モンジョヴェの洞窟・トップ10

just before this point it is difficult to find the path, it passes right next to the last house, then continues for a short stretch that can be cycled, and then... a mule track, difficult on foot without a bike in tow, so to speak. But it can be done slowly, patience comes from the Albard plateau passed just before. Splendid areas. At the end of the mule track and the final staircase, you will be at the foot of the village of Bard, a special place.

Bridge over the Dora - view of Ussel Castle: The Castello di Ussel, also known as Castello Baron Gamba, is an impressive medieval castle in the Valle d’Aosta region, Italy. The castle is located on a steep rocky cliff and overlooks the Dora Baltea valley.

The Castello di Verrès is an impressive medieval castle in the Aosta Valley, built in the 14th century by Yblet de Challant. The castle is known for its unique monolithic structure, which resembles a solid cube and differs from most other castles of the time which consisted of multiple buildings within a walled enclosure. Dominating the town of Verrès and the entrance to the Val d'Ayas, the castle has a military character that merges with elegant stone details that adorn the windows, doors and monumental mantelpieces. The castle has no corner towers nor a keep.

The Castello Gamba, also known as Castello Baron Gamba, is a palazzo of 20th century origins in the town of Châtillon, located on a hill in the western region of the city, near the regional hotel school. Surrounded by a park open to the public all year round, the castle offers spectacular views over the valley. It was built as a summer residence and is named after its owner, the Turin baron Carlo Maurizio Gamba. The building's architecture, influenced by the medieval revival style of the time, includes two symmetrical wings that protrude slightly from the front of the castle. Located on the rocky cliff of Crêt-de-Breil, the castle overlooks the Dora Baltea and was originally built as a declaration of love by Baron Gamba to his beloved wife, Angélique Passerin d'Entrèves, originally from Châtillon. Inside, the castle houses the Museo di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea della Valle d'Aosta, with a permanent exhibition of more than 150 works, including those of the famous Romantic painter J.M. William Turner and other artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Château Vallaise was the most sumptuous residence of the Arnad family of the same name. It was acquired by the regional administration in 2010 together with the Lower Castle of the Coast, the Upper Castle (or "Castellaccio") and the surrounding land. The castle is currently closed to the public and is the subject of initial preparatory interventions for its restoration and enhancement, made possible through the use of community funds and proceeds from the Lotto game. The Lower Coast castle is located to the west of Vallaise Castle. It was built when the Vallaise family abandoned the Upper Castle for this residence and the Casaforte de Ville. Called the "domus fortis de la Costa", it already appears in a charter from 1462. In a will from 1487 it is defined as "domus nova de Costa", evidently because the memory of its construction was still preserved. The two castles were connected by a covered gallery.

Ancient castle but under renovation, in fact closed to the public… impossible to visit

The first village you meet once you start the cycle path is Bovaye. Four houses and little more but an interesting view of the Gamba castle that looks down on us all.

Still on the bridge over the Dora, but turning away from Chatillon there is this beautiful view of the castle of Ussel which is located on top of a spur of rock which, in the use of past eras, served to dominate the surrounding area.