Arpy Ring between nature and mining history

Sometimes in Valle d'Aosta, just a short drive from famous spots, you find simple yet interesting walks. The Arpy loop, near Morgex, is one of these. It's an easy route with great views, some forest paths, and a bit of history. This makes it more than just a typical green walk.

You start at Arpy, where there's convenient parking at the village entrance. In the mountains, that's a big plus. Walking through the village, you pass the Arpy Hostel. It's a good spot for a break before or after your hike. A bit further, there's a fountain to fill your water bottle.

The first 300 meters are paved. Then, you turn right onto a dirt road with a firm surface.

Overall, it's a peaceful walk, great for those not super fit and families with kids. The path mixes flat areas with slightly hilly ones, but nothing too hard. The only challenging part is around the third kilometer. Here, there's a 200-meter stretch with a steeper slope, about 15-20%. It's not too tough, but you'll feel you're in the mountains.

The most interesting part for me is the area's mining history. Along the way, you see signs of an unexpected industrial past. There's an old mining tunnel that once connected Arpy to the La Thuile mine. You cross a bridge over the Arpy stream, marking the return path. There are panels telling the mine's story, some made by Morgex primary school kids. This detail makes the trail more engaging, even if you're unfamiliar with the area. There's also a brick building that was once a workshop and storage for mine locomotives.

This historical part isn't minor at all. In the 1920s, with the industrial exploitation of the La Thuile anthracite deposit, Arpy experienced strong growth. After the mines were bought in 1927 by the Società Anonima Nazionale Cogne, the area turned into a small workers' village, with housing for miners and extraction-related structures. The mines stayed active until 1966, and today, walking here, you can still feel something from that era.

From a naturalistic perspective, the setting is very beautiful, as often happens here. The walk lets you stay in the woods but also opens up to wide, very Valdostan views. These views make you want to stop sometimes without turning everything into a sport. From Colle San Carlo (1971 m), there's a path leading to Lake Arpy (2066 m). It's a peaceful walk, suitable for almost everyone, set in a truly remarkable natural context. The elevation change is modest, making the trail great for those seeking a relaxed outing.

Reaching the lake, you get stunning views of the Mont Blanc group and the Grande Rochère. Along the way, you can also glimpse the peaks of Grand Combin and Mont Velan. Once at the top, the loop around the lake is perhaps the most enjoyable part: simple yet very charming, with ever-changing perspectives on the water and surrounding mountains.

The only real tip here is to choose your timing well. On weekends and busy periods, especially in August, it's best to avoid peak times and arrive early, especially if heading towards Colle San Carlo. On weekdays, the experience is much more relaxing.

Technically, the Arpy Lake loop, starting from Colle San Carlo (La Thuile, AO), is a hiking trail generally ranging from 10 to 12 km, depending on the chosen variant (like including Colle della Croce). The total elevation gain is about 500-600 meters, making it accessible but still satisfying for those used to mountain walking.

In summary, the Arpy loop is an easy but not trivial walk. It's accessible, doesn't require complicated planning, and adds a historical dimension that gives it depth. It's not a postcard-perfect place built just to impress at first glance. It's a simple, concrete itinerary to enjoy slowly, observing the remains of a little-known mining past and savoring, without rush, one of the most interesting spots around Morgex.