Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, the ham village on the border with Switzerland

Located at an altitude of 1,632 metres, the charming village of Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses is the last municipality in the Aosta Valley before the Swiss border, sunny and picturesque in every season. Its origins date back to the Salassi era and the Roman presence, when a mansio stood here along the road leading to the Great St Bernard Pass, which has always been a key route between northern and southern Europe.

Crossed by pilgrims, travellers and military leaders, the pass was also the scene of Napoleon's famous passage in 1800. Today, the village is known for its unique products, such as the renowned Jambon de Bosses PDO, a raw ham flavoured with alpine herbs, and the precious ferruginous water of the Citrin spring, which flows from the valley of the same name. With its history, culture and authentic flavours, Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses is a privileged gateway to the alpine heart of the Aosta Valley, a place where time seems to stand still.

What to see in the village

The village of Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses has a rich heritage of history and tradition that is well worth discovering. Don't miss the Great St Bernard Hospice, located at 2,472 metres, which has been a place of welcome for pilgrims on the Via Francigena for centuries. Opposite, the museum tells the thousand-year history of the pass and its strategic role.

The village is home to the parish churches of Saint-Rhémy and Bosses, frescoed in the 19th century by the Stornone brothers, which preserve precious artistic treasures. Don't miss the Castle of the Lords of Bosses, dating back to the 11th century and rebuilt in the 15th century, with its imposing square layout and interiors that can be visited during exhibitions and events.

Finally, the Prosciuttificio di Bosses offers the opportunity to learn about the production of the famous Jambon de Bosses PDO, a local gastronomic excellence. An itinerary that combines art, spirituality and flavours, making Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses an authentic and surprising destination.

Events that enliven Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses

The village of Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses is deeply attached to its traditions and celebrates them through events that combine culture, gastronomy and folklore. The most eagerly awaited is the Sagra del Jambon de Bosses, which every July pays tribute to the famous PDO raw ham, cured in the pure mountain air and scented with alpine herbs: a festival that highlights the gastronomic identity of the area.

In winter, on the other hand, the star attraction is the historic Coumba Freida Carnival, with its lively parade of landzette, colourful masks reminiscent of the uniforms of Napoleon's troops passing through the Great St Bernard Pass in 1800.

Another evocative event is the Percorso in rosso (Red Trail), organised in August, during which visitors can taste wines and local specialities, all of which are red in colour. These events reveal the authentic soul of the village, creating opportunities for people to meet and celebrate, strengthening the link between past and present.

foto credits essevu