ROAD OF SALASSI BY MOTORCYCLE: PANORAMIC ITINERARY IN THE HEART OF AOSTA VALLEY

This week Roadsitalia will take you to the Aosta Valley, telling one of the most beautiful views in northern Italy to discover the Road of Salassi by motorbike. Created thousands of years ago by the Salassi (an ancient local people of Celtic origin), this itinerary on two wheels winds around Aosta, the capital of a region well known by bikers for its beauty and magical routes. Spectacular valleys and sceneries, medieval villages and strongholds, an ancient culinary tradition and alpine passes between bends, winding route and uphill roads, are the ingredients most loved by motorcyclists that make the smallest region of Italy a favorite destination for leisue time and in weekend.

Among the many routes, the Road of Salassi is one of the most suggestive motorcycle tours, thanks to the beauty of its panoramic roads and the proximity to Aosta, a small and fascinating regional capital famous for tourism. Are you ready to discover on the saddle one of the oldest roads in Italy dating back to the period of the roman legions? Let's see it together.

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ROAD OF SALASSI BY MOTORCYCLE: THE ROADSITALIA ROUTE

As anticipated, our motorcycle itinerary along the Road of Salassi starts right from Aosta which - if you have never visited - undoubtedly deserves a visit before departure. A city of Roman origin, rich in history, perfect for a day trip, Aosta will await you with its Arch of Augustus and Porta Praetoria, the ancient city access. Absolutely not to be missed is a walking tour between Chanoux Square (seat of the Town Hall) and the neighboring streets of the center, full of bars and shops that have maintained the orthogonal structure of the ancient Roman settlement. Of the monuments, however, we highlight the ancient Roman Theater, the Collegiate Church of Sant’Orso and the Archaeological Museum. Back on the saddle and running the engines, we leave Aosta following the SS26 and follow the signs for Saint-Pierre where, the magnificent Saint-Pierre Castle - one of the oldest strongholds in the region - already stands out from afar.

Due to its very sumptuous appearance, it has become one of the symbolic monuments of the Aosta Valley together with the Fénis Castle. This stretch is full of fortresses of pure scenic and romantic charm: the Sarriod de La Tour Castle, the Royal Castle of Sarre and the Aymavilles Castle are evident examples. We therefore advise lovers of medieval bulwarks to consult the area well and eventually stop where appropriate for an intermediate stop. Between one curve and another, we continue along SR22 and just before reaching Saint-Nicolas (a small village with a particular charm) we turn towards the legendary Road of Salassi.

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It will be enough for you to grind a few kilometers, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views and a succession of hairpin bends, to understand that you have taken the right direction. The first village encountered on the uphill journey is Rumiod, followed by Verrogne and then Bellon. From here continue along the SR41 to Arpuilles, which practically is the turning point along the ancient Road of Salassi. Located at about 1,000 meters above sea level, Arpuilles is a delightful hamlet of Aosta where we suggest you take a short relaxing coffee break, before continuing for the second half of this itinerary the Road of Salassi by motorbike.

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GPX Map - Click to Download

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In fact, if the actual stretch of the Road of Salassi historically ends with Arpuilles, we at Roadsitalia continue towards Valpelline and one of the most beautiful natural contexts in the entire Val d’Aosta: the Places de Moulin Lake. Located close to the Gran San Bernardo valley and just above Aosta, this wild and unspoiled stretch offers motorcyclists incredible alpine views and soft ups and downs. The road continues to Rhins, Valpelline and Rionaz, until it reaches the Place Moulin Dam in about half an hour. It is one of the largest dams in Europe built to collect the original water of the Buthier stream, thus creating an artificial lake to produce electricity. Park your motorcycle here where possible and let yourself be enchanted by the immensity of the surrounding nature and the emerald green of the lake. At this point we advise you to go along the path that runs along the dam, to end the day in the best possible way and reach the Prarayer refuge.

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USEFUL ADVICE ON THE ROUTE OF THE ROAD OF SALASSI

Although it is a relatively short motorcycle itinerary, the intensity and immensity of the alpine charm give immense emotions. The Road of Salassi by motorcycle is a "Must" for all motorcyclists who hang out in the Aosta Valley and love mountain contexts. The route remains open all year round and is well signposted, so there are no contraindications (unexpected events and bad weather apart). Remember to bring a pair of comfortable shoes for the various paths and walks that arise as you go. And you? Have you ever traveled the Road of Salassi by motorbike? Let us know in the comments below.