{"id":12949,"date":"2017-07-16T14:47:56","date_gmt":"2017-07-16T12:47:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/?p=12949"},"modified":"2017-07-19T14:05:51","modified_gmt":"2017-07-19T12:05:51","slug":"gran-paradiso-park-slow-holidays-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2017\/07\/gran-paradiso-park-slow-holidays-italy\/","title":{"rendered":"Slow holiday in Gran Paradiso Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cogne and its two magnificent valleys at the foot of the Gran Paradiso (Valle d’Aosta) are a must-see for a holiday in contact with nature, to the discovery of one of the best examples of Sustainable Mobility in the Alps.<\/p>\n

In the heart of a narrow, winding valley, you will find the cozy Alpine Pearl of Cogne,<\/strong> the gateway to the Gran Paradiso park. Typically alpine, this town\u00a0offers everything you need for your relax<\/strong> in nature<\/strong> or for outdoor<\/strong> activities<\/strong>, both in summer and in winter, all in the name of sustainable mobility. The village is part of the Alpine Pearls<\/strong> association, which brings together 25 tourist areas in the Alps to promote green holidays and innovative mobility solutions to protect the environment. Cogne is surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks, drawing two almost parallel valleys, Valleile<\/strong> and Valnontey<\/strong> at the foot of the Gran Paradiso<\/strong> massif. Adventure and exploration awaits you: here are 15 things to do and see in Cogne and in the wonderful Gran Paradiso Park.<\/p>\n

1. Exploring the ancient mines<\/h2>\n

\"Ancient<\/p>\n

Magnetite mines have marked Cogne’s history for many centuries. The Old Village of Miners is the beautiful testimony that remains of that life. There was a dormitory of miners, some offices, a shop, a library, and even a movie theater. It is now home to Fondation Grand Paradis, hosting the Visitor Center of the Gran Paradiso Park and the Alpinart exhibition center dedicated to alpine culture.<\/p>\n

2. A walk through the alleys of Cogne<\/h2>\n
\"Cogne,
Photo by Stefan van den Akker via flickr<\/div><\/div>\n

Cogne<\/strong> is a charming alpine village<\/strong> definitely worth a visit! Stop at the church of Sant’Orso<\/strong>, with its simple lines and the insides covered with frescoes<\/strong>. The church welcomes you at the entrance of the village with its bell tower. Among huts made of stone and wood and curious shops, you can admire traditional \u201ctombolo\u201d lace<\/strong> or taste local dishes.<\/p>\n

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3. Lillaz Waterfalls<\/h2>\n
\"Lillaz
Photo by Damiano Pappad\u00e0 via Flickr<\/div><\/div>\n

In Valleile<\/strong>, not far from Cogne, you will reach the pretty village of Lillaz<\/strong>. Here you can admire the magnificent Urtier stream waterfalls<\/a><\/strong>, with its three jumps, a popular local attraction. The waterfall is about 150m high<\/strong> and can be seen entirely following a path in the forest running along the water with\u00a0bridges crossing it.<\/p>\n

4. The villages surrounding Cogne<\/h2>\n
\"Epinel,
Epinel – Photo by Nina via Flickr<\/div><\/div>\n

The small and cozy towns<\/strong> of the valley are absolutely worth visiting, to fully breathe the alpine lifestyle<\/strong> of its inhabitants. At Lillaz<\/strong> you can stroll among churches and streams, in Valnontey<\/strong> you can enjoy a warm dish of\u00a0the tradition, while from Epinel<\/strong> you can start your hiking\u00a0in the Valley of Arpisson.<\/p>\n

5. Among the scents of the botanical garden<\/h2>\n
\"Edelweiss\"
Photo by zeitblohm via Flickr<\/div><\/div>\n

In Valnontey<\/strong>, a small hamlet in the heart of the Gran Paradiso Park<\/strong>, you can visit the Alpine Botanical Garden Paradisia<\/strong>, which takes its name from the alpine magnificent lilies blooming in the meadows. Located at 1700m of altitude<\/strong>, the garden covers about 10,000 square meters. The best time for a visit is between mid-June and mid-July during flowering<\/strong>. It is always possible to book guided tours.<\/p>\n

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6. Walking in the Gran Paradiso Park<\/h2>\n
\"Gran
Photo by Franck Michel via Flickr<\/div><\/div>\n

Start from Cogne and go hiking through the territory of the oldest National Park in Italy<\/strong>: admire the Gran Paradiso<\/strong> and its white peaks lifting up to deep blue skies! There\u00a0are many\u00a0paths, easy but also difficult ones, allowing you to enjoy unique landscapes<\/strong>, through flowering meadows, streams, lakes and waterfalls. For example, you can discover Lake Dres or go along the Valnonte-Valmianaz-Pont de l’Erfaulet trail in Cogne Valley.<\/p>\n

7. An eco-friendly stay\u00a0in Cogne<\/h2>\n

\"Notre<\/p>\n\n\t\t