The best running trails around Bard

While traveling along the Via Francigena, on the stretch from Arnad to Bard, you cross this characteristic three-arched pedestrian bridge. On the left orogr. area with a bench for rest.

The Ponte di Echallod is a picturesque pedestrian bridge in the Aosta Valley region. This stone bridge, which has been restored several times over the centuries, connects the upper and lower parts of the village of Echallod with other villages in the municipality of Arnad. The Ponte di Echallod is a classic example of 18th-century architecture. It is built with stone and mortar. The bridge has three arches with buttresses and has a symmetrical shape. It is located along the path of the old Via Francigena, which comes from Verrès and heads towards Bard and Donnas.

The Castello di Issogne is one of the most famous castles in the Aosta Valley and is known for its Renaissance style that contrasts with the nearby, more austere Castello di Verrès. The castle has a remarkable courtyard with a fountain in the shape of a pomegranate tree and a colorful portico, a rare example of medieval Alpine painting, with frescoes depicting scenes from everyday life in the late Middle Ages. The castle's history dates back to a papal bull in 1151, and it has a rich history that includes its transformation from an episcopal fortress into an elegant princely residence. The castle is open to visitors and offers a unique look at the culture and architecture of the region.

The Castello di Verrès is an impressive medieval castle in the Aosta Valley, built in the 14th century by Yblet de Challant. The castle is known for its unique monolithic structure, which resembles a solid cube and differs from most other castles of the time which consisted of multiple buildings within a walled enclosure. Dominating the town of Verrès and the entrance to the Val d'Ayas, the castle has a military character that merges with elegant stone details that adorn the windows, doors and monumental mantelpieces. The castle has no corner towers nor a keep.

A very special Roman bridge with a beautiful view.

The castle of Issogne stands a short distance from the Dora Baltea: a Roman villa, a robust stronghold owned by the bishop, a medieval manor, a refined stately home that testifies to the power and wealth of the Challant family, and a dream castle for Vittorio Avondo. The external appearance, severe and modest, hides centuries of history and magnificent masterpieces inside. From the courtyard with the coats of arms to the lunettes of the atrium, from the lush garden to the pomegranate fountain, it represents a triumph of late Gothic art, in the transition period between the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance. Here every detail tells the story of Prior George of Challant, refined promoter of the architectural modifications and decorations that give the castle a uniqueness in the medieval figurative culture of the Alpine regions.

Château Vallaise was the most sumptuous residence of the Arnad family of the same name. It was acquired by the regional administration in 2010 together with the Lower Castle of the Coast, the Upper Castle (or "Castellaccio") and the surrounding land. The castle is currently closed to the public and is the subject of initial preparatory interventions for its restoration and enhancement, made possible through the use of community funds and proceeds from the Lotto game. The Lower Coast castle is located to the west of Vallaise Castle. It was built when the Vallaise family abandoned the Upper Castle for this residence and the Casaforte de Ville. Called the "domus fortis de la Costa", it already appears in a charter from 1462. In a will from 1487 it is defined as "domus nova de Costa", evidently because the memory of its construction was still preserved. The two castles were connected by a covered gallery.

The characteristic Aosta Valley village of Arnad is known for its famous DOP lard. Located on the banks of the Dora Baltea, Arnad has its roots in tradition: from one of the most famous rock climbing walls in the Alps, it offers walks in the chestnut woods or among churches and castles, evidence of a great past. Nature, sport, history, genuine flavours, relaxation. The gateway to the Aosta Valley is a small world waiting to be discovered. The village is characterized by the presence of typical strong houses of medieval origin. The Church of Saint Martin of Tours in Arnad-le-Vieux, the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges in Machaby, the Upper and Lower Castles and the monumental complex of Osta are certainly worth a visit.