Unité des Communes Grand-Combin Doues
the Landzette country
Doues: The Sunniest Terrace in the Aosta Valley Discover the beauty of Doues, the sunniest municipality in the Aosta Valley, located at an altitude of 1176 m.
A perfect place for nature lovers, with a rich historical and cultural heritage.
Introduction Doues, a picturesque commune with about 500 inhabitants, is a real jewel located on a moraine basin in the Valpelline.
Known to be the sunniest commune in the region, it offers breathtaking views of Mont Emilius and the Aosta plain.
History and Culture The municipality has ancient origins, dating back to Roman times, when it was known as “Dovia,” indicating the place where two important roads forked across the Alps.
The Parish Church of St. Blaise, built in 1790, is a historic landmark, along with the various chapels scattered throughout the area.
Nature and Sports Doues is a paradise for nature and sports lovers.
It offers numerous summer hikes such as the ascent to the Champillon Refuge and walks along ancient irrigation canals.
In winter, ski mountaineering routes and snowshoe hikes attract many visitors.
Festivals and Traditions Local traditions are lively and include events such as the Polenta Festival, where local varieties of this traditional dish can be sampled, and the historic Coumba Freida Carnival, which celebrates Napoleon’s passage across the Great St. Bernard Pass.
For Younger Children Doues is ideal for families, offering tranquility and excellent sun exposure.
The commune’s sports center, equipped with miniature golf and other games, is perfect for children to enjoy.
Doues is a commune that offers a unique combination of history, culture, sports and nature.
It is an ideal destination for those seeking an escape from the daily grind and who want to immerse themselves in a natural and historic environment.
Doues The History
The Story Of Doues
In ancient times, the region was inhabited by the Salassi, a people born of the union between Italic peoples and Celtic invaders.
The Salassians maintained control of the territory until the arrival of the Romans, putting up a valiant resistance for more than a century, from 143 to 25 BC. After the decline of the Roman Empire and barbarian invasions, the area came under the rule of the Franks.
With the subsequent division of the Carolingian Empire, it was included in the COMITATUS of the Aosta Valley, which was part of the second kingdom of Burgundy (879-1032).
During the Middle Ages, the territory belonged first to the Gignod family until 1240 and then to the lords of Quart.
In 1543, it was separated from the castellania of Quart and purchased by Nicholas of La Crête, continuing to follow the historical events of the Valley, influenced by the Savoy dynasty.
The name of the municipality, known as Dovia di Aosta from 1939 to 1946, probably derives from the Latin word 'DOGA,' meaning 'barrel' or, in a translated sense, 'pit.'
Points of historical and cultural interest include the medieval castle of La Crête, now converted into a rural dwelling, theparish church of San Biagio (18th century) with a bell tower that retains a 14th-century base, the chapel of Chatelair (19th century), erected on an ancient fortified settlement from the Iron Age (8th century BC), and the historic aqueducts of 'ru des Montes' (13th century) and 'ru di By' (14th century).
Whato do in Doues
The commune is an excellent base for several spring and summer hikes.
We recommend the hike to the Champillon hut, which is a bit long and challenging, and another, quieter and flatter hike along the Ru du Mont.
Historical and cultural visits to the parish church of St. Blaise and the castle of la Crete are also not to be missed in Doues.
The latter probably dates from the 16th century, is located in the village of Doues near the Church mentioned earlier and was the home of the lords of La Crête. How to get there Doues can be reached by car from Aosta, taking Aosta Valley state road 26.
It can also be reached by train, taking the Aosta-Breuil-Cervinia railway line.
Doues November 21, 2024
-4.6° Expect a day of partly cloudy with snow
Champillon Refuge
Rifugio Adolphe Letey di Champillon, Frazione champillon, Doues, AO, Italia