The Marmore

The Marmore comes down from the upper Valtournenche, at the foot of the Matterhorn. It crosses the whole valley from north to south and flows into the Dora Baltea at Châtillon. Along the way it goes from high mountains to meadows, then to the vineyards of the main valley.

A name from marble? The origin of the Marmore

Marmore means “marble” in old Italian. The name is often explained by the pale rocks the torrent runs over and polishes, which make the rock walls shine in the light. The explanation is widespread, but nothing proves it.

Water serving the villages of the Valtournenche

For centuries the people of the Valtournenche have used the Marmore’s water. A network of channels carries it to the meadows and fields; it turned mills and small workshops and supplied the houses of riverside villages. In the 20th century the mills gave way to hydroelectric plants, several of which still run.

Gorges, forests and pastures along the torrent

Along the torrent come larch forests, summer pastures, narrow gorges and waterfalls. Near Valtournenche, the Marmore has cut the Gouffre des Busserailles, a deep and very narrow gorge that can be visited. Higher up, the pastures take in Aosta Valley cattle in summer.

Protecting the valley and the Marmore’s surroundings

The Marmore and its surroundings remain fragile. The Region has created protected areas, maintains the trails and informs visitors about protecting the environment.

On foot along the torrent: routes

Experienced hikers find long routes to the pastures and huts at the head of the valley. Strollers can stick to the paths that follow the torrent from village to village. Sooner or later, everyone walks beside the Marmore.

Main photo: Francofranco56, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Maps: personal work by Marc Badjou.