A breath away from the king — Grand Balcony of the Matterhorn

The Great Matterhorn Balcony is a circular-route of five stages that runs the length and breadth of the Valtournenche without ever losing sight of the undisputed king of the valley: the Matterhorn. As an alternative to the circular route, it’s possible to add a sixth stage and conclude the journey on Col Tzecore, from where there’s a beautiful panorama of another great symbol of the Aosta Valley: Mont Blanc.

The route doesn’t present any technical difficulties and the elevation gain is moderate, so if you’re a beginner and want to try your hand at a high-altitude trek for the first time, this is the adventure for you. Plus, if you love to combine some healthy hiking with good traditional cuisine and moments of relaxation, you’re definitely in the right place!

Each stage allows you to get in touch with local customs, admire typical Alpine architecture and take a dip into the past. This route completely immerses you in nature and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Aosta Valley mountains and find some peace on the shores of the lakes. It’s a perfect mix of art, culture and nature that enables you to fully experience the charm of this corner of paradise.

The best time to undertake this walk is from June to September. Although in summer, temperatures may be low during the mornings and late evenings, so equip yourself with breathable, rainproof clothing and warm layers, I also recommend poles and sturdy boots and it’s a good idea to always carry a supply of energy bars or hearty food and a large water bottle.

The trek starts from the hamlet of Antey-Saint-André and follows trail No. 107. To reach this small commune, you can take the train to Châtillon and from there take the direct bus to Antey-Saint-André, and vice versa for the return journey. Should you decide to reach Col Tzecore as the last stop, you can return to Châtillon by organising a private transfer.

It won’t be difficult to find accommodation facilities ready to welcome you, but I advise booking well in advance. If you decide to travel with a tent, bear in mind that bivvying is strictly forbidden at altitudes below 2,500 metres (8,200 ft): you could incur heavy fines. Instead, I recommended planning your stages to coincide with campsites.

All that remains is to prepare your rucksack and put on your boots. Happy Camino!