What to Do in Aosta Valley: Unique Experiences and Events – Spring & Summer 2026

🌌 Discover the Stars at the Astronomical Observatory of the Aosta Valley

Located in Italy’s first Starlight Stellar Park and recognized by UNESCO, the 📍Lignan Planetarium and the Astronomical Observatory of the Aosta Valley offer immersive shows and night-time guided tours suitable for all ages — a fascinating journey through the universe.

Photo credits: Giovanni Antico e per la fondazione per la Fondazione Clément Fillietroz-ONLUS Andrea Bernagozzi, Nikki Miller, Andrea Vanoni , Mario Borghi Paolo Calcidese

🎈 Hot Air Balloon Flight Over the Matterhorn and the Alps

Departing every morning from 📍Aosta

Photo credits: Enzo Massa Micon e Mongolfiere.it

🎈 Hot air balloon flights over the Aosta Valley

Soaring in a hot air balloon above the Alps of the Aosta Valley — with views of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, and Gran Paradiso — is an experience that’s both exhilarating and serene, offering a truly unique sense of freedom.

🌄 As you float through the sky, the silence is broken only by the gentle roar of the burner. You can glide low over forests, fields, and charming villages, or ascend thousands of meters almost without noticing — a peaceful journey suspended between earth and sky.

📍 Flights are operated by Charbonnier Mongolfiere, one of Italy’s most renowned ballooning companies, with over 40 years of experience. Departures take place daily, early in the morning, just outside Aosta.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for both adults and children (minimum height: 130 cm), each flight lasts one hour and can reach altitudes of up to 3,000 meters, always with the highest safety standards.

🛡️ The company holds both an Aerial Work Operator Certificate and an Air Operator Certificate, relying on a team of experienced pilots, technicians, and consultants to ensure a smooth and safe experience.

🎈 The fleet includes around ten balloons of different sizes, manufactured by Cameron Balloons, a global leader in balloon design.

✨ Flying in a hot air balloon feels like floating on air: you know where you take off, but the landing depends on the wind — making every flight a unique adventure with no fixed destination.

🎁 A breathtaking experience, perfect for a holiday, a special occasion, or a team-building activity (for groups from 5 to 35 people).

👉 For availability, reservations, and more information, visit www.mongolfiere.it

🏛️Roman Aosta and Summer Events: History, Culture, and Entertainment

The top attractions and best events of summer 2026 in 📍Aosta

🏛️ Roman Aosta: Monuments Open All Year Round

The ancient city of Augusta Prætoria, now Aosta, is home to a wealth of archaeological sites open to visitors nearly every day of the year. Highlights include the Early Christian Church of San Lorenzo, the MAR – Regional Archaeological Museum, the Cryptoporticus (underground gallery), and the Megalithic Area.

🎟️ Free admission for all visitors under 18, every day.

MAR – Regional Archaeological Museum
Opened in 2004 and renovated in 2010, the museum is a key institution for Roman archaeology, showcasing artifacts from the ancient city of Augusta Prætoria.

Early Christian Church of San Lorenzo
Located along the Decumanus Maximus, near the Porta Prætoria, this site preserves the remains of an early Christian building dating from the 5th to 8th centuries AD—an important testimony to Aosta’s Christian origins.

Cryptoporticus
Next to the Cathedral in the heart of Aosta lies a garden that hides one of the city’s most fascinating Roman structures: the Cryptoporticus, an underground treasure that reflects the grandeur of this "Rome of the Alps."

Megalithic Area
Situated in the Saint-Martin-de-Corléans district, this is the largest covered megalithic site in Europe. The archaeological area and museum offer a unique journey through thousands of years of local history.

Tickets and Information
Tickets are available at the Roman Theatre, the MAR – Regional Archaeological Museum, and the Aosta Tourist Office (Piazza Porta Prætoria 3). Guided tours must be booked in advance.

🔗 For more details: valledaostaheritage.com

🏔️Events in Aosta – Summer 2026 

During summer, Aosta’s historic center comes alive with some of the region’s most authentic traditional events, perfect for discovering local craftsmanship and culture.

🛍️ Main events

• Aosta Valley Craft Fair (Mostra-Concorso dell’Artigianato Valdostano)
  📍 Piazza Chanoux – July 18–26, 2026
  One of the most important craft exhibitions in the region, featuring handmade wood, stone and textile creations.
• Atelier des Métiers
  📍 Piazza Chanoux – July 30 – August 2, 2026
  Open-air workshops where artisans work live, offering an immersive experience of local craftsmanship.
• Foire d’Été
  📍 Aosta historic center – August 1, 2026
  A must-see event where the city turns into a vibrant open-air market with local products, crafts and food specialties.

👉 Perfect events to enjoy culture, shopping and authentic local traditions.

🏰 Castello Gamba: Art and Culture in the Heart of the Aosta Valley

Temporary and permanent exhibitions, plus a beautiful park, await you at Castello Gamba

📍Châtillon.

🏰 Castello Gamba: art, nature and culture in Châtillon

Castello Gamba is a hidden gem where art, culture, and nature come together in a truly unique setting. Surrounded by a beautiful century-old park, the castle is not only a historic landmark but also a vibrant cultural hub.

🌳 The park, with its mature trees and panoramic views over the valley, is perfect for a relaxing walk immersed in nature.

🎨 Throughout the year, Castello Gamba hosts temporary exhibitions and major cultural events, often focused on contemporary art and current themes.

🖼️ Among recent exhibitions, the castle has paid tribute to influential figures in contemporary art such as Mario Schifano, with a deep dive into the final decade of his career and the role of gallery owner and critic Emilio Mazzoli.
More recently, it has also hosted an exhibition dedicated to Michelangelo Pistoletto, one of the most important contemporary Italian artists.

🎭 The venue also features an outdoor space used for cultural events and performances, especially during the warmer months.

✨ A perfect destination for those seeking inspiration, relaxation, and a unique cultural experience just a few minutes from our apartments.

👉 For the latest updates on events and exhibitions, we recommend visiting the official website of Castello Gamba.

🎬 Cinema Under the Stars of the  Matterhorn

The Cervino CineMountain is Europe’s highest international mountain film festival, held at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. 📍July 25 – August 1, 2026

🎬 Cervino CineMountain: where cinema meets the mountains

The Cervino CineMountain is Europe’s highest international mountain film festival, held at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. It’s one of the most anticipated cultural events of the summer in the Aosta Valley.

🏔️ Since its first edition in 1998, the mountain has taken center stage — not just as a majestic backdrop, but as a lens through which to explore key themes such as the environment, climate change, adventure, sport, culture, and history.

🎥 At the heart of the festival is the Official Competition, showcasing the finest mountain films — winners of the Grand Prix from festivals within the IAMF (International Alliance for Mountain Film) circuit. It is often referred to as the “Oscar of the Mountain Oscars.”

🌍 Since its inception, CineMountain has screened more than 1,000 films, representing the very best of national and international mountain cinema.

📅 The 29th edition will take place from July 25 to August 1, 2026, across Breuil-Cervinia, Valtournenche, Chamois, and La Magdeleine.

ℹ️ The 2026 program is still to be announced — stay tuned for updates.

👉 For more information, visit the official website: www.cervinocinemountain.com

🎶 Sounds from the World in the Alps

International Festival of New Trad Music: A musical journey that blends tradition and innovation in a stunning mountain setting.

📍 August 2026 | Aosta and Fénis

🎶 Ététrad: music and traditions from around the world

Ététrad is a vibrant summer festival that brings traditional music from around the world to the heart of the Aosta Valley. Over the years, it has gained recognition and artistic acclaim, becoming a must-attend event for its originality and cross-cultural spirit.

🌍 Now in its 27th edition, the festival combines concerts and dance performances, starting with an opening night in Aosta and continuing in Fénis, home to one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Europe.

🎻 In Fénis, the program includes workshops in instrumental music, singing, and dance, along with an international exhibition — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps.

🏰 Surrounded by Europe’s highest peaks, Ététrad offers a welcoming and enchanting atmosphere where audiences and artists come together through the universal language of music.

✨ A unique experience blending culture, tradition, and conviviality in an unforgettable alpine setting.

📅 The dates for the 2026 edition have yet to be announced.
👉 For updates and full details, visit the official website: www.etetrad.org