ノヴァレーザのおすすめツーリングルート

Clearly visible remains of a very important but under-appreciated historical work. The galleries are NOT open to visitors.

The Fell Railway was a railroad that connected Italy and France from 1868 to 1871, passing through Mont Cenis. At the time, the Frejus railway tunnel was being built, but many believed it would never be completed (in fact, it took two major inventions, the automatic pneumatic drill and dynamite, to allow its completion, but I digress). Mr. Fell proposed a railway line that ran on the Napoleonic roadbed, with a system of horizontal drive wheels on a third rail to overcome the steepest sections. Born poorly and growing worse, the railway operated for four years, then was closed with the opening of the Frejus tunnel. A few avalanche tunnels remain along the SP25, which allowed the railway to operate even in winter: one can be seen near the border, another a little further downstream, and a shorter one just below Grand Croix, to name just a few. It's worth noticing when passing by.

A large erratic boulder right in the middle of the parking lot at the entrance to the village (coming from the Napoleonica). It's used as a rock climbing gym and offers several climbing routes. At the base, there are a series of benches for comfortable observation of the climbers. Beyond the climbing, it's a very interesting geological feature—and a truly impressive one. Since it's impossible to miss, it's worth enjoying to the fullest.

Beautiful chapel, with interesting frescoes on the facade, on the side of the road just before entering the town of Ferrera-Moncenisio going up the Strada Reale that comes from Novalesa.

Simple chapel, a little run down, at the exit of Novalesa going towards Ferrere.

Overshadowed by the fame of its abbey, Novalesa risks flying under the radar. However, its historic center is very interesting. Consisting essentially of a double row of houses surrounding the central street (the town's former main thoroughfare), its main attraction is the church (with its striking neoclassical façade, free of a single curve). But it's all worth exploring, from the beautiful fountain at the entrance to the narrow alleys that branch off between the stone houses. It's worth wandering through and fully enjoying.

In a very compact area, Venaus offers a remarkable number of interesting churches and chapels, some with beautiful frescoes, and several exquisitely crafted fountains, not only beautiful to look at but also providing drinking water. Walking through the town center is a wonderful experience.

At the entrance to Venaus, a beautiful fiberglass sculpture (unfortunately a little damaged) depicting a huge, very lifelike deer. Surrounding it is a lovely porphyry road and a structure that almost looks like a remnant of the city walls, but could also be a reconstruction. Overall, a very pleasant way to enter the town.