Highlights
- Fenis Castle
- Aosta Valley vineyards
- Chatillon Castle
- Dora Baltea river
Stage conditions
| Section | Aosta Valley (Italy) |
|---|---|
| Water on route | Abundant |
| Shade | Full |
Practical notes
Getting there and away
Aosta's station is on the Chivasso–Ivrea–Aosta line, but the Ivrea–Aosta section has been closed for electrification since January 2024 with a replacement bus, and reopening is planned in stages from January 2027; Châtillon-Saint-Vincent station, at the end of the stage, is on the same closed section and is being fitted with a substation for the new overhead line. Until trains return, use Arriva line 110, which runs the length of the middle and lower valley from Aosta through Châtillon and Saint-Vincent to Pont-Saint-Martin, or the rail-replacement bus. Booked Arriva coaches from Aosta reach Turin, Milan and Malpensa.
What the season does
Best months are April to October, and the stage notes warn this is a long stage worth starting early: 28 km and seven hours along the valley. Shade is marked full and water abundant, but the vineyards and orchards on the sunny side of the valley are hot in July and August, and the day is long enough that afternoon heat catches you. Spring and autumn are ideal, with snow on the peaks and vines turning. Winter fog can sit on the Dora Baltea for days.
Safety on this stage
Graded easy, but the source stage page rates it demanding for its length and the constant alternation of climbs and descents (635 m up, 682 m down) as the path hops between hamlets above the valley floor. Start early. The valley carries the A5 motorway, the SS26 and the railway; where the route crosses or follows roads, traffic is fast, so keep to the yellow waymarks. Paths through vineyards can be slippery after rain. Châtillon is a small town with an easy arrival.
Water and food
Water is marked abundant, and the source stage page confirms fountains in every village and along the route: Saint-Christophe, Nus, Chambave and the hamlets between all have them. Aosta has supermarkets for the start; Nus, roughly a third of the way, and Chambave have bars and shops. Even so, on a 28 km day in summer carry a full litre between villages and refill at each fountain rather than rationing.
Where pilgrims sleep
Our directory has no listing yet at Châtillon. The source stage page lists the Monastero Francescani, the Franciscan monastery, as pilgrim accommodation in the town; a credential is expected and religious houses often want notice, so call ahead. Châtillon and neighbouring Saint-Vincent are small resort towns with hotels and B&Bs if the monastery is full. If you would rather split the day, Nus and Chambave sit on the route at natural stopping points.
Sources: Regione Valle d'Aosta — Elettrificazione Aosta – Ivrea · Regione Valle d'Aosta — Linea Aosta-Ivrea, lavori in fase conclusiva (2026) · Wikipedia (it) — Stazione di Châtillon-Saint-Vincent · Arriva Italia — Valle d'Aosta by bus · Arriva Italia — Courmayeur – Aosta – Milano · Camminando sulla Via Francigena — IT03 Aosta – Châtillon
Common questions
How long is the Aosta to Chatillon stage?
It is 28.0 km (17.4 mi) and takes about 7 hours of walking, from Aosta to Chatillon.
How hard is Aosta to Chatillon?
It is rated easy with 200 m of ascent and 150 m of descent over mixed terrain.
Is there water on the Aosta to Chatillon stage?
Water is abundant along this stage.
How do I get to Aosta and away from Chatillon?
Aosta's station is on the Chivasso–Ivrea–Aosta line, but the Ivrea–Aosta section has been closed for electrification since January 2024 with a replacement bus, and reopening is planned in stages from January 2027; Châtillon-Saint-Vincent station, at the end of the stage, is on the same closed section and is being fitted with a substation for the new overhead line. Until trains return, use Arriva line 110, which runs the length of the middle and lower valley from Aosta through Châtillon and Saint-Vincent to Pont-Saint-Martin, or the rail-replacement bus. Booked Arriva coaches from Aosta reach Turin, Milan and Malpensa.
Where do pilgrims sleep in Chatillon?
Our directory has no listing yet at Châtillon. The source stage page lists the Monastero Francescani, the Franciscan monastery, as pilgrim accommodation in the town; a credential is expected and religious houses often want notice, so call ahead. Châtillon and neighbouring Saint-Vincent are small resort towns with hotels and B&Bs if the monastery is full.
Walk this stage
Open the full stage list to plan the legs either side, browse heritage along the route, or get the free Via Francigena Walk app for offline maps and GPS on the trail.