Rhêmes-Notre-Dame

Rhêmes-Notre-Dame is surrounded by majestic mountains, forests and green meadows that whiten with snow in winter. It is situated at 1.725 metres above sea level in the territory of the Gran Paradiso National Park. Lying in a vast grassy basin, at the foot of the characteristic Granta Parey peak, it kept its typically rural architectural structure, characterized by wooden and stone houses, unchanged over the centuries. It is the ideal place to spend a holiday in the nature and relax, as a couple or with the family.

WHAT TO SEE
● The parish church of the Visitation of Mary was rebuilt in the XVIII century. The bell tower dates back to the XV century and it is said to have the most sonorous bells in the whole Aosta Valley.
● The Gran Paradiso Nation Park visitors centre, in the hamlet of Chanavey, is dedicated to the bearded vulture and tells the story of the extinction and return of the largest European bird.
● The La Chaudanaz Mill was transformed into a power station by the inhabitants of Pellaud in 1921, now renovated.

NATURE AND SPORT
In Rhêmes-Notre-Dame it is possible to practice trekking on the route of the Alta Via no. 2 that develops between Courmayeur and Donnas and crosses this valley, too.
For those who desire less demanding walks, a nature trail at the bottom of the valley links with a small drop in altitude the hamlet of Chanavey to the one of Pellaud.
In winter skiers have at their disposal suggestive snowshoes routes, nordic skiing tracks and downhill slopes that wind through the woods and are suitable for both expert and beginners skiers. Many itineraries are also suitable for ski mountaineering. Climbers can try their hand climbing spectacular ice falls while, in summer, there are climbing rocks and a via ferrata.

EVENTS AND TRADITIONS
● The Handicraft Fair - Rencontre des Artisans de la Vallée takes place during the second-last Sunday of July in the streets of the village with an exhibition of traditional Aosta Valley handicraft products.
● The Cask conditioned beer festival is organized in Bruil during the second-last weekend of August in a typical food stand.

FOR THE LITTLE ONES
In winter, a funny snow park is set up in Bruil with a treadmill and many other attractions to enjoy the snow. In the Visitor Centre of the Park children can learn about the avifauna of the protected area.
In summer, in addition to the playgrounds situated in the various hamlets, in Chanavey there is an area equipped with trampolines. Among the walks, the nature trail from Chanavey to Bruil and the ring around Lake Pellaud can also be covered with a stroller.

IDENTIKIT
● Inhabitants: 80
● Altitude: 1725 m
● How to get there by public transport: Rhêmes-Notre-Dame can be reached from Villeneuve by the bus “Villeneuve - Rhêmes-Notre-Dame”. Timetables are available on the Arriva company website (timetables 'Alta valle').