in the far north of Italy, the Aosta Valley can be reached quickly by caravan or motorhome from many cities in Germany. The distance from Stuttgart is around 510 km, from Frankfurt am Main around 630 km and from Munich around 645 km.

Holidaymakers from Stuttgart can first take the A81 to the Swiss border in Basel. The city is also ideal for a stopover to visit interesting attractions such as the Gothic cathedral Basel Minster or the oldest and largest Swiss zoo. The journey to the Aosta Valley then continues along the E25 motorway.

The route through Switzerland takes travellers through a beautiful landscape of wide meadows and forests. Around 230 kilometres after Basel, drivers reach the eastern edge of Lake Geneva, which is an ideal place to take a break. Further on, holidaymakers reach the Aosta Valley via the E62. From Lake Geneva, it is just over 100 kilometres to the destination. Along the way, there are some marvellous views of the Grand Combin, one of the highest mountain peaks in the Alps.

The most beautiful camping destinations in Valle d'Aosta

Numerous campsites in Valle d'Aosta have the right destination for every taste. There are both quiet sites with a relaxing atmosphere and busy areas with a lively flair. Popular villages include Sarre, Étroubles and Courmayeur, each of which has its own unique charm.

Sarre

At an altitude of 631 metres, the municipality of Sarre is synonymous with tranquillity and nature. It is located just a few kilometres from the highest peaks in Europe. Nature lovers will enjoy the proximity to the valleys of the Grand Paradiso National Park with its rich flora and fauna.

Étroubles

The small municipality of Étroubles with its 493 inhabitants is just as tranquil. The tiny village is located at an altitude of 1,280 metres on the road leading to the Great Saint Bernard Pass and is known for its parish church and the Tour de Vachêry tower, among other things. Both date back to the 12th century.

Courmayeur

Because Courmayeur is one of the oldest and most famous tourist resorts in the Alps, it is a little livelier here. It lies at an altitude of 1,224 metres in the south-east of Mont Blanc, which is not far away. In winter, Cormayeur is the first port of call for skiers in the Aosta Valley. In the first two side valleys of the Aosta Valley, hikers can enjoy a beautiful circular hiking trail.

Valsavarenche

Valsavarenche is the wildest valley in the Aosta Valley and is known above all as the starting point for tours and ascents to the Gran Paradiso massif. A number of hiking trails lead into the surrounding area and there are also several campsites in Valsavarenche.

Aymavilles

The pretty municipality of Aymavilles lies at the entrance to the Valle di Cogne and is a well-known wine-growing region. The 14th century castle towers above the village and is one of the landmarks of the Aosta Valley with its striking four battlements. The impressive Roman aqueduct is also worth a visit.

Activities and excursions

For active holidaymakers, the Aosta Valley region offers a wide range of excursions in the great outdoors.

Lake Lozon

Not far from the municipality of Verrayes is Lake Lozon, a mountain lake that was originally formed by the outflow of glacial water. The lake is surrounded by a belt of reeds and wide meadows and is a beautiful destination, especially in summer.

Côte de Gargantua

This small nature reserve near Gressan offers interesting insights into the flora and fauna of the Aosta Valley and is particularly suitable for a relaxing day trip in spring or autumn.

The paradisiacally beautiful Val Veny Alpine valley

Hikers who wander through the wooded natural landscape of the beautiful Val Veny Alpine valley cannot help but be magically drawn to the towering, mighty Mont Blanc. The valley stretches for 11 kilometres and is crossed by the bubbling Dora di Veny stream. It merges into the Val Ferret in the north-east. Longer hiking tours are therefore possible at any time.

An outstanding ski resort: Breuil-Cervinia

Camping holidaymakers can experience winter sports fun of a very special kind in the Breuil-Cervinia ski area. It stretches across three valleys in Italy and Switzerland and includes the Little Matterhorn at an altitude of 3,883 metres, which can be reached by lift. The huge winter sports area has 72 downhill runs and the Cervinia Snowpark, which is the highest park of its kind in Europe.

First-class cycle tours through the Italian Alps

The Aosta Valley has 19 racing, 51 MTB and 41 MTB transalpine tours, making it perfect for cycling. One of the most popular routes is the route from Susa to Zermatt. This leads along high alpine trails amidst a breathtaking mountain backdrop of 4,000 metres and is considered a challenging mountain bike distance.

Gastronomic highlights

Travellers will sooner or later enjoy local specialities during their camping holiday in the Aosta Valley, which are often prepared according to traditional recipes. On public holidays, for example, the Seupa à la Vapelenentse, which consists of meat broth, savoy cabbage, Fontina cheese and sliced bread, is served. Carbonada, a dish made from braised beef, onions and pork bacon, refined with dry white wine, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and pepper, is also one of the region's favourite dishes.

Lovers of sweet dishes will not miss out in the Aosta Valley either. For example, the Crema di Cogne, a cream with chocolate, is a treat for the palate. The delicate Tegole Valdostane almond biscuits are also a real treat.

Best time to travel for a camping holiday in Valle d'Aosta

Some of the campsites in the Aosta Valley are suitable for winter campers, so you can spend your holiday in the comfort of your own motorhome or rental accommodation for experiences such as skiing and snowshoeing. Snow is usually guaranteed from December to March.

If you prefer warm weather and want to enjoy plenty of sunshine, you should take advantage of the months from June to August. During this period, the average daily maximum temperature is 19 degrees Celsius. In May it is around 12 degrees Celsius and in September 15 degrees Celsius. January and February are the coldest months of the year. They have a maximum temperature of minus 1 degree. December is barely warmer, with a maximum of 0 degrees Celsius.