La thuile The Chanousia Botanical Garden

The Petit St. Bernard Pass, between Savoy and the Aosta Valley, holds the wonderful Chanousia Botanical Garden, located at an altitude of 2,170 meters in French territory, one kilometer from the border.

Founded in 1897 by Abbot Pierre Chanoux, this garden became famous for its vast collection of more than 4,000 alpine species from around the world.
Despite difficulties caused by World War II, an International Association took over management, and reconstruction work began in 1976.

The 1,600 species of alpine plants currently present, arranged in suitable ecological environments, offer a unique spectacle with flowering culminating from late July to mid-September.

Also housing a small museum, the Chanousia Botanical Garden is a precious treasure chest of alpine biodiversity, a symbol of dedication to safeguarding the natural heritage of this extraordinary region.