Unité des Communes Valdigne-Mont-Blanc La Salle
at the gates of France among vineyards and hiking
La Salle: A Hidden Treasure among Vineyards and Mountains Discover La Salle, a charming Aosta Valley village located at an altitude of 1,000 meters, famous for its Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle AOC wine and surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes.
La Salle is a hidden jewel in the mountains of the Aosta Valley, an enchanting village situated on a sunny slope among orchards and vineyards.
With a population of 2,025 and an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level, this commune has much to offer those seeking natural beauty and culture in a picturesque setting.
AOC Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle wine: One of La Salle’s most celebrated treasures is the AOC Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle wine, known for its excellence and production in one of the highest areas in Europe.
The vineyards of La Salle are in a unique location, surrounded by mountains but kissed by the sun, which gives the wine a distinctive and prized character.
Architecture and Atmosphere La Salle has been skillfully restored, preserving the original architecture of the old buildings.
As you stroll through its cobblestone streets, you will feel catapulted back in time.
Stone and wood buildings, old churches, and small craft stores create a unique and charming atmosphere.
Breathtaking Mountain Landscapes La Salle’s location in the upper Aosta Valley offers spectacular views of the majestic surrounding mountains.
To the south is Mount Paramont, which rises 3,300 meters above sea level, while to the north the 3,326-meter-high Grande Rochère dominates.
Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts will find this area a paradise with scenic trails and outdoor adventure opportunities.
Events and Traditions: La Salle is also known for its cultural traditions and local festivals.
The town’s residents are proud of their cultural heritage and regularly celebrate events that bring the community together.
Attending one of these festivals is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local life and culture. Plan your visit to La Salle to discover this hidden treasure among the vineyards and mountains of the Aosta Valley.
La Salle The History
Initially, Valdigne, the upper part of the Aosta Valley, was inhabited by people of Celtic origin who left traces.
For example, the Artze path that connects Vedun with Echarlod is, according to tradition, a continuation of the ancient route of the Salassi that crossed the left bank of the Dora Baltea.
However, the first real records of La Salle's history date back to the Roman occupation that took place around 25 BCE. Continuing with the historical line we arrive at the Middle Ages when La Salle as we know it today was actually born.
In fact, Valdigne belonged to the various Counts and Dukes of Savoy, who granted their subjects areas.
Each community had to democratically elect its own representatives, mayors and proxies, and so it was that, at some unspecified time, the communities of Derby and La Salle were born, with their respective parish priests, cemeteries, brotherhoods, mayors and schools.
However, throughout the Middle Ages La Salle was involved in various feudal disputes between the powerful families of the Aosta Valley and the Duchy of Savoy.
It was subject to various lordships and dominations over time.
During the Napoleonic era, La Salle was annexed to France and was part of the Mont Blanc department.
This period had a significant impact on the administrative structure of the municipality.
After the fall of Napoleon, La Salle returned under the control of the Kingdom of Sardinia and later the Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century.
Unfortunately, there are no historical records on La Salle as the little historical information that was in the municipality was destroyed by the flames that hit the old town hall during the liberation of 1945.
In the 20th century, La Salle saw an increase in tourism due to its scenic location among the mountains of the Alps.
Tourism activities, such as hiking, skiing, and climbing, contributed to the local economy.
Today, La Salle is a picturesque municipality that combines its rich history with modern tourism, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Alps and immerse themselves in the traditional culture of the Aosta Valley.
Whato do in La Salle
What to see in La Salle
In La Salle you can visit the 13th-century Châtelard Castle, with its cylindrical tower and ancient fortified walls.
Then the picturesque village of Derby, with its memories of the glorious Middle Ages, and the frescoed chapels of Morge, Ecours, Cheverel and Charvaz.
Don’t miss the Maison-musée Plassier, a treasure trove of furnishings and works of art donated to the commune. Nature in La Salle Nature and sports lovers will find a wide choice of hiking trails among the vineyards or in the Marais Nature Reserve, suitable for all levels of experience.
For the more trained and long hikers, Lake Liconi is an alpine paradise that is a must-check on the list of things to do in La Salle.
La Salle also offers opportunities for road biking and mountain biking, with a Bike Park for younger riders. For adrenaline junkies, tandem paragliding flights will make the experience even more exciting.
In winter, ski mountaineering and snowshoeing routes will provide unique thrills.
La Salle January 18, 2025
0.75° Expect a day of partly cloudy with clear spells