The best traffic-free bike rides around Valtournenche

Cheneil is located in a natural basin at the foot of the Grand Tournalin. Its unique feature is that, for some time now, it has been accessible via a free inclined elevator, making it easy to reach.

Cheneil is a charming mountain village nestled at the foot of the imposing peaks of Mount Roisetta, Grand Tournalin, Becca Trecalé and Becca d'Aran. This small settlement retains all the charm of Alpine tradition, with stone and wood houses immersed in a majestic landscape that invites you to get lost among paths and breathtaking views. Walking through its streets means breathing in the history and authentic nature of these mountains.

Finding a locomotive with a railway line up there is something special 😄

Here arrives the "Cime Bianche Laghi" cable car that leaves from the town of Cervinia and begins to wind the fun bike park. You can have fun on the trails in the presence of the Matterhorn and the majestic peaks that keep it company. A truly unique panorama!

The legend of Lago Blu says that long ago, where the Blue Lake is today, there was a small house where a family of shepherds lived. One night, a poor traveler came to visit and knocked on their door, seeking food and shelter. The young shepherdess turned him away, but her son could not bear the thought of this selfish act. He tried to give the traveler his own bowl of milk, but his parents did not allow it and gave the man a bowl of dirty water instead. The parents even punished their son for going against their will and sent him out into the forest that very night to collect wood. He managed to collect a lot of wood without being attacked by wild animals, and when he returned home, he was horrified to find that his house was no longer there. A lake had swallowed him and with him his entire family. As the boy grew up and started his own family and village, they were known to be friendly, hospitable people who always welcomed strangers. Source: https://dooid.it/en/the-matterhorns-magnificent-blue-lake-in-aosta-valley/

In the pastures of the Tramal Dameun (2390 m above sea level) of the Alpe Promindoz, there is a chapel made of crystal and metal, built in 1994 by the Bich family in front of the Matterhorn and the Grandes Murailles. The chapel was solemnly blessed on July 26, 1996 with the title "Our Lady of the Guard and Saint Anne". On July 19, the Jubilee Year 2000, Pope John Paul II chose this very special place for a day of rest and reflection, leaving his signature in the pilgrims' notebook and the memory of his reassuring smile in the Bich family who hosted him. Thus, through the crystals of the chapel, one can read the words of the inaugural address of this pontificate: "Do not be afraid! Open the doors to Christ, yes, open them wide!" Source: https://www.sportcenter.it/index.php/it/sentiero-di-sant-anna-18

The Blue Lake (il Lago Blu), also known as Lake Layet, is located in the Breuil-Cervinia region of the Aosta Valley and lies south of the Matterhorn. It sits at almost 2,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by larches. It is not a large lake, but what makes it so special is its bright color. Supposedly, the deep blue is the merit of both the algae and mineral content, and the clarity comes from the fact that it is constantly fed by freshwater springs. Source: https://dooid.it/en/the-matterhorns-magnificent-blue-lake-in-aosta-valley/

It is worth climbing up to this place, crossing the meadows of the long slope that ends at Lake Goillet. The Matterhorn and the Grandes Murailles frame the landscape majestically. The pass is a wide independent space, suspended in the heights and enclosed by the Cime Bianche as if they were a curtain. In front, the lakes rise up to the base of the Rosa glacier, with strong blue tones that become more and more intense as the water descends.