The house felt empty after losing our dog. Anyone with active pets knows how weekends revolve around them. As sadness crept in last week, we needed an escape. A quick search revealed the perfect getaway just two hours from home. We rented a car, packed our bags, and convinced Mr. Mingau (our cat) to join our alpine adventure.
A weekend trip to St. Vincent in Valle d’Aosta proved to be an excellent choice.
Saint-Vincent: Chill, Cooking, and Wine
We left Milan at dawn and reached Saint-Vincent in about two hours. This small town is known for its thermal baths and pleasant climate.
We stayed in a cozy mansion on the third floor. A stunning green area and a spacious balcony surrounded our fully equipped room, making it perfect for a relaxing weekend.
Courmayeur: The Skyway Monte Bianco Experience
Sunday was all about our trip highlight: the Skyway Monte Bianco. We drove less than an hour to Courmayeur, where this spectacular cable car journey begins.
The panoramic funicolare took us up the mountain, stopping at two stations: Pavillon du Mont Fréty (2,173 m) and Punta Helbronner (3,466 m). The scenery grew more breathtaking as we ascended. Clear blue skies dominated until the final stop, when the wind and sudden fog limited visibility. Still, it was unforgettable!
We enjoyed an aperitif at Kartell Bistrot Panoramic. At Italy’s highest design bistro, we savored regional cheeses paired with local craft beers with spectacular views.
Raclette in Courmayeur, Genepy in Saint-Vincent
Back on solid ground, we wandered around and enjoyed a mouthwatering raclette at Fernandell Brasserie Raclette. This cozy spot serves perfectly melted cheese with potatoes and cured meats.
We returned to Saint-Vincent on Sunday evening and dined at Atmosphere Restaurant. There, I discovered Genepy, a distinctive herbal liqueur made from Artemisia plants, commonly called wormwood. This aperitif from the mountains of Piemonte became an immediate favorite.
