I Love Sightseeing Tours of Italy - Aosta Valley Winter Attractions and Events

The Aosta Valley is a tiny bilingual (Italian andculminating in the ascent of Mont Blanc. You will
French-speaking enclave) in the northwest cornerfind Living Nativity Scenes almost everywhere in
of Italy bordering on France and Switzerland. Thisthe region. On December 30 in the alpine resort
is alpine country so I don't have to tell you aboutof Breuil-Cervinia at the base of the Matterhorn
all the skiing opportunities. The rugged, unspoiledyou can enjoy a torch lit procession on skis
Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso is open allfollowed by a fireworks display.
winter. It's a great place for hiking.On the next to last Sunday of January the village
On November first the village of Cogne at theof Donnas hosts the Fiera del Legno (Wood Fair)
edge of the Parco celebrates the Cantes Festival,very similar to the event taking place in the
dedicated to the community's boys. They areregional capital about two weeks later. On January
offered wine and food and participants sing until30 and 31 the historic center of the capital Aosta
sunset. About a week later Perloz celebrates thecelebrates the Saint Orso Feast Day, a
final of the Concours Bataille des Chevres (Goatwoodcarver's fair that started about 1000 years
Fight). There's an exhibition of the local breeders'ago. Believe it or not, you'll find over seven
best animals and a competition among thesehundred artisans displaying and selling their
goats classed into three categories. The winnerswoodwork, soapstone, wrought iron and leather,
are awarded "tchambis", maple and walnut collarsweaving, and other fine work. The Fair is an
hand inlaid with the traditional bell. There are lesserexpression of the Aosta Valley's historical and
prizes for eight other goats in each category.cultural environment. There is also music and food
In the capital Aosta December means a weekand wine tasting including mulled wine. The streets
long International Hot Air Balloon Encounterare full until dawn.