Other Activities

Although the Aosta Valley is familiar to many British people as a winter-sports destination, its peak season is actually the summer - especially in the stunning Gran Paradiso national park (25 minutes drive from the apartments). Visitors are attracted both by the beautiful scenery of an Alpine summer, and by the huge number of activities. Indeed it is hard to think of an outdoor activity that is not catered for in the Aosta Valley. Opportunities include

• Mountain biking

In the summer, the ski resort of Pila turns into a mountain bike park with both downhill and freeride courses - the latter runs right the way from Pila to Aosta. See biking

• White water rafting

The Dora Balthea river runs the whole length of the valley and is one of the classic white-water runs. There is a school at Sarre, two km from Aosta - about 20 minutes from the house. See rafting

• Golf

Just 2 km from the house is the beautiful nine hole Arsanieres golf course (or a 10 minute walk if you use the hiking path next to the house). Not being golfers, we had not taken much interest in it, but friends who have played there were extremely complimentary. They report that is, as you would expect, a very tight course, but they say it is very well maintained with fantastic views and apparently some beautiful water features. The postage-stamp greens are a particular challenge. It is also extremely good value, with a round costing as little as 20 euros. See golf

• Thermal spa

Aosta has been known for its natural hot springs since Roman times. The Spa and wellness centre at Pre St Didier was built in 1834 and is internationally renowned: the view of Mont Blanc form the open-air pool being a particular highlight . See thermal springs

• Museum of Aosta

This is not to be confused with the typical museum of a small city. With part of the museum underground, you can see remains of one of the four gateways into the Roman city. See museum

• Swimming Pool

There is a brand-new swimming pool (actually two swimming pools in a double-deck arrangement) a couple of kilometres below Gignod in the direction of Aosta (not far from the Esso petrol station). The complex includes a fitness area, a sauna and a number of beauty treatments. The building itself is spectacular, as the roof is in the shape of a wave. The address is Chez Roncoz 29/a, Gignod. See Gignod

There is also a modern outdoor pool (Olympic sized) in the sports area in Aosta close to the river at the far end of Corso Lancieri (just to the west of the city centre).

Finally, there is an open air pool and lake at Loc Les Iles, Brissogne, near the Aosta East motorway junction. For details of all local swimming pools, see swimming pools

• Horse Riding

There is a horse riding centre in the centre of Aosta: Val d'Aosta Equestrian Sports Centre, Corso Lancieri 4, 0165 551580

If you have another activity in mind, please let us know - we can put you in touch with the right people.

Alternatively, you can just sit in the beautiful city square of Aosta sipping an espresso...