Lillianes: Villages, history and chestnut culture

The Torrente Lys flows through the built-up area of Lillianes, while chestnut cultivation shapes the landscape. Rural architecture and old chapels are part of the character of its scattered hamlets. Exploring Lillianes offers the chance to discover a range of themes: the history of its buildings, chestnut processing, and walking routes and seasonal activities.

Hamlets and chestnut trails

The Tour dei villaggi passes through the scattered hamlets, known for their rural architecture and old chapels. The Percorso delle Grehe—also known as Gra—takes you to the surviving rooms where chestnuts were dried. The routes therefore have different focuses: one on the hamlets and their architectural styles, the other on the former practice of drying chestnuts.

Building history and historic work

The historic stone bridge in Lillianes was built in 1733. The parish church of San Rocco was completed in 1723 on the foundations of a chapel dating from 1490. Its Baroque high altar was created between 1763 and 1770 by the sculptor J.B. Gilardi and his son Giuseppe. These dates represent different stages: the chapel is the church’s earlier point of reference, while the high altar belongs to a later period.

Another historic landmark is the gallery of the Revers gold mine. Gold was mined there for ten years, from 1816 to 1826. The gallery can be entered with a flashlight. Before visiting, check locally for visitor access and safety requirements.

Chestnut cultivation and the museum

The Museo della Castagna is housed in the building of the “Il Riccio” cooperative. It displays tools and objects used mainly in the past to process chestnuts. In October, the museum offers a chance to follow the current stages of the chestnut harvest and processing. Dates and arrangements for this seasonal activity may change; check the details before your visit.

Two perspectives on time therefore come together: the objects on display represent past processing methods, while in October visitors can follow the current stages of harvesting and processing. The Percorso delle Grehe also leads to rooms associated with an earlier practice—drying chestnuts.

Walking routes and seasonal activities

The Passeggiata del Canale is completely flat and is also recommended for families with young children. The walking path is also easy to ride on a mountain bike. The Grande Attraversata delle Alpi passes through Colle della Lace. One stage of the Cammino Balteo runs from Pont-Saint-Martin to Lillianes; seasonal route information may change, so check it before planning your trip.

In summer, “Lillianes Beach” opens along the Torrente Lys, with beach volleyball and other sports tournaments organised there. Opening times and programmes may change; check the latest information before visiting.

Getting there and planning your trip

Lillianes is served by the “Pont-Saint-Martin - Gressoney” bus route. Check the operator’s current timetable before travelling. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip to Lillianes, your travel dates may also be a consideration: chestnut harvesting and processing at the Museo della Castagna take centre stage in October, while seasonal sports tournaments take place along the Torrente Lys in summer.

Discover more destinations: Ayas, Nus, Pontboset, Bard, Gressan, Émarèse, Chef-lieu, Chambave.

Back to the regional travel overview: Aosta Valley.