DOUES, ITALY: The Valle d’Aosta is a fantastic area in the north of Italy in the middle of the Alps. The valley borders directly on Switzerland and France and has the highest and most beautiful mountains in Europe, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. The valley is a wonderful destination for hikes to the peaks of the mountains or for exploring the numerous historical sites dating back to Roman times of over 2000 years ago.
This time we rented a house at 1750m altitude near the village Doues. With only approx. 60$ cost per night this was unbelievably cheap. The house has a unique view to the city of Aosta and is almost completely remote. At the same time, the house is equipped with everything one needs. Unfortunately there is no direct link but the house is the Chez Paolo in Doues (Aosta Valley).
The Aosta Valley region of Italy is home to a unique and ancient tradition of mountain pastures, known locally as “alpeggi.” These high-altitude pastures have been used for centuries by farmers to graze their cattle and sheep during the summer months, and they continue to play an important role in the region’s economy and culture today.
The mountain pastures of the Aosta Valley are located at elevations of over 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) and are typically only accessible by foot or on horseback. They are characterized by their rugged, alpine landscapes and offer spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. They are also part of the Gran Paradiso National Park, which is known for its beautiful alpine landscapes and diverse plant and animal life.
During the summer months, farmers bring their herds to the mountain pastures to graze on the lush, alpine grasses. This traditional practice, known as transhumance, has been an integral part of the region’s culture and economy for centuries. The mountain pastures provide a valuable source of food for the animals and also allow farmers to take advantage of the milder summer weather in the mountains. The farmers, known as “alpigiani”, have been preserving this tradition for centuries and are still doing it today.
The mountain pastures are also a valuable resource for the production of traditional cheeses, such as fontina and toma, which are made from the milk of cows and sheep that graze on the pastures. These cheeses are considered among the finest in Italy and are protected by the European Union’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label. They are also a part of the region’s culinary heritage and are an important part of the Aosta Valley’s gastronomy.