The best cycling routes around Lillianes

The parish church of San Rocco, consecrated in 1661 in the center of Lillianes, is an example of 17th-century Alpine religious architecture built on a previous 15th-century chapel. The three-nave building with Baroque carved wooden altars is distinguished by its imposing stone bell tower that dominates the village near the Lys stream. The structure was the heart of community life, historically linked to the chestnut economy and livestock farming, serving as the main gathering point for the valley's population. A significant historical detail is the presence, in the immediate vicinity of the entrance, of a specific stone niche called Crierel. From this elevated position, the town crier or local authorities "shouted" resolutions, decrees, and sentences to the population gathered in the churchyard, ensuring the dissemination of rules in an era of low literacy. This custom transformed the area in front of the church into an operational public forum, where civil power officially manifested itself to manage the daily life of the village.

The stone bridge of Lillianes, completed in 1733, represents a hydraulic work of exceptional value for the Lys Valley, being the only historic bridge in the region structured on four round arches. The choice of this configuration, supported by robust piers equipped with cut-water spurs, was dictated by the need to span a section of the Lys stream particularly subject to violent floods. The roadway, made with a characteristic donkey-back shape in local stone, hosts a votive shrine dedicated to Saint Roch in the center, historically placed to protect travelers against pestilences. A relevant anecdote concerns the complex financing of the work: the local community, in order not to depend exclusively on central subsidies, chose to heavily tax themselves through the "taglioni" system, a form of mandatory contribution based on land ownership. It is said that the families of the village contributed not only with money but also by providing labor and materials, as the bridge was considered vital for the economy linked to the chestnut trade and transhumance. Another curious detail concerns its incredible resistance: during past floods, while other wooden or lighter structures were swept away, the bridge of Lillianes remained intact, consolidating its fame as an indestructible monument and a symbol of unity for the entire valley population.

The historic center of Perloz constitutes an architectural nucleus of considerable interest for understanding the social and political dynamics of the lower Aosta Valley. The heart of the settlement is represented by the Casaforte Vallaise, a 14th-century quadrangular structure that served as the administrative and judicial center for the noble family of the same name. The building preserves medieval construction elements, including the coat of arms carved on the portals, a testament to the exercise of jurisdictional power over the territory. A short distance away stands the parish church of San Salvatore, characterized by a facade entirely frescoed with a representation of the Last Judgment dating back to the 17th century, a work that served as a tool for religious instruction for the local population. The monumental route continues with the Museum of the Resistance, housed in premises that recall the historical memory of the "Brigata Lys". Here, documents and artifacts related to the events of 1944 are preserved, when the village became a fundamental operational center for the partisan formations in the area. Walking through the narrow stone streets, one also notices the presence of numerous stone fountains and community ovens, symbols of the collective management of rural resources. This stratification of different eras, from medieval feudalism to contemporary history, makes the center of Perloz a relevant technical and cultural stop for those crossing the slopes of the Lys valley.

end of the valley's asphalt road

Good place to stop and fill your water bottles

The Chalet du Lys Hotel & SPA is located in Staffal, at approximately 1,820 meters above sea level, at the foot of Monte Rosa, just steps from the ski lifts and perfect for both skiers and summer hikers. This 4-star property combines Alpine elegance and modern comforts: 39 rooms and apartments furnished with handcrafted furniture, each with a balcony and mountain views. The panoramic location of the Chalet du Lys makes it a perfect base for summer cycling enthusiasts: high mountain trails, Monte Rosa tours, and itineraries along the Lys Valley are all nearby. An e-bike charging station, storage, and support for two-wheeled excursions ensure everything you need for pedaling immersed in Alpine nature. The Chalet du Lys is also the ideal place to charge your e-bike and earn DINAclub points. Find out how at https://dinaclub.repower.com/ To discover the area, a ready-to-ride itinerary: https://www.komoot.com/it-it/tour/2426517693?share_token=a4uULGy3e7w25cFSWegdLaKFGSu1H2sMIBPF86gJ9CcAjHqXzY&ref=wtd

summer residence of Queen Margherita of Savoy

nice big rest area with benches, playground & restaurant, which was always closed during my time here