Exploring the Wild Beauty of Gran Paradiso

A Day of Heights and Flavors

Today was a day of contrasts, a blend of adrenaline-pumping heights and the comforting embrace of regional flavors. It's funny how travel days can sometimes surprise you with unexpected challenges and rewards, making you feel truly alive and connected to the world around you. I'm excited to share the experiences of today with you.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at La Lanterna del Duca. This cozy spot was the perfect place to fuel up for the adventures ahead. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the portions were generous, just what we needed for a day in the mountains.


Discover authentic Italian flavors at La Lanterna del Duca in Ceresole Reale – where delicious food meets stunning alpine views.

After breakfast, Olivia and I decided to explore Roncas Palace in Aosta. The palace, commissioned in 1606, has served as a seat of Savoy administration and a sub-prefecture during Napoleon's time. While we couldn't go inside, admiring the architecture from Piazza Pietro Leonardo Roncas was a treat. The square itself was charming, and we enjoyed a leisurely stroll, soaking in the history and ambiance of the area.


Explore the enchanting Roncas Palace, a historical landmark in Aosta showcasing exquisite architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Next on the agenda was Vertical No Limits Aosta. As someone who is always looking for the right gear, I was excited to check out this shop, known for its wide selection of outdoor equipment. The staff was incredibly helpful, offering advice and recommendations. Though I didn’t buy anything today, I made mental notes for future climbs and hikes. It’s always inspiring to be surrounded by the tools of adventure, imagining the possibilities they unlock.


Explore the Aosta Valley with top-notch gear from Vertical No Limits, your go-to sporting goods store in the heart of adventure.

Then came the main event: Ferrata Monte Emilius. I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous. I had read that it was a difficult climb, recommended only for experienced mountaineers with good stamina. The via ferrata to the Monte Emilius is a difficult overall via ferrata and due to its length, environment and height difference, it is to be included among the extremely difficult ones. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, we started our ascent. The views were incredible, offering panoramic vistas of the Aosta Valley and the surrounding peaks. The climb itself was challenging, with exposed traverses and vertical passages that tested our limits.


Discover the exhilarating Ferrata Monte Emilius in Aosta Valley, a breathtaking adventure for climbers of all levels amidst stunning alpine scenery.

Sometimes, the greatest journeys are not about reaching the destination, but about the obstacles overcome and the views admired along the way.

There's also a new and shorter variant has been added to the historic via ferrata, which has been made safe through various repair works. The via ferrata is advisable to follow it in two days, above all because the cable car closes relatively early in the summer and the height difference and the length are prohibitive to cover in a single day. It's a long, demanding mountaineering route, which includes a variant of the original via ferrata in the last part to the 3559 m summit.

I had to remind myself to take it slow and steady. Olivia was a rock, offering encouragement and support. We helped each other navigate tricky sections, sharing our strength and determination. There were moments when I questioned my sanity, clinging to the rock face with nothing but a cable and my own two hands. But then I would look up and see the summit, or look down and see the breathtaking view, and I knew it was all worth it.

We didn’t quite make it to the very top. The climb proved more demanding than anticipated, and with the afternoon sun beginning to dip, we decided to descend. It was a humbling experience, a reminder that nature is always in charge. Still, I felt a sense of accomplishment. We had pushed ourselves, faced our fears, and witnessed some truly incredible scenery. The mountain had tested us, and we had answered with courage and resilience.

After such an arduous climb, we were both ravenous. We drove to Rhêmes-Saint-Georges, where we had a late lunch at Le Barmé de l'Ours. This mountain restaurant is known for its warm, family-friendly atmosphere and traditional Valdôtain cuisine. I ordered the rye gnocchi, a local specialty, and Olivia had the Rhemes-style soup. Both dishes were hearty and delicious, the perfect reward after a challenging day. The restaurant uses local, seasonal products, and you can taste the freshness and quality in every bite.


Experience authentic Italian flavors amidst the stunning scenery of Aosta Valley at Le Barmé de l'Ours.

As we ate, we reflected on the day’s adventures. The climb had been tough, but it had also brought us closer, both to each other and to the mountains themselves. We felt a sense of gratitude for the beauty of Gran Paradiso National Park and the opportunity to explore its wonders.

For dinner, we treated ourselves to a meal at Hotel Sant'Orso - Mountain Lodge & Spa. The hotel restaurant offers a cozy and elegant ambiance, and the chefs use the finest ingredients to create delectable Italian and international cuisine. The on-site restaurant is a culinary haven that serves delectable Italian and international cuisine. It was the perfect way to end a day of contrasts, indulging in comfort and luxury after pushing our limits in the mountains.


Discover tranquility at Hotel Sant'Orso - where luxury meets nature in the stunning Aosta Valley.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, our last day, we plan to visit Lago di Joux and the Chiostro romanico di Sant-Orso. We’ll start with breakfast at Old Grizzly, followed by lunch at Albergo Gran Paradiso and dinner at Osteria Dei Viaggiatori. And perhaps a drink at 3ndy Bar Restaurant. It’s a bittersweet feeling, knowing our adventure is coming to an end. But I’m determined to make the most of our final day, soaking in the beauty and charm of Gran Paradiso.

As I write this, I’m filled with a sense of gratitude. This trip has been a reminder of the power of nature, the importance of connection, and the joy of pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones. I’m also grateful for Olivia, my amazing travel companion, who always encourages me to embrace the unknown. I am very grateful for the memories we have created together in Gran Paradiso National Park.

Tomorrow marks the end of our journey through Gran Paradiso, and while I am excited to return home to Thando, I will forever cherish the experiences and memories made here. Gran Paradiso, you have been nothing short of spectacular.