Fontainemore: between fresh waters and enchanting views

We come to the aid not only of mountain lovers, but also of the undecided and of tourists tired of the overcrowding of coastal areas.

We therefore invite you to discover with us the beautiful village of Fontainemore.

Why Fontainemore?

Why, then, choose the village of Fontainemore? Because if your goal is to detach yourself from the daily routine of the city, this tiny village in the Aosta Valley is absolutely ideal for immersing yourself in a completely different space-time dimension.

In Fontainemore, you can say goodbye to the heavy traffic of cities—especially those with a high tourist concentration—and to the demographic density that makes you feel like a tourist rather than a citizen of an ecosystem. Fontainemore has just over 700 inhabitants, who are more than happy to welcome respectful visitors into the balance of life they have built in this little corner of paradise.

If you are used to waking up to the blaring of car horns or the shouts of a city coming alive, here the only sound you will hear is the gentle murmur of the Lys stream, which flows right through the center of town, from end to end, offering the image of a joyful dawn to be embraced in all its renewing power.

Although Fontainemore is located at about 760 meters above sea level, it is still well connected—something not always common among Italy’s small mountain villages. The best way to reach it is by car, to enjoy the beautiful landscapes that harmoniously balance the typical stone-and-wood houses with the wide green pastures, all framed by the imposing Western Alps. Being the easternmost municipality of the Aosta Valley, it can be reached via the A5 motorway, exiting at Pont-Saint-Martin and taking State Road 26, then Via Gressoney, and after a few kilometers you will be welcomed by the houses of Fontainemore.

The 17th-century bridge over the Lys stream

Fontainemore is worth visiting also because, unlike other destinations, it is suitable for everyone. It can be a refreshing stop on a longer journey between western Piedmont and the Aosta Valley, or a break from the more crowded ski resorts of the region. Another strength of Fontainemore is its compactness.

The small and charming village is concentrated around the Lys stream and its characteristic 17th-century humpback bridge, which reconnects the two banks of the river and the two parts of the village. According to both tourists and locals, the village can be visited (albeit superficially) in about 10 minutes, without the risk of getting lost in alleys or labyrinthine networks.

What to see in Fontainemore

If you wish to spend more time in Fontainemore, the village certainly allows it. Some interesting monuments can capture the attention of visitors. To feel the spiritual atmosphere of the area and experience sacred architecture far from our usual artistic habits, you can visit the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. Welcoming visitors with its Gothic inscription, the church is well preserved and decorated in a rigorously Baroque style. Located near the bridge over the Lys, it enhances the pacifying sound of the waters, while you admire the finely carved wooden portal and the statue of the Madonna of Oropa.

Why mention this statue? Because every five years (the last time in 2024), a centuries-old pilgrimage takes place, carrying the statue of the Virgin to Biella, along the Barma Pass trail, all the way to Oropa. The historic pilgrimage takes place in July, lasting through the night, in a moving passage of faith and tradition.

Flavors of Fontainemore

And if you wish to enjoy some local food? Fontainemore has a wonderful answer. You can taste local cured meats and cheeses such as Fontina DOP, Toma di Gressoney, and butter. These can be paired with fragrant rye bread and concluded with delicious desserts made strictly with blueberries, a fruit particularly abundant in the valleys of Fontainemore and the splendid Mont-Mars Nature Reserve.