Roisan: Trails, Peaks and Cultural Heritage

A stay in Roisan can focus on either mountain activities or cultural history. Becca di Viou, signposted hiking and cycling routes, and the Nordic Walking Park offer an outdoor focus; San Vittore and Rhins Castle add historical and architectural points of interest. When looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide whether your trip will focus primarily on hiking, mountain biking, Nordic walking or culture.

Becca di Viou and Hiking Routes

The highest point in the municipality of Roisan is Becca di Viou, at 2,855 metres above sea level. From there, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the peaks of the Aosta Valley. Becca di Viou is therefore a striking scenic highlight for a stay focused on mountain views and hiking.

Several intermediate destinations are listed for Route 105: the trail leads from Blavy in Roisan to Alpe Viou and Tsa de Viou, then continues to Colle de Viou and Bivacco Penne Nere. The Blavy–Becca di Viou hike also starts in Blavy and ends at Becca di Viou. Another option is the Roisan–Arpuilles stage of the Cammino Balteo. It starts in Roisan and runs for 12.905 kilometres to Arpuilles. These destinations and the stated distance offer different points of reference for planning your route. Check seasonal conditions on mountain trails before setting out.

Mountain Biking and Nordic Walking

The Roisan Bike Park has more than 76 kilometres of signposted mountain bike trails; maintenance and trail conditions may change. Check the latest trail information before your ride. The trail types vary: family-friendly options include cross-country routes with little elevation gain. The signposted freeride descents include more technically demanding sections for experienced riders. When planning your ride, these distinctions can help you take both the trail type and your own skill level into account.

The Nordic Walking Park comprises almost 80 kilometres of fully marked trails and spans just under 1,000 metres of elevation. The trails are suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Alongside mountain biking, this offers a distinct focus on marked Nordic walking trails, with a wide range of experience levels explicitly catered for. As trail infrastructure may change, check the latest trail information before setting out.

Churches, Architectural History and Carnival

The elevated Church of San Vittore offers a viewpoint over Roisan’s main settlement. It was first mentioned in a papal bull issued by Alexander III on 20 April 1176. The vault of the main nave features frescoes of the four Evangelists and angels. The organ also has a precise date of origin: Giovanni Battista Franzetti and Ferdinando Arioli of Gemonio built it in 1831.

Rhins Castle offers a different perspective on local history. The medieval defensive tower was once the seat of episcopal jurisdiction. Beside the castle is the Chapel of the Apparition of Saint Michael, which dates from the 17th century. The church, defensive tower and chapel represent different aspects of the town’s history: San Vittore is associated with an early written reference and its furnishings, while Rhins centres on the former jurisdiction and the nearby chapel.

The Roisan Carnival takes place every year during the “fat week”—the days leading up to Ash Wednesday. If you would like to include this tradition in your travel plans, check the specific event dates for your travel year.

Plan Your Transport

SVAP lists Roisan among the municipalities served by the Allô-Nuit service. For your specific journey, check the relevant stops and booking options in the service app.

Discover more destinations: Valgrisenche, Lignan, Rhemes-Saint-Georges, Gaby, Ollomont, Introd, Saint-Oyen, Arvier

For the broader travel overview: Aosta Valley.