Discover Oyace: Mountain Landscapes, Culture and Trails

Oyace combines striking mountain landscapes with a remarkably rich cultural history. Anyone choosing a holiday apartment in Oyace can tailor their stay to very different interests: marked trails, high-altitude chapels, nature observation, sacred art or vibrant local traditions. Between historic buildings and Alpine passes, this creates a destination that allows for both active days and peaceful discoveries.

From Tornalla to the Gorge at Ponte della Betenda

One notable historical landmark is La Tornalla, an old octagonal tower in Oyace that has been documented since 1197. The Tour Tornalla circular trail is well signposted and presents no technical difficulties. Along the trail there are now ten sculptures, created live between 9 and 15 August 2022 by Maurizio Bombino, Marcel Diemoz, Salvatore Fernando Di Mauro, Fausto Linty and Dante Marquet. The works decorate the Le Château playground and the path to Tornalla.

Smaller traces of the past are also part of the character of the village. Beside the former gate in the hamlet of Le Bouyoz, the remains of the stone Croce della Peste can still be seen. At Ponte della Betenda, a 54-metre-deep gorge was formed by the waters of the Buthier River carving through gneiss. Such contrasts between historical details and impressive geology give walks and excursions different perspectives.

Churches, Chapels and Sacred Art

The Church of San Michele was built in 1788 in place of an earlier chapel documented as early as 1623. In the hamlet of Le Ile, it contains frescoes from 1914 by the painter Margotti, including a depiction of the multiplication of the loaves with Christ. Following the restoration of the interior in 2018, San Michele houses a small museum of sacred art. The Museo Arte Sacra includes a carved and heavily overpainted wooden statue of Saint Michael from the 16th century.

In the high-altitude pastures of Verdonaz stands the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Chapel at an elevation of 2,317 metres. It was built in 1942 from stones sourced locally; lime and cement were transported uphill from Oyace by mule. Every year on 5 August, a celebration is held in its honour, with Mass followed by lunch organised by the Pro Loco of Oyace.

Another religious tradition takes place on Easter Monday, leading from the Church of San Michele to the Chapel of Chalambé. A Mass and a final auction are then held. The Chapel of Chalambé was built in 1784 and renovated in 2008. For travellers interested in culture, these places and dates offer specific ways to discover Oyace not only through its landscapes, but also through its customs and art.

Alpine Trails, High Altitudes and Wildlife

A section of Alta Via n. 1 crosses Oyace, connecting the 2,783-metre-high Colle di Vessona with the 2,492-metre-high Col Breuson. Regional hiking trail no. 105 crosses the Vallone di Verdona, enters via the 2,645-metre-high Colle di Saint Barthèlemy and exits again via the 2,494-metre-high Col d'Arpeyssaou. The different elevations and trail routes help you plan your holiday days according to your interests and fitness level, without every outing having to be the same kind of experience.

The Vallone di Vessona is an area of considerable natural interest, with abundant wildlife including deer, chamois, marmots and eagles. To the northwest of Oyace rise the striking rocky peaks of the Morion range; its ridges form the watershed with the Ollomont valley. The area around Oyace also includes Mont Gelé, Mont Avril, the Cima Livournea summit and the Mont Durand summit.

A Holiday Apartment in Oyace to Suit Your Travel Interests

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home in Oyace, it is easy to identify the desired focus. The Tour Tornalla, along with sections of Alta Via n. 1 and hiking trail no. 105, suits travel plans focused on trails and high-altitude areas. Churches, chapels, the Museo Arte Sacra, the sculptures and the processions provide different points of interest. Those who place nature and landscapes first can also consider the gorge at Ponte della Betenda, the Vallone di Vessona, the Morion range and the fishing tradition as further themes for their choice.

This fishing tradition is still practised in the canal on the edge of the Marais Vivier area. In the wider region around Oyace lies the Le Crêt ruin. The Giardini pubblici Aosta garden is located in the vicinity of Oyace and adds another destination in the surrounding region to the selection.

Other Places in the Surrounding Area

For further travel planning: Fontainemore, Chamois, Antey-Saint-André, Saint Jacques, Valpelline, Allein, Gressoney-La-Trinité and Rhemes-Saint-Georges.

For the main travel overview: Aosta Valley.