Challand-Saint-Anselme: Trails, Mining and History

Challand-Saint-Anselme combines mountain trails with traces of mining, churches and local traditions. For planning, it is worth looking at the individual routes: they range from access to a waterfall to a short hike and a mountain trail to a former gold mine. The history of mills and bread also gives a stay its own cultural touch.

Trails to the Cascata d’Arlaz and into the mountains

The Cascata d’Arlaz is formed by the Rû d’Arlaz. Access begins at the Orbeillaz car park and initially follows the Rû through a wooded area before the path descends to the waterfall. The path from Orbeillaz towards Col d’Arlaz is suitable for mountain bikes and strollers; seasonal conditions can affect trail conditions. This suitability applies to this path.

The Tilly–Corvera hike offers a short route with clearly stated figures: it starts in Tilly at an altitude of 875 metres and leads to Corvera at 952 metres. It covers 77 metres of elevation gain; the route is 773 metres long and takes 22 minutes one way. For comparison, a mountain trail from Arbaz leads to the Miniera d’oro di Bechaz in about 50 minutes. The two figures refer to different routes and destinations.

On the Col Tzecore–Testa Comagna route, the trail runs from Col Tzecore along path 1C to the junction with path 5, then climbs to Testa Comagna on path 5. Col Tzecore connects Challand-Saint-Anselme with Emarèse. Another route description covers the Pésan–Ru Herbal–Viérin trail: from Pésan, it first follows a paved road, then an unpaved road alongside the Ru Herbal, ending in a meadow landscape.

Mining history and old trails

The Miniera d’oro di Bechaz is a reminder of gold prospecting in the Monte Rosa area. Visitors can explore the historic circular route along old trails; information boards and maps accompany the route. To reach it, drive to Arbaz, then follow a mountain trail for about 50 minutes to the mine. The Arbaz–Béchaz–Pra Boton route leads from an unpaved road above Arbaz to the Béchaz mining area.

The trails appeal to different interests: at the Cascata d’Arlaz, the focus is on the course of the Rû to the waterfall; at Bechaz, it is on historic mining. Those interested in the route itself will also find a sequence of two numbered trails on the Col Tzecore–Testa Comagna route. This makes it possible to choose based on specific destinations and trail routes.

Chapels, a church and local traditions

The Cappella di Sant’Anna was built shortly before 1500 as a cemetery chapel. The chapel features a Last Judgment and a Triumph of Death. The Chiesa Parrocchiale di Sant’Anselmo is located in the hamlet of Quinçod. It was consecrated in 1762 on the site of an earlier chapel, which was dedicated to Madonna della Consolazione, San Valentino and Santa Barbara. The two religious sites have different historical associations: Sant’Anna originated as a cemetery chapel, while the parish church replaced an earlier chapel.

The use of water in Ruvère is also part of local history. Water was used there to power mills, both for grinding grain and for producing walnut oil. At the Festa del pane nero, traditional black breads are baked in October in the ovens of several villages in the Valle d’Aosta; this includes the oven in the hamlet of Tilly. If you are planning your visit around the festival, check the specific event dates. Challand-Saint-Anselme can be reached by the “Verrès – Saint-Jacques” bus line; check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Antey-Saint-André, Aosta, Brengon, Morgex, Arvier, Acque Fredde, Nus, Valtournenche.

For the broader travel overview: Aosta Valley.