The Dora di Rhêmes

The Rhêmes valley is one of the quietest valleys in the Aosta Valley. It has no large ski resort, and the road ends at the head of the valley. The Dora di Rhêmes runs along its whole length. The upper part of the valley lies within the Gran Paradiso National Park.

From glaciers to meadows

The Dora rises from the glaciers that close off the valley, at the foot of the Granta Parei. Snowmelt swells its flow in spring and early summer. Over time the stream has cut gorges and formed waterfalls. Between these stretches, it flows more gently through the meadows.

Marmots and golden eagles

The meadows along the stream are home to marmots. Chamois keep to the higher slopes. With binoculars and a little luck, you may see a golden eagle fly past.

Things to do

Paths leave the villages and climb towards the summer pastures and the lakes. Some are suited to a simple stroll along the water, others to long hikes. From the heights you can see the whole valley and the glaciers at its head.

The fast-flowing waters of the Dora attract fly fishermen. You will also meet mountain bikers on the valley’s tracks. By the water, a few grassy spots lend themselves to a picnic with family or friends. The valley can be visited in every season: the scenery changes a great deal between summer, autumn and snowy winter.

Two villages, two parishes

The valley has two municipalities: Rhêmes-Saint-Georges, lower down, and Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, towards the head of the valley. The hamlets have kept their stone and timber houses, their chapels and their churches. They show how people lived here for a long time, making the most of every meadow and every spring. Higher up, the summer farms take in the herds in summer. The inhabitants keep up the traditions of the valley there.