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.