Unité des Communes Évançon Emarèse
n penthouse on alpine peaks
Emarèse stands like a veritable “penthouse,” giving spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, from the Rose of the Banks to Mont Emilius to the famous Mont Blanc.
This resort, characterized by a sunny climate, is predominantly agricultural and retains an ancient and authentic atmosphere.
Its secluded location ensures a relaxing and peaceful experience, and the road leading to Col Tzecore connects picturesque villages along the Ayas Valley.
Emarèse The History
A very interesting aspect about the history of the municipality : In the past it was an ancient center of Celtic culture and religion, as evidenced by the etymology of the names of villages and certain places, and the discovery of a pre-Roman tomb in the locality of Cheissan.
In any case, over the centuries the identity of the village has not substantially changed, in fact the main activity carried out in the village has always been agriculture .
A small curiosity, gold nuggets were discovered in Emarèse in the past in the 18th century.
As a result, many improvised prospectors went to the commune, nevertheless this gold hunting did not have great results.
In the 17th century the commune was bought by a noble family from the Châtillon hill, the Decré family, owners of a tower in the hamlet of La Tour.
In 1630, like all Valdostan communes, its population was decimated by the plague.
About the etymology of the name Émarèse, the question is rather complex : According to some, it seems that the name explains the layout of the main villages.
According to other scholars, Érésaz comes from the Latin name arcensis, meaning plateau.
So Sommarèse would be the union of summo + arcensis, that is, "upper plateau," while Émarèse, that is, imo + arcensis, would mean "lower plateau."
Whato do in Emarèse
In the commune of Emarèse, it is possible to visit the parish church of St. Pantaleon, with its distant origins before the 18th century, and also, it is possible to start from Erésaz, a hamlet of the commune of Émarèse, to walk to the summit of the Tête de Comagne. Nature and Sports Emarèse offers interesting geological formations, such as the “Borna da ghiasa” (ice hole), a rocky cavity from which cold air constantly escapes; the “Lake of Lot” or “Ghost Lake,” which fills up only occasionally; and the rocky pinnacle in the shape of an eagle’s beak known as “Bec de l’Uja.” Nature and sports lovers can enjoy exciting activities.
An easy trail leads from Sommarèse to Col de Joux, ideal for hiking or mountain biking in summer and snowshoeing in winter.
A more challenging trail leads to the Comagna Head.
There is also a bocce court in Erésaz, which is also used for the traditional game of palet.
Emarèse January 18, 2025
6.57° You can expect clear sky in the morning, with partly cloudy in the afternoon
The Museum of the Centre d’études Abbé Trèves
Centre d'études Abbé Trèves Fraz. Eresaz, 51