Agriturismo in Aosta Valley with Restaurant

Farm stays in the Aosta Valley are alpine farming at its most extreme: Italy's smallest region sits entirely above the valley floor of the Dora Baltea, ringed by Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso. Farms here are small, family-run and often above 1,500 metres.

The valleys

Each side valley has its own character. Valtournenche climbs to Cervinia beneath the Matterhorn; Val d'Ayas and Gressoney, settled centuries ago by Walser families from Switzerland, retain German-speaking traditions and timber architecture. Cogne opens into the Gran Paradiso national park, Italy's oldest, where ibex are easy to see. Courmayeur sits under Mont Blanc at the head of the main valley. The central valley around Aosta itself is warmer, with terraced vineyards and Roman remains.

What these farms offer

• Fontina cheese, made and aged in the valley, often in old mountain dairies
• Alpine wines from Europe's highest vineyards, including Blanc de Morgex
• Motzetta, lard d'Arnad and mountain charcuterie served at the farm table
• Half board as the norm — there are few restaurants near high farms
• Direct access to hiking, the Alta Via routes, and winter ski areas

Seasons

Summer, from late June to mid-September, is for walking, alpine flowers and wildlife in the Gran Paradiso. Winter, December to March, is for skiing at Cervinia, Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila. The shoulder months of May and November are when most farms close: check before booking outside the two main seasons.

The region is reached through the Mont Blanc tunnel from France, the Great St Bernard from Switzerland, or the motorway from Turin. Distances are short but roads climb steeply; winter tyres or chains are compulsory in the cold months.

In Aosta-Valley we have 27 farmhouses, including 2 with swimming pool, 8 with restaurant and 8 pet friendly.