to Fort Bard Italy

Travelled:86km
Visited:Antey Saint Andre, Fort Bard
Stay: Mongrando-aire,free parking and services GPS N45.52543 E8.00595

After Mark listened to another heart stopper of a Bomber game, we set off down the road and stopped at the lake for a walk.

 Then we went to do a pit stop in Antey Saint Andre. We walked to the market before continuing down the valley to Fort Bard.

 We enjoyed visting this outstanding fort with 3 free funiculars and a lift to take us to the top of the hill. 

There has always been a keep on this prominant part at the entrance of the Aosta Valley. The current fortifications were built by the Savoys in 1838 after the previous fort was destroyed by Napoleon.  

There is also an Alpine museum here.

After learning the history of the fort we walked through the medieval village. 

From here we picked an aire on the way to Biella, leaving the Aosta valley. The first one we came to in Mongrando looked alright, so here we will stay tonight.

The Aosta Valley

Travelled:101km
Visited:Fenis Castle, Breuil Cervinia (view of the Matterhorn)
Stay: Valtournenche- free parking at the hydro plant, no services GPS N45°52.0968' E7°36.9240'

The clouds had come in overnight, so we drove down the valley through Aosta and stopped to visit Fenis Castle. It dates back to the 13th century but its present day appearance was from works done in the 14th century by a lord linked to the Savoys. The castle has a pentagonal layout with towers and turrets. 

The inner courtyard has a semi-circular staircase and wooden balconies, decorated with frescoes of St George killing the dragon and a group of wise men and prophets holding scrolls. 

 

There were a few rooms with hugh fireplaces. 

The chapel also had some frescos. 

 After our visit we drove up another valley to Breuil Cervinia, where you can have a terrific view of the Matterhorn. Unfortunately the clouds where hanging onto the peak and we only saw a glimpse. The town was not motorhome friendly but there was a designated parking area with services just on entering. However it started to rain and after consulting the weather report it was to remain the same over the next few days, we decided to head back down the valley. 

On the way we stopped for a short walk to have a look at a gorge. 

Then continued on until we spotted a large carpark next to the hydro electric plant in Valrournenche with no restrictions for motorhomes and decided to stay. We are tempted to try out a pizza for dinner tonight.

Miage Lake and Glacier Italy

Travelled:30km
Visited: Miage Lake and Glacier, Pre St Didier
Stay: Pre St Didier- swimming pool carpark, free, no services GPS N45°45.7230' E6°59.1960'

This morning we drove to the end of Val Veny and did a beautiful walk to Miage Lake and Glacier.

At 10km in length, it is Italy's longest glacier and Europe's largest debris-covered glacier. We spent some time watching rocks roll down the edge and splash into the water of the lake. 

From here we could also gaze at the majestic Mont Blanc mountain range. 

On our way back down we also took the time to admire the basin with streams running through it. It is a very popular 2 1/2 hour walk . 

We then made our way to Pre St Didier and parked along side a couple of other motorhomes in the swimming pool carpark. After our pasta lunch we went for a walk in the village which is famous for its warm thermal water. Its a pretty village with lots of flowers and a fantastic back drop of the mountains. 

Before settling here for the night, we drove back up along the road towards La Thuille to walk out on to a suspended walkway over a gorge, which had a beautiful view of the valley and mountains.