What it Offers

Whether a vacation home or permanent dwelling is what you seek, the Valle d’Aosta region in Italy may be the right spot for you. It may not be known internationally as well as some other areas in Italy; however, to locals who call it home, it is divine. Valle d’Aosta is a mountain area which offers summer and winter skiing as well as relaxing and hiking. The fresh spring air from the region enhances the enjoyment of any activity – climbing, rafting, chilling and more.

Italy is more than just the sea. Come stay on the mountain side of the country and see what it has to offer.

Festivals and Castles

Anywhere you begin your adventure you will experience culture, cuisine, natural wonders and local lore to savour. Castles to explore and pilgrim trails to walk,  Roman ruins and museum sites abound for the curious. Throughout the year, festivals add a touch of historical local culture.

castle
Many and impressive castles rise up in the magnificent alpine scenery of Valle d’Aosta by Pentolaro

Alpine Mountains

Valle d’Aosta is now home to the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, which is Skyway Monte Bianco that has recently been inaugurated. This cable car ride goes up Mount Blanc (Monte Bianco in Italian). Its cars rotate a full 360 degrees so that you can experience every possible viewpoint of the mountains and area from up in the air. Depending where you wish to start on Mount Blanc, there are three stations for ascending and descending: Punta Helbronner is at 3466 m; Pavilion du Mont Fréty is at 2200 m, and Pontal d’Entreves is at 1300 m which are situated halfway between Italy and France. For those who are unable to walk up the mountain (hikers are discouraged to go long distances) ; this offers a perfect alternative for seeing it. The Valle d’Aosta region is home to several alpine peaks, including the Cervino, Mount Blanc, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso.

Mount Blanc
Amazing view over Mount Blanc by Josef Grunig

Property Market

Housing in Valle d’Aosta is what is known as a “micro market”. What does it mean? There are a few hundred housing units available which are equally divided between residents (primal homes) and vacationers (second homes). Holiday homes are mainly situated in tourists resorts where a few locals live, and are used especially during holiday periods and rented out while owners are away. Many people wishing for a second-home purchase a smaller one, a studio or a two-bedroom apartment as these are the most affordable to buy but with a high rental yield.

This unique location is becoming more and more favoured with Italians and international investors who like what they experience when vacationing here.

Charrère
Valle d’Aosta in autumn by VinoFamily

How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Property in a Popular Area?

Courmayeur and Pré-Saint-Didier are among the most expensive areas, the average price is around €7,100/m² due to the popularity of these locations. A two-bedroom apartment in an exclusive location of Courmayeur will cost around €670,000 which includes a small garden plus terrace.

It is known as a high activity location. The mountain lookouts give incredible views of the alps, while religious sites and landmarks such as Santuario di Notre-Dame de Guerison are given good ratings by tourists and locals. There is lake Combal, a fun park, and many natural and historically significant areas to explore as well as great shopping and sports.

Pre’Saint Didier is located 1,004 m above sea level. Home to the regional railway terminal, many connections can be made from the area to all parts of Italy by bus or train. The town offers a world-famous spa which was built in 1834 and recently restored to use. Soaking in the warm water, rich in iron, have been enjoyed here since Roman times.

Valtournenche
View over Lake Cignana in Valtournenche by Guillaume Baviere

Some Good Alternatives

Gressoney Saint Jean is a more economical choice. A studio apartment can be bought for around €135,000 or €4,700/m². There are also Arnad and Avis, a real bargain at €500/m². Nearby Challand Saint Victor has a few good deals as well, a detached house around 70m² can be purchased for around €85,000.

>> Find out other interesting solutions you can find in Valle d’Aosta by clicking here.

[Featured image by Ferruccio Zanone]