The best cycling routes around Introd

The Municipality of Gignod embodies the true essence of the Aosta Valley mountains, strategically located along the ancient routes of the Via Francigena. Surrounded by lush forests and imposing peaks towards the Gran San Bernardo, this picturesque territory combines nature, culture, and ancient traditions in a suggestive alpine setting, proving to be the perfect destination for a regenerating stop during an outdoor itinerary or for a day exploring the high-altitude beauties. Beyond the breathtaking panoramas, Gignod is a crossroads of stories to be experienced at a slow pace, where the strong connection with the land is expressed through excursions to the historic medieval Tower, bike rides on pristine trails, and moments of absolute tranquility. A perfect balance between historical heritage, spectacular landscapes, and deep relaxation, ideal for immersing yourself completely in the charm of the Aosta Valley. The Municipality of Gignod is also the ideal place to recharge your e-Bike and earn DINAclub points. Find out how at: dinaclub.repower.com To discover the territory, here is an itinerary ready to be cycled: komoot.com/tour/2955453853

Arvier is located in a small basin in the central valley, surrounded by terraced vineyards and crossed by the Dora Baltea river. The village preserves traces of its medieval past, such as the Castello di La Mothe and the Romanesque bell tower, and is one of the access points to Valgrisenche, from where various ascents to more alpine environments begin.

Valley floor access point a few minutes from Aosta, located near the confluence of the Dora Baltea and the Buthier stream. Several ascents to the surrounding slopes start from here.

Seen only from the outside, very very beautiful!

An open-air museum 💪😀

Immersed in the greenery of the Favret meadows, the small church of Santa Maria Maddalena dates back to the 12th century, when it was an autonomous parish dependent on the Chapter of the Cathedral of Aosta. Its apse and bell tower, characterized by an evocative "spur" that supports the structure, preserve intact the imposing sobriety of the primordial Romanesque. Between 1460 and 1463 the church experienced a second artistic splendor: the nave was enlarged and both the external part (facade) and the interior were decorated with a rich cycle of frescoes by Giacomino da Ivrea and his itinerant workshop. The façade features lively scenes: the Mass of Saint Gregory with the blood of Christ filling the chalice; Saint George facing the dragon; Saint Christopher ferrying the Baby Jesus; and, crowning all, Saint Martha, Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint Lazarus. Inside, in the apse, a majestic Christ Pantocrator is revealed surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists, while on the side walls the twelve Apostles can be distinguished. Under the arch that divides the choir and the nave, fourteen panels tell the stories of Mary Magdalene. The works of the fifteenth century were commissioned by the noble De Villa (or La Tour de Villa), lords of Gressan, or by Giacomo dei Challant, lord of Aymavilles, whose family appears in the frescoed symbols. The building maintained the status of parish until 1786, when it was incorporated into Santo Stefano, thus becoming a simple chapel. In 1938, the church was the subject of passionate restoration: the paintings, covered with lime for centuries, were recovered and brought back to their ancient splendor.

At the gates of Gressan, next to the Dora Baltea and along the cycle path that connects Sarre to Pontey, there is the splendid green area "Les Îles". Extending over a surface area of 38,959 m2, it is dedicated to the practice of traditional games and surrounded by a 1,028-meter cycle ring, which can also be used as a fitness trail, jogging track and roller skating track. The area is equipped with a children's playground, an artificial sports climbing gym, two fountains and numerous benches. Access is free, but in some periods of the year it may be partially limited to allow training and competitions of traditional local games such as rebatta, fiolet and tzan. In particular, from March 1 to May 31 and from September 1 to October 15, a part of the area and the related section of the cycle path are reserved for these activities. In the immediate vicinity there are bars, restaurants and a private sports center with a swimming pool and padel courts, both indoor and outdoor, with catering service. The entire area is connected to the Montfleury sports center in Aosta via a cycle/pedestrian walkway that crosses the Dora Baltea and is served by two convenient parking lots.

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