Courmayeur: Gateway to Mont Blanc
Experience alpine charm and adventure in Courmayeur, Italy, at the foot of majestic Mont Blanc. Skiing, hiking, and breathtaking views await!
Courmayeur, a captivating town in the Aosta Valley, Italy, sits at an elevation of 1,224m, with ski lifts reaching 2,763m. Its history dates back to Roman times, with the name deriving from the Latin 'Curia Maior,' meaning 'seat of the parish'. The town gained prominence in the 18th century when the English discovered its thermal springs. In 1786, Courmayeur was put on the map when Mont Blanc was conquered by two men from Chamonix, France. Soon after, it was designated as Italy's mountain climbing capital. Courmayeur maintains its traditional charm with a pedestrianized center and wooden chalet-style accommodations. Via Roma, the main street, is lined with designer boutiques, cafes, and shops. The town is surrounded by the Dora Baltea River, firs, spruces, larches, mountain peaks, and glaciers. Today, Courmayeur is a thriving ski resort town with less than 3,000 permanent residents. The town attracts more visitors annually than its population, drawn by exceptional views and winter sports. In the summer, hiking and climbing take center stage. Popular destinations include Val Ferret, offering views of the Grandes Jorasses, and Val Veny, with trails to Cabane du Combal, Lago Combal, and Lago del Miage. The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car provides access to Punta Helbronner, offering panoramic views of the Alps.
Local tips
- For the best views of Mont Blanc, head to the top of the Cresta d'Arp lift.
- Try the hot chocolate at Bar Roma, a local favorite.
- Visit the Saussurea Alpine Botanical Garden, accessible from the first Skyway stop.
- Take a short bus ride to the Pre Saint Didier Spa for post-ski relaxation.
- Explore Val Ferret for stupefying views of Grandes Jorasses. You can drive, cycle or walk the length of the valley.
A brief summary to Courmayeur
- Courmayeur, Aosta Valley, IT
Getting There
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Walking
Courmayeur's center is pedestrian-friendly, making walking the easiest way to explore. From the main square, Piazza Abbé Henry, most shops, restaurants, and hotels are within a 10-15 minute walk. Note that some streets are steep and cobblestoned.
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Public Transport
Local buses connect Courmayeur with surrounding areas like Val Ferret and Val Veny. The bus station is located in Piazzale Monte Bianco. A single trip around Courmayeur costs approximately €1. Keep in mind that purchasing tickets on board the bus may incur an extra charge.
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Taxi
Taxis are available in Courmayeur, with fares starting around €70 for trips to nearby towns such as Pré Saint-Didier. A taxi from Val Veny to Courmayeur is estimated to cost between €26-€32. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the time of day and traffic.
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Parking
If driving, parking is available in several locations. Piazzale Monte Bianco (P1) offers the first hour free, then charges €1.50-€3.00 per hour, up to a maximum of €15.00 for 24 hours. Viale Monte Bianco (P2) offers the first 30 minutes free, then charges €1.00-€2.00 per hour, up to a maximum of €20.00 for 24 hours. Tzan de Blà (P3) in Dolonne charges €1.00 per hour, up to a maximum of €8.00 for 24 hours. Blue zones are also available at €1.00 per hour. Parking in Courmayeur center can be difficult during peak season.
