Unité des Communes Valdigne-Mont-Blanc Pré-Saint-Didier
the flowery commune at the gates of France
Pré-Saint-Didier: Wellness and History at the Feet of Mont Blanc Discover Pré-Saint-Didier, a charming municipality in the Aosta Valley, famous for its thermal waters and strategically located near Courmayeur and La Thuile.
Pré-Saint-Didier, formerly known in Roman times as Prata ad Sanctum Desiderium, has been a popular resort for its thermal waters since the 17th century.
Located at an altitude of 1,000 meters, it offers a unique mix of wellness, relaxation and outdoor activities.
History and Culture The thermal springs of Pré-Saint-Didier were known since ancient times, with the first spa built in 1770.
The current facility, dating back to 1834, has welcomed illustrious people over time, including the Italian royal family.
The commune is also known for the parish church of San Lorenzo, dating back to the 11th century.
Nature and Sports A variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and water sports on the Dora Baltea River can be enjoyed in Pré-Saint-Didier.
The resort also offers scenic routes, such as the Orrido di Pré-Saint-Didier gorge, and climbing and paragliding.
Thermal Baths and Wellness The famous thermal baths of Pré-Saint-Didier, known for their relaxing and anti-rheumatic properties, offer a unique wellness experience with views of Mont Blanc.
They are a must-see attraction for those visiting the area.
Festivals and Traditions Pré-Saint-Didier celebrates many local festivals, such as the patronal festival of St. Lawrence and the “Creative” craft fair.
Pré-Saint-Didier is the perfect destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation, outdoor activities and culture in one of the most beautiful areas of the Aosta Valley.
Visit Pré-Saint-Didier for an unforgettable experience of well being and history in one of the most picturesque corners of the Aosta Valley.
Pré-Saint-Didier The History
The charming village of Pré-Saint-Didier has a very ancient history that we can still retrace among the old streets and traditional architecture.
The etymology of the name was studied by Abbot J. Henry, who in ''Histoire de la vallée d'Aoste" speaks of the legend of Saint Didier, a priest who fled because of the great persecution of 202 from Lyon. It is said that he used to go to pray on the plateau above the village, hence the name Pré-Saint-Didier, or meadow of Saint Didier. The strategic location of the hamlet has made it an important place in the valley since ancient times, first a land of the Salassi, later a transit route for the Romans. In fact, during the imperial period the locality was referred to by the toponym "Aræbrigium" because even then it was known for its hot water springs, the exploitation of which, however, would not begin until the mid-17th century.
Later, Pré-Saint-Didier was owned by the Savoy family in medieval times, as was the whole of Valdigne, from La Salle to Courmayeur.
Evidence of this period is the medieval bell tower, which dates back to the 11th or 12th century.
With the passage of time the town has maintained its strategic importance; in fact, the Napoleonic and German militias passed through here during World War II.
Testifying to this are the numerous forts and underground tunnels, now used as warehouses for Valdigne fontina.
Whato do in Pré-Saint-Didier
What to see in Pré-Saint-Didier
– Parish Church of St. Lawrence: dating from the 11th century, rebuilt in the 15th and enlarged in the late 19th century, it has one of the oldest Romanesque bell towers in the region.
– Hamlets of Verrand, Palleusieux, Champex, Élévaz and La Balme, with chapels housing ancient carved and painted wooden statues carved between the 14th and 16th centuries. Nature and sports in Pré-Saint-Didier At an altitude of 1,000 meters, Pré-Saint-Didier offers a variety of sports activities, including adventurous ones.
On the banks of the Dora Baltea you can enjoy water activities such as dinghy descents and other sports for beginners and experts.
The Pré-Saint-Didier gorge is a natural spectacle with a footbridge offering spectacular views of the waterfall and hot thermal springs.
Near the orrido is the Mont Blanc Adventure Park, with recreational and sports trails of various difficulties.
Pré-Saint-Didier January 18, 2025
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