Etroubles
Why visit Etroubles the first time?
Review by Baldassarri Giuseppe
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Etroubles is a charming village located in the Aosta Valley region of Italy. It is known for its rich history, preserved architecture, and beautiful mountain scenery. Etroubles itself is a small village, so a 1 to 2-day itinerary would be sufficient to explore the village and its immediate surroundings. However, if you'd like to combine it with other nearby attractions and explore the Aosta Valley region further, you can extend your itinerary to 3 to 4 days. Here's a suggested itinerary for a visit to Etroubles:
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive in Etroubles. Take a leisurely stroll through the village and explore its cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares. Visit the Parish Church of Saint Pierre, which dates back to the 12th century and features beautiful frescoes.
- Afternoon: Visit the Maison Bruil museum, a restored traditional house that showcases local history and culture. Learn about the Etroubles' past and its connections to the ancient Roman road, Via Francigena.
- Evening: Enjoy a dinner at one of the local restaurants, where you can savor regional specialties such as carbonada (beef stew), fontina cheese, and Aosta Valley wines.
Day 2:
- Morning: Take a short drive to the nearby Gran San Bernardo Pass. Visit the Great St. Bernard Hospice, an ancient monastery that has served as a refuge for travelers since the Middle Ages. Explore the museum and learn about the famous St. Bernard dogs bred here.
- Afternoon: Enjoy outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains. Go hiking or take a scenic drive to admire the stunning alpine landscapes. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby town of Aosta, the regional capital, to explore its Roman ruins and vibrant town center.
- Evening: Return to Etroubles and savor a traditional dinner at a local trattoria, enjoying more Aosta Valley specialties and wines.
If you decide to extend your stay in the Aosta Valley region, here are a few additional recommendations:
Day 3:
- Explore the nearby town of Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, known for its charming alpine atmosphere and traditional architecture. Visit the Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses Fortress and learn about its history.
- Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, or skiing in the surrounding mountains, depending on the season.
- Sample more local dishes and wines at restaurants and agriturismos (farm stays) in the area.
Day 4:
- Take a day trip to the town of Courmayeur, located at the foot of Mont Blanc. Enjoy the stunning views of the highest peak in the Alps, and explore the town's charming streets, shops, and cafes.
- Indulge in traditional Valdostan dishes such as polenta, lard d'Arnad (cured pork fat), and Tegole (honey and almond cookies).
- Consider visiting a local winery to taste wines produced in the Aosta Valley, such as Petite Arvine or Fumin.
To get to Etroubles, the most convenient way is to fly to Turin Airport or Milan Malpensa Airport, both of which have good connections to international destinations. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Etroubles, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from Turin and around 2.5 hours from Milan.
For accommodations in Etroubles, you can find small hotels, bed and breakfasts, or agriturismos in and around the village. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in nearby towns such as Aosta or Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, which offer a wider range of accommodations.
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Tour of Etroubles and itinerary to discover the attractions and local food and wine specialties to taste, how to get there, and where to stay in Italy, How many days should the itinerary be?