Cogne

From a naturalistic point of view, Cogne also really offers a lot. We have already mentioned the Meadows of Sant'Orso, a huge green expanse that can be considered as the garden of Cogne. In winter it is used as a snow playground, while in summer its trails with great views of the Gran Paradiso peaks are hiked by quite a few hikers. Some of the hikes lead to the Valnontey, a beautiful valley at 1,600 meters above sea level that takes its name from the stream that runs through it, and where chamois and roe deer can often be encountered.

Another magical place in Cogne are the Lillaz Waterfalls, which can be reached by a short scenic route: the thunderous spectacle of the water performing in 3 jumps, a total of 150 meters in height, conveys an unparalleled sense of peace and relaxation.

Cogne is nestled in the splendor of the Gran Paradiso National Park: we are talking about the oldest national park in Italy, established in 1922 around the Gran Paradiso massif. The history of the park is linked to the protection of its iconic animal: the ibex. Once widespread at high altitudes throughout the Alps, since 1821 its hunting was banned precisely because of its rarity. Actually, this decision was not made for environmental reasons, but because the king wanted to hold exclusive rights to it. In practice, therefore, the first core of today's park was a royal hunting reserve.

In the park one can admire not only exceptional specimens of fauna and flora, but also important historical artifacts. Such as, for example, theRoman aqueduct of Pont d'Ael, a masterpiece of engineering that is divided into two levels: an uncovered upper course, which today constitutes a walkable bridge (but was originally the canal where the water flowed), and a covered lower order, where men and animals passed through.

Finally, about twenty-five kilometers from Cogne is the regional capital. An important center during the Roman period, Aosta is rich in historical monuments of some importance. Such as, for example, the ruins of the Roman Theater, of which we have received a wall decorated with arches and windows, the impressiveness of which is impressive. Or, the Porta Praetoria, formed of three passages and excellently preserved, which is a perfect place to start a walk along the Roman walls.

Also not far from Aosta is the Castle of Fenis. It is a manor built between the 14th and 15th centuries, with a typical medieval appearance. Its articulated conformation suggests a defensive function, but it was probably a place that served the Challant-Fenis family mostly to administer the territory. The battlements of the towers and double walls, therefore, were perhaps only meant to discourage the people from engaging in dangerous rebellions.

In summer, Cogne is a fantastic destination for hiking and biking and mountain biking tours. Easier rides include those leading to places already mentioned such as the Bear Meadow, Lillaz Waterfalls and Valnontey, but there are also longer and more challenging hikes:

• the loop route that includes Loie Lake, the Bardoney Valley Peak and the Goiles Head, starting and finishing at the delightful Biolet Waterfalls;
• the route from Pila up to Gran Grimod, then looping along the ridge connecting Arno Hut to Drinc Peak;
• the hike to the Lussert and Col des Laures lakes, two bodies of water with an almost magical atmosphere at an altitude of just under three thousand meters, departing from the hamlet of Gimillan.

Mountain bikers also find magnificent routes to tackle on their bikes, such as, for example, the one that leads to the Invergneux Pass, a challenging loop that from Cogne, initially along the river, leads to a steep alpine road, which then skirts a gorge hemmed in by waterfalls, in a succession of incredible views.

Another evocative bike route is the one that leads to the Rifugio Sogno di Berdzè (Berdzè Dream Refuge), and in the ascent it traces the previous one; but at about two thousand three hundred meters above sea level the two paths divide, and once the refuge is reached, the descent offers views of a landscape with a truly unique charm.