“Vertical ice
and green as far as the eye can see”
Set at the heart of the Grand Paradis National Park, the evocative basin of Cogne is surrounded by a limitless stretch of green: the St. Ourse’s meadows. So picturesque that they have been added to the list of ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, and which, in September, will host one of the traditional Bataille de Reines (battle between horned cows).
Botany enthusiasts should not miss the Paradisia garden. It accommodates over a thousand plant species originating from the Alps and from mountain ranges all over the world.
Its reception structures and rich gastronomic traditions, where the local restaurants excel, make Cogne one of the top locations to experience the hospitality of the Aosta Valley. Gourmet lovers cannot fail to try the seuppetta de Cogne, one of the tastiest ‘peasants’’ dishes of the high mountains. And for dessert: mecoulin, the local ancestor of the cake panettone, baked in a strictly wood burning oven.
Action Cogne
Vertical ice
For those in search of great excitement, ice climbing is the most adrenaline pumping activity available in the area. 150 icefalls located between Valnontey, Valeille and the Grauson valley, a favourite place of ice climbers throughout the world.
Summer-Winter at Cogne: the ideal place for summer hiking, in winter is the Queen of cross-country skiing. With more than 70km of alpine ski runs and compacted routes for walking with snow shoes, here major international competitions are held such as the Cross-country Skiing World Cup and the Grand Paradis Corss-Country Skiing Race.
In the saddle at Grand Paradis
Breath in the clean air of Cogne and enjoy the beauty of the panorama, following the many paths which run alongside the ski runs, on foot, on horseback, or perhaps on a romantic sled ride.