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Cultural activities

Despite being a small region, the Aosta Valley has been defined the “valley of 100 castles”, due to the large concentration of manors, fortified houses and towers throughout the territory, even where you would not expect to find one! …and guess what? Just a few kilometres from the hotel, there are three of the most famous castles and small forts in the Aosta Valley: the Fortress of Bard, the Issogne Castle and the Verrès Castle.

5 km from the hotel – 7 minutes by car

Fortress of Bard

Just over 5 km from Arnad stands the unassailable barrier fortress, one of the best preserved in Italy: the Fortress of Bard.

Inside it, you can visit the Museum of the Alps, the Museum of Fortifications and Frontiers, the prisons and possibly temporary exhibitions, which are organised throughout the year.

From the pleasant medieval village, the fortress can be reached on foot, or using the panoramic lifts. Read less

3 km from the hotel – 4 minutes by car

Issogne Castle

Setting off from the hotel, it is just 3 km to the Issogne Castle. Thanks to an enthralling guided tour, you can admire the picturesque courtyard with the Pomegranate Fountain and the colonnade with the marvellous frescoed lunettes.

After that, the itinerary continues through the lavish interiors: the kitchens, the dining room, the baronial room on the ground floor; the palatine chapel and the Countess’s room on the first floor; the King of France’s room and the room of the Knights of Saint Maurice on the second floor.

Since 2018, it has also been possible to visit Avondo’s Apartment, an exhibition dedicated to the illustrious owner of the Issogne Castle.

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4 km from the hotel – 6 minutes by car

Verrès Castle

Less than 4 km away, you will find yourself in the vicinity of the Verrès Castle, built on a rocky peak overlooking the tiny village at its feet. After travelling along the short, panoramic mule track, which climbs up to the manor house renovated by the Challants, you magically step back in time!

The guided tour includes the halls on the ground floor, the kitchens, the oriental hall and the weapons room. Then, moving to the first floor, there are the private rooms of the lords of the castle and the large dining room, connected to the main kitchen by a serving hatch.

Let us share an interesting fact with you: every year, at the Verrès Castle, the Historical Carnival of Verrès takes place and is a splendid historical re-enactment focusing on the epic of Countess Catherine of Challant.

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