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Altitude at departure point: 1.632 mt
Day 1: Arrival in Bourg St Pierre
Arrival at the hotel, dinner and night (it is possible to have a fondue or a raclette which are typically Swiss), benediction could be next day at the Hostel.
02
Distance 11,50 km
Day 2: Bourg St Pierre - San Bernardo Pass
This segment has a symbolic value as we cross the Alps. Scrambling along mountain trail we reach the historical hospital of the Agostinian Friars founded more than 1000 years ago, who along the centuries saved so many lives of pilgrims with their famous dogs.
03
Distance 13 km
Day 3: San Bernardo Pass - Etroubles
The superb scenery of the Pass with the small lake and the crown of high mountains greet us at departure. Entirely on trails the route passes through St. Rhémy en Bosses, well known for the ham it produces. We descend to Etroubles. Since ancient times this village has acted as the main centre of the area; the Roman soldiers had here their winter quarters.
04
Distance 16 km
Day 4: Etroubles - Aosta
To reach Aosta, today we walk along the Rus, irrigation canals, very important for local agriculture. They are generally at mid height and we follow them before descending more steeply towards Aosta. Of Roman origins, Aosta has kept many historical remains of that period such as the Pretorian Arch and the theatre.
05
Distance 21 km
Day 5: Aosta - Chambave
From now on we follow the “Chemins de Vignobles” vineyards trail, also marked as “Via Francigena” The first castle we encounter is Quart ( XII century) on the highest point, then the Nus Castle, also on a cliff, while at the bottom of the valley we can see the Fenis castle built by the Challant family.
06
Distance 26 km
Day 6: Chambave - Verres
A very pleasant walk along trails that wind among vineyards and orchards, with higher mountains in the background. The river Evançon runs at the bottom of the main valley, while the imposing Verrès castle stands at the entrance of the Val d’Ayas. It is an imposing fortress with 2m thick walls, which can be reached only on foot.
07
Distance 17 km
Day 7: Verres - Pont St Martin
Many interesting things on the way, from the Echilod bridge, to the Bard Fortress, not forgetting the stretch of the original Roman road called “Via delle Gallie”, near Donnas.
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Day 8: End our service
See you next year to walk together the next stage
