Chamois the mountain village without cars

The first time I heard about Chamois was from a slow travel blog. It talked about this tiny village in Valle d'Aosta with no roads. You can only reach it by foot or cable car. I was immediately intrigued.

When I mentioned it to my wife, who loves hiking, her eyes lit up: "We have to go, it's paradise!" Living in daily traffic, who could blame her? So, at her insistence, I gave in. We planned this adventure for May. What started as curiosity became a beautiful memory. Complete with Instagram stories to make friends jealous 😄.

A village where cars don't reach

Chamois is in the Cervino Valley and is truly a hidden gem. As soon as you arrive, the silence strikes you. No car noises, no honking, no engines. Just wind through trees and distant bells.

Cars don't reach here. To get to the village, take the cable car from Buisson or walk the trails (about three hours for the determined 😄).

At first, it might seem inconvenient that cars can't reach it. But that's what makes the village special.

The village embraces slowness and sustainability as its true identity. It's not just about logistics. It's a lifestyle philosophy that earned it the Pearl of the Alps title in 2006. This title perfectly describes the feeling you get here: a place where the mountains are still respected and lived in harmony.

Chamois is the highest village in Valle d'Aosta and has been inhabited since the Middle Ages. It's not a compact village: it's made of small groups of houses scattered on the mountainside, almost clinging to the slope. Each group becomes a micro-hamlet, giving it an authentic, timeless feel.

The two main areas are Corgnolaz and La Ville, centered around the cable car station. Corgnolaz is the real heart of Chamois: you'll find a couple of hotels and inns, a classic shop with everything from food to clothes and shoes, and a small information point.

Walking through the village's narrow streets, you'll find stone and wooden houses, old barns, fountains, and rural buildings that tell stories of mountain life. It's like stepping back in time.

My day in Chamois

Let me tell you how I spent a day here in spring.

Chamois welcomed me with its cobbled streets and bubbling fountains. The fresh May air smelled of mountain herbs, making every step a pleasure. The sun slowly warmed the rocky walls as I walked peacefully.

I started at the small church of San Pantaleone. It's simple and intimate, with faded frescoes whispering stories of past communities. From there, I looked up and got lost in the view of the Matterhorn, snowy and majestic against the blue spring sky.

Walking among the rural buildings, I felt the true spirit of the Alpine villages. I was far from the chaos of the valleys below. It was like a dive into the past, making me forget the modern world completely.

The Blue Lake and Its Magical Reflections

I continued toward the Blue Lake, following a path lined with crocuses and gentians. The new grass tickled my ankles as I walked. When I reached the crystal-clear water, I stopped for a picnic.

The reflection of the Matterhorn on the turquoise water was mesmerizing. I couldn't stop looking at it. Then, a surprise: I spotted a pair of golden eagles gliding silently above me. In spring, this place is magical. There's less crowd, and nature awakens.

The Trails of Gran Paradiso Park

The next day, we tackled the trails of the Gran Paradiso National Park. I walked toward Colle di Chamois, crossing meadows dotted with edelweiss.

In spring, the paths are perfect: not too muddy, and the clean air fills your lungs. You feel reborn.

For dinner, I stopped at a cozy cabin. I devoured a tender carbonade with cheesy polenta and a local honey dessert. Robust flavors that rewarded the day's effort.

Other Must-See Places

For those who love walking, Chamois is a constant invitation to go outside. One of the most beautiful walks leads to the Lago di Lod. You can reach it on foot or by chairlift. Once you arrive at about 2,000 meters, the view opens up to include the Matterhorn.

For flight enthusiasts: Chamois hosts a small airfield in the Suisse hamlet. It was Italy's first, built in 1967. Nearby, it's common to see hang gliders and paragliders coloring the sky, adding freedom to an already special landscape.

Why I Recommend Chamois

Chamois in spring is beautiful for hikers. You'll find lush nature, living traditions, and truly rejuvenating silence.

If you love the mountains, enjoy walking, and want real peace, this village is perfect. It's the right place to escape the chaos and, at least for a while, forget the many -- often unnecessary -- comforts of our cities. Here, time truly slows down, and you realize that silence, fresh air, and a walk in nature are enough.