Unité des Communes Grand-Combin Bionaz
through the Rascards, the dam and the Landzette
In Valle d’Aosta, at the top of Valpelline, 1,600 meters above sea level, lies one of the municipalities with the largest land area in the entire region: Bionaz, which as of today has about 230 inhabitants.
Located 26 kilometers in Aosta, Bionaz can be reached from the capital of the valley in about 40 minutes by car.
This municipality includes a large number of scattered small villages, all nestled in an enchanting setting where nature takes center stage. Discover Bionaz: A Hidden Pearl in the Aosta Valley Join us on an exploratory journey through Bionaz, a jewel set in the heart of the Aosta Valley.
Discover its history, culture, and the wonderful outdoor activities it offers.
Tucked among the imposing peaks of the Aosta Valley, Bionaz is a municipality that enchants with its tranquility and natural beauty.
This destination is a haven for those seeking a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering an authentic and tradition-rich experience. History and Culture of Bionaz Bionaz, with its history rooted in ancient times, is a place where the past meets the present.
The commune jealously preserves its traditions, visible in local festivals and rural architecture.
Walking through the streets of Bionaz, one can feel the sense of community and the deep connection to one’s roots. Natural Attractions and Outdoor Activities Unspoiled nature is one of Bionaz’s strengths.
Its trails offer breathtaking hikes, ideal for hikers and cyclists.
In winter, its slopes turn into a skier’s paradise.
The Gran Paradiso National Park, nearby, is a must for anyone visiting the region. Gastronomy and Local Products The cuisine of Bionaz is a sensory journey through the flavors of the Aosta Valley.
Dishes made with Fontina, a typical cheese of the region, are not to be missed.
Local markets and small stores offer a variety of handcrafted products, testifying to the importance of agriculture and pastoralism in the local economy. Tips for Tourists Whether you are looking for a cozy bed & breakfast or a luxury hotel, Bionaz offers accommodations for all tastes.
The best time to visit varies depending on your intended activities: summer for hiking and winter time for snow sports.
Bionaz The History
That of Bionaz is a small mountain community that arose in the Middle Ages on a site that, however, had been populated since remote antiquity.
In 25 B.C., following the defeat of the Salassians, who inhabited the Aosta Valley, Bionaz was colonized by the Romans.
Then, it was subjugated by the lords of Oyace, the vassals of the counts of Savoy.
During the French Revolution, Bionaz represented an important refuge for the bishop of Paris and that of Clermont.
At the time of Fascism, then from 1939 to 1945, the name of Bionaz was Italianized into Biona, until it regained its original toponym.
The present name of "Bionaz" should be pronounced "Bióna," that is, omitting the final "z."
This toponym may derive from the words "betulone" or "birch," to which suffixes of collective meaning -one and augmentative meaning -az were added.
Whato do in Bionaz
What to do in Bionaz
The municipality of Bionaz lies in a verdant basin consisting of grasslands and lush forests.
All around, a stunning backdrop of mountains, some of which reach as high as 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) in altitude, looms skyward.
The territory of the municipality of Bionaz includes the extensive Montagnayes nature reserve, a wonderful regional reserve established in 2013 and covering an area of more than 1,000 hectares.
In this landscape, the Place Moulin hydroelectric reservoir, one of the largest dams in all of Europe, capable of storing 105 million cubic meters of water, certainly does not go unnoticed.
In the various villages of the village one can still admire the traditional rascards, ancient rural wooden constructions typical of the Alps, used in the past mainly for storing hay and grain.
In Bionaz is the Lexert picnic area, one of the most impressive picnic areas in the entire Aosta Valley.
The setting is crazy: nestled among the trees, this area develops all around a mountain lake with splendid colors.
Bionaz November 23, 2024
-4.29° There will be partly cloudy today