Arvier: Trails, Vineyards and Architectural History

Arvier lies at the entrance to Valgrisenche. The town offers several specific themes to help you choose a destination: the architecture of the parish church, traces of a Roman road, a protected lake landscape, hiking trails and local wine traditions. You can tailor your stay to your interests, whether cultural history, nature or outdoor activities matter most to you.

Landscape and traces of the past

In the Les Balmes area of Leverogne, you’ll find fluvioglacial potholes as well as an archaeological remnant of a Roman road. Anyone interested in geology will find striking formations of glacial origin here; the road remnant adds an archaeological dimension to the area.

Lago Lolair Nature Reserve contains a lake fed by three springs. A broad belt of reeds and rounded, smoothly polished rock formations of glacial origin surround the water. The walking trail to the reserve starts in the village of La Ravoire. Terraced vineyards cover the sunniest slopes of Arvier and add another facet to the landscape.

Churches, towers and historic sites

Arvier’s present-day parish church was built between 1680 and 1701. Its bell tower has a four-sided pyramidal spire with four smaller pinnacles. This design is almost unique in the Aosta Valley, giving the tower a distinctive architectural presence in the town’s history.

The area’s history can also be found at other sites. The cylindrical tower of Castello di Montmayeur can be reached on foot from the hamlet of Grand Haury. Nearby, in the hamlet of Leverogne, you’ll find the frescoes in the pilgrims’ hospice founded in 1368. In Planaval stands Casa-forte dei Signori d’Avise, built in 1312. These dates mark different points in history, from the medieval building in Planaval to the construction of the present-day parish church.

At the Notre-Dame de Rochefort sanctuary, the landscape complements the architectural history: Château Blanc glacier lies behind the sanctuary, and the profile of Mont Blanc can be seen from there. The site combines a cultural landmark with a direct view of the mountain scenery.

Hiking trails and nature watching

Arvier lies on the Camino Balteo hiking route. Check the route information before your trip if you’d like to plan your hike around it. The Ru Eausourde offers a different kind of trail: this canal system carries water from the mountains to the farms. Along the route, you’ll see artworks by local school students depicting native flora and fauna. You can also watch butterflies and birds along the way. If you’d like to see the artworks in particular, bear in mind that the exhibition may change.

Each trail has a different focus: the Camino Balteo highlights Arvier’s connection to hiking, while the Ru Eausourde brings together the canal system’s function, local art and nature watching. In Lago Lolair Nature Reserve, meanwhile, the lake, reed beds and smoothly polished rock formations shape the natural landscape. These different highlights can help you choose outings to suit your interests.

Wine and events

The red Enfer d’Arvier is produced in Arvier and was among the first wines in the Aosta Valley to receive the DOC designation. The terraced vineyards and the wine reflect two aspects of the local wine tradition: cultivating the sunniest slopes and producing a regional wine with a distinctive provenance.

Every two years, Planaval hosts the Tour du Ruitor ski mountaineering race for teams of two; dates may vary. “Levrogne d'eun cou” is an event celebrating the past and traditions of Leverogne. It includes a market featuring handicrafts and agricultural food products from the Aosta Valley, as well as tastings of regional specialties. If you’d like to plan your trip around either event, check the latest dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Saint Nicolas, Etroubles, Charvensod, Valpelline, Cogne, Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, Saint Jacques, Issime.

View the broader travel guide: Aosta Valley.