Saint-Oyen: Culture, Nature and Tradition

Saint-Oyen can be explored from several perspectives: historic buildings and industrial heritage sit alongside forests, walking destinations and winter cross-country skiing; regional traditions are reflected in events and a traditional food product.

Cultural history and historic sites

In Prenoud stands the Vecchia segheria, an old sawmill restored in the 1990s and powered by water. It can be put into operation for educational purposes on request. If this demonstration is important to your stay, arrange the details in advance.

The parish church of Sant'Eugendo in Saint-Oyen has a long history: it is believed to have been founded between 1137 and 1176, rebuilt in 1820 and renovated in 1990. The church also houses a 17th-century silver reliquary. It is partly gilded, set with crystals and was made by a Swiss artist.

Château Verdun also tells of different historical periods. It was built between the 10th and 11th centuries. In 1137, Amadeus III of Savoy donated the château to the canons of the Great St Bernard Hospice. They used it as a rest stop and as an agricultural estate for the hospice.

Forests, trails and outdoor activities

Above the main village is the “le gîte des chevreuils” wildlife enclosure. It covers about 8,000 square metres and includes drinking troughs, feeding stations and two wooden shelters for the animals and their food.

The Prenoud picnic area is in a mixed forest of spruce, larch and scattered black alders. Hiking trails to Gran Testa start nearby. Another trail starts near the Saint-Oyen campsite and follows farm track No. 7 through the Flassin Valley to the Tsa de Flassin alpine pasture at an altitude of 2,258 metres. The routes have different reference points and destinations: the trails at Prenoud lead towards Gran Testa, while the route along track 7 leads to Tsa de Flassin. You can therefore choose according to your preferred destination. Mountain conditions can change with the seasons.

In winter, Flassin has a modern cross-country skiing centre. Cross-country skiers can use an 18-kilometre network of trails between Étroubles and Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses. Check current snow conditions before travelling. This makes it easy to distinguish the cross-country skiing season from the hiking routes, whose stated destinations are Gran Testa and Tsa de Flassin.

Events and a regional speciality

The historic Coumba Freida Carnival takes place in Saint-Oyen every year. The parade features Landzette masks. As the exact dates vary each year, check the dates for your intended travel year if you’d like to combine your visit with the carnival.

Another annual event is the Sagra del Jambon alla brace, held in Saint-Oyen on the first weekend of August. The event centres on Jambon alla brace, a cooked ham that is slowly roasted on a spit, smoked and seasoned with aromatic herbs. The exact event date may vary. The product specification is a separate matter: Jambon alla brace di Saint-Oyen is considered a traditional regional agricultural food product and, under the relevant regulations, may be processed only in Saint-Oyen.

Plan your journey

Saint-Oyen can be reached by the “Aosta – Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses” bus service. Check the current timetable before travelling, as the route name may change. If you’re planning your trip around an event or cross-country skiing, it’s also a good idea to check the event date or snow conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: Valsavarenche, Châtillon, Lignan, Verrand, Antey-Saint-André, Epinel, Gaby, Fénis Ao

For the broader travel overview: Aosta Valley.