The Buthier

The Buthier is the torrent of the Valpelline. It rises at the Tsa de Tsan glacier, above 2,700 metres at the head of the valley, and ends its course in Aosta, where it flows into the Dora Baltea. Along the way it goes from a rushing glacial torrent to a river crossing the town.

A grey glacial torrent loaded with sediment

In its upper reaches the Buthier is a true mountain torrent. Its water is grey, loaded with sediment torn away by the glacier. It runs through narrow gorges and larch forests and forms several waterfalls.

Lower down, it is held back by the dam of Lake Place-Moulin. Downstream, its flow is steadier: it waters the meadows and crops of the Valpelline and runs below the villages, which have always used its water.

A very old name, perhaps of Celtic origin

The name “Buthier” is sometimes linked to a Celtic root simply meaning “watercourse”. Nothing proves it, but the idea recalls that the region was home to the Salassi before the Romans arrived.

The Buthier in Aosta: a riverbed that has moved

In Aosta, the Buthier crosses the town before joining the Dora. It has changed its bed over the course of history: the Roman bridge that once spanned it is now dry. In Piazza Émile-Chanoux, in front of the town hall, two fountains carry statues of the Dora and the Buthier.

Along its banks: trails and views

Several trails follow the torrent, with fine views of the Valpelline mountains. Experienced walkers can climb all the way to the Tsa de Tsan glacier, where it all begins.

A fragile environment: glacier, pollution, building

The retreating glacier, pollution and spreading building put pressure on the Buthier. Several initiatives aim to make it better known and to protect it.

Maps: personal work by Marc Badjou.