Étroubles: an open-air museum at the foot of the Great St. Bernard Pass

The village of Étroubles is immersed in one of the most enchanting mountain landscapes in Europe. Anyone who sets foot in Étroubles is captivated by its endless beauty, which blends Alpine charm with a vibrant cultural life. Étroubles lies at 1,270 meters above sea level in the splendid Alpine setting of the Great St. Bernard Valley, surrounded by vast forests and green pastures. The locality was already known in Roman times under the name Restopolis, as it stood along the ancient Via delle Gallie, the transit route to the Alpis Poenina, today’s Great St. Bernard Pass. Later, the Via Francigena also developed along this route—an important medieval road that connected the British Isles to Rome and Jerusalem, still walkable today and frequented by many pilgrims.

Walking through the cobbled streets of the village, one perceives how carefully it has been preserved and enhanced over time. Thanks to the presence of sculptures and outdoor installations, Étroubles has become a true open-air museum, capable of attracting and intriguing all kinds of visitors.

What to see in Étroubles

The heart of Étroubles develops around the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, flanked by a Romanesque bell tower and dark stone houses with sloping roofs and wooden balconies, framing the church like a natural postcard. What truly makes Étroubles unique is its permanent art trail, featuring more than 40 works including sculptures, mosaics, and murals by artists from all over the world. These works are not separate from the village but harmoniously integrated into its essence.

Also worth visiting is the Museum of the Via Francigena, which tells the story of pilgrims and the millennial passage through the Great St. Bernard Pass. Along the village streets, you will also find numerous historic fountains, communal ovens, and ancient washhouses—testimonies of past daily life that indelibly link the present to the roots of the village.

Traditions and events

Étroubles celebrates its history and traditions with many events throughout the year, often linked to music and gastronomy, which keep the town lively and welcoming for curious explorers.

Among the major events, the Traditional Veillà is unmissable: a particularly evocative summer festival that revives the ancient cultural roots of the village. Old crafts are re-enacted, food stalls offer local specialties, and traditional live music fills the streets.

Equally important is the Carnival of the Coumba Freida, a unique celebration full of mystery, history, and extravagance. Each year it commemorates the passage of Napoleon’s troops through the Great St. Bernard Pass in 1800. The landzette, bizarre and unsettling masks, wear colorful costumes and hats reminiscent of military uniforms.

Around Étroubles

Just a few kilometers from Étroubles opens the breathtaking landscape of the Great St. Bernard Valley, ideal for excursions with many trails to explore. One of the most fascinating routes leads to the Great St. Bernard Hospice at 2,473 meters, crossing pastures and rocky landscapes in absolute silence, offering natural settings that inspire reflection and inner peace, reconnecting the soul with nature.

Pack your bags—Étroubles is a village that must absolutely be visited, whether alone or in company. It is also suitable for families with strollers, thanks to dedicated paths waiting to be explored.

Cover photo credits: Agmonsnir