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Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso |
Points of Interest | |||
;) | Valle di CampigliaOn the orographic left side of the valley, at the foot of a great overhanging rock, the ancient Sanctuary of S. Besso was built. Every year on 10th August the population of Val Soana and Cogne, on the slope of the Valle d'Aosta region, climb up to the 2,000 meters of the Sanctuary for a great celebration. An opportunity not to miss, also for tourists. In the area there are several excursion itineraries. | ||
Gran Piano di NoascaThe Gran Piano and the surrounding areas are perhaps among the least known of the Park, but they represent an ideal place to observe grazing chamoises and wild goats. The green meadows are rich in watercourses often covered by cotton-grass. A wonderful traverse links the hill of Nivolet to Gran Piano, with a great view over the Valle Orco. | |||
;) | Piano del NivoletIt is one of the most interesting plateaus of the Alps, developing for over six kilometers at 2,500 meters of height. | ||
;) | Orvieille - Lago DjouanAn ancient road through which King Vittorio Emanuele II used to travel by carriage. It goes through the red fir and larch wood up to the famous hunting residence of Orvieille. From the plain where the house was situated near the current seat of the foresters, and from the wonderful Djouan Lake, it is possible to enjoy great views over the glaciers and the peaks of the Gran Paradiso group. | ||
;) | Vittorio Sella Mountain Hut and Herbetet Rural BuildingsThe tour leading from Valnontey to Vittorio Sella Mountain Hut is the most famous of the Park. In the evening or soon in the morning near the Lake of the Lauson it is easy to approach the wild goats. The Herbetet rural buildings are worth a visit for the wonderful views over the glaciers they offer. The path, equipped with fixed iron ropes, requires care. | ||
;) | The Park ValleysSoana Valley
This valley is very narrow because it is of river origin and has a luxuriant vegetation because of the high degree of humidity characterizing it during the whole year. Only small towns have developed here. The landscape is very particular with respect to the rest of the territory: here you can find broadleaf tree woods mainly dominated by chestnut trees which gradually, as you climb to higher altitudes, give way to beech trees. | ||
;) | Orco ValleyThis valley is characterized by the characteristic landscape of the glacial valleys where the shaping action of the glaciers over the millennia is evident. The permanent exhibit in Noasca Visitor Center deals with this issue. Further information | ||
Cogne ValleyThe most famous among the Park valleys, it offers the unique setting of Gran Paradiso glaciers. The large valley bottom and the many secondary valleys are accessible in any season, both on foot or with snow rackets. The cross-country skiing track is very well-known: every year, the 43 km Gran Paradiso Cross-Country Skiing Race is held here. Further information | |||
Rhêmes ValleyIt is a valley entirely reflecting in the typical mountain landscape. In Chanavey country hamlet, immediately before the administrative center, there is the Visitor Center dedicated to birds, and in particular to the Bearded Vulture, the vulture which disappeared from our territory at the beginning of the century and that has been reintroduced in some alpine parks thanks to a European project.
Further information | |||
;) | ValsavarencheIt is the most narrow and wildest valley in Valle d'Aosta, and is famous for being the setting of climbing activities and great traverses around Gran Paradiso group. Here you can carry out several hikes, like those leading to Chabod, Vittorio Emanuele II, and Savoia Mountain Huts or to Colle del Nivolet. Always to remember King Vittorio Emanuele, the Park has renovated the Orvieille Royal Hunting Lodge, which deserves a visit indeed. Further information | ||
