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Saint-Vincent

This destination is famous because of its mild climate and it is known as the ‘Riviera of the Alps’, since here some typical Mediterranean plants, such as palms, olive trees and umbrella pines, grow easily. Its good position, sheltered from cold winds, and a series of other positive factors, made this town a sought-after destination already at the end of the 18th century. It is famous for its thermal baths and its Casino, which attracted both the aristocracy and the Italian and international jet-set. In addition to that, there is also a flourishing conference activity thanks to modern, state-of-the-art venues and top-quality hotels and restaurants.
This spa town keeps a more popular and traditional atmosphere in some of its hill hamlets, where agricultural activities, natural spaces and old architecture spread.

WHAT TO SEE
● Parish church of San Vincenzo and its museum: it was built during the XI century on a site dating back to the Iron age which was converted into a thermal bath in the Roman epoch and, later, into a burial site during the early Christian time. The church has some Romanesque elements, bare and massive, which contrast with the nice frescoes dating back to the XV and XVI centuries. It is possible to visit the crypt dating back to the 8th century and the museum with some interesting works of art.
● Museum of mineralogy and palaeontology: the structure owns minerals, crystals, stones and fossils both from the Aosta Valley and from all over the world. There are almost 750 minerals and 170 fossils.

NATURE AND SPORT
In summer the town can be explored on foot along the ‘ru’ – some ancient irrigation canals, by e-bike, which can be easily rented or by riding a horse.
From the town centre one can walk along the ancient mule tracks to discover small churches, such as the Moron one, and architectural treasures such as the ‘raccard’, some rural building typical of some ancient villages such as Valmignanaz. Mills and ovens can be visited too, as well as local producers in their farms.
After 15 km the Col de Joux is finally reached. It is a panoramic point which links the central valley and the Ayas Valley, but it is also a privileged spot for open-air winter activities, such as easy strolls or snowshoe hikes.
The town also owns various sport facilities such as a sport centre with indoor and outdoor swimming-pools and a gym, a stadium, a bowling area, some outdoor tennis courts and an equipped route

EVENTS AND TRADITIONS
The Children’s Carnival: being a real institution established in the 1960s, during this carnival children attending primary school ‘rule’ the town for about a week. The mayor and the council are elected and they are helped by other figures, such as firemen, policemen and doctors. Don’t miss the balloon launch, the float parade and the distribution of polenta and sausages at the end of the event.

FOR THE LITTLE ONES
Kids can enjoy the swimming pools of the sport centre (two of them are indoor and two outdoor ones).
Various summer events are dedicated to children and the many easy and panoramic routes are suitable for kids too. These paths can be discovered on foot, while riding a horse and some of them even by e-bike.
When the weather is bad, the museum of mineralogy and palaeontology is a good option to discover something new and unexpected.
At Christmas time the activities conceived for kids include shows in the town centre.

IDENTIKIT
● Altitude: 600 m
● Inhabitants: 4,800
● How to get there by public transports:
By bus: direct bus from Milan to Châtillon (upon reservation), then take the shuttle bus to Saint-Vincent (line “Saint-Vincent (Cillian)-Chatillon-Pontey”).
By train: until Châtillon/Saint-Vincent railway station and then shuttle bus to Saint-Vincent - the railway is temporarily closed (the timetables of the buses which replace the trains are available on the Trenitalia website).