Saint Pierre: Castle, Museum and Vetan

Saint Pierre combines a distinctive architectural history with a natural history museum, an area of exceptional biodiversity and activities around Vetan. There are also winery visits and local products. When choosing where to stay, you can first decide whether to focus on the castle and museum, nature and outdoor activities, or wine and local products.

Castle, Museum and Church

The castle of Saint Pierre stands on a hill overlooking the town. Since 1985, it has housed the Efisio Noussan Regional Museum of Natural Sciences. The tour covers 16 rooms on the ground floor and the two upper floors. The exhibits include the Lyskamm marmot, considered the oldest mummified specimen discovered in Italy.

Just below the castle, on a rocky outcrop, stands the parish church of Saints Peter and Paul. The castle and church are closely linked by their location, while the museum inside the castle focuses on natural sciences.

At Sarriod de La Tour Castle, Jean Sarriod had the existing tower converted into a residence befitting his status in 1420. A spiral staircase and cross-shaped windows made of dressed stone were added. The Hall of Heads features a wooden ceiling from the late 15th century, decorated with anthropomorphic figures, monsters, insects and animals. The architectural additions and the ceiling’s imagery show different sides of the castle’s history.

The Priorato di Saint-Pierre as Accommodation

The Priorato di Saint-Pierre is documented as early as 1176 and was rebuilt between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It welcomes guests in single rooms. It also has two conference rooms, two libraries, two dining rooms and a private chapel. If you are considering staying at the Priorato, confirm availability before your trip.

Landscape and Activities around Vetan

The “Ambienti xerici di Mont Torretta – Bellon” area extends across the municipalities of Sarre and Saint-Pierre. At low elevations, it is home to rare animal and plant species of steppe and/or Mediterranean origin. Thus, Saint Pierre’s natural landscape includes not only historic buildings but also an area whose distinctive features are linked to biodiversity and low elevation.

Paragliding is possible in Vetan, at the foot of Mont Fallère, at an altitude of 1,700 metres. Near the castle and priory of Saint-Pierre, there are outdoor artificial rock-climbing facilities suitable for beginners and advanced climbers. There is also an open-air museum of wooden statues along the path from Vetan to the Mont Fallère refuge. In winter, a prepared snow area is available in the hamlet of Vetan for downhill rides on bobsleds, sleds and inflatable rings. These activities offer a range of options, from paragliding and climbing to wooden sculptures along the path and a seasonal snow area.

Wine Visits and Local Products

The wineries offer a range of experiences. Di Francesco-Gasperi Vino&Spiriti offers year-round tours of the vineyards and tasting room, with advance booking by phone or in writing. At the family-run Di Barrò winery, tours include the cellar and vineyards, along with a wine tasting and the opportunity to buy wine during the visit. Advance booking is required. Château Feuillet offers tours of the cellar and vineyards. The winemaking process is explained, from harvesting through pressing, fermentation and bottling to ageing. Book at least one day in advance.

The apple harvest is also part of the local produce scene: Cofruits collects and stores the harvest from local farmers and also sells other typical products from the Aosta Valley.

Getting There by Bus

From Aosta, Saint-Pierre can be reached by bus route 29, “Saint-Pierre–Villefranche,” and by the “Aosta–Courmayeur” route. Check the timetables before travelling.

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To the main travel overview: Aosta Valley.