The best traffic-free bike rides around Etroubles

Arpuilles is a hamlet in the municipality of Aosta, nestled on the hill north of the city at an altitude of about 1000 meters. The village, along with nearby Signayes, is part of that system of mid-mountain settlements that the Salassi—the Celtic population who inhabited the valley before the Roman conquest—seemed to prefer to the valley floors, and which over the centuries has maintained a rural character distinct from that of the underlying capital. So strong was this sense of identity that in the past the inhabitants of Arpuilles and Signayes even attempted to separate from the municipality of Aosta to form an autonomous municipality. The inhabited core consists of stone and wood houses arranged along the road that climbs from the plain, surrounded by meadows, pastures, and deciduous woods. From Arpuilles, one enjoys an open view of the Aosta basin and the surrounding mountains: Monte Emilius, Becca di Nona, and, in the distance, the peaks of Gran Paradiso. Its sunny position, sheltered from the north winds, has historically made it an area for spring and autumn grazing. Here passes the terminal section of the Ru Neuf, the ancient irrigation canal from 1327 that brought water from Étroubles to the hill of Aosta.

An exceptional panoramic view of the city below.

Ancient connecting road that runs halfway up the Aosta plain, already used in pre-Roman and then Roman times to cross the valley. Today it is a quiet secondary road, ideal for cycling away from traffic, among terraced vineyards, small villages and open views of the valley floor.

Gressan is a municipality at the gates of Aosta, located on the right orographic side of the Dora Baltea and an access point to various climbs towards the higher altitudes of the valley. From here begins one of the most continuous ascents in the area, with regular hairpin bends and constant gradients.

Beautiful but challenging hike! A steep climb and descent. Beautiful views of the Aosta Valley. Unfortunately, there are no food or drink options at the top in Bellun. You can refill your water bottles there, though.

watch out for bumps in the asphalt caused by roots

The Arco di Augusto was built in 25 BC in honour of Emperor Augustus after the Roman victory over the Salassi. This impressive arch marks the northern entrance to the city and is located in line with the decumanus maximus. It is made of conglomerate blocks and has a single arch with a height of 11.40 metres. The ten half-columns on the facades and sides are decorated with Corinthian capitals. The Doric frieze, with metopes and triglyphs, adds a classical touch. In the Middle Ages it was known as Saint-Voût because of an image of the Redeemer that was placed there. During the 12th century it served as a residence for a local noble family and later as a fortress for the balestrieri. In 1716 the roof was replaced with slate due to water damage. The current appearance is the result of restoration work in 1912. Under the arch is a wooden cross, a copy of the original placed in 1449 as a votive offering against flooding from the Buthier River.

One of the most characteristic monuments of Aosta that tells of its Roman origins: built in 25 BC. by Aulo Terenzio Varrone Murena, not far from the eastern entrance of the walls.