Discover the Wonders of Eve Verta in Aosta Valley

Where are the Eve Verta located in Aosta Valley?

The Eve Verta, also known as Green Waters, are located in the Saint Marcel valley, a side valley of Aosta Valley. This hike leads to a special spring, enveloped in a fairy-tale atmosphere, striking for the turquoise color of its waters. It is an ideal destination for those who want to combine nature, landscape, and geological curiosity.

How to reach the starting point of the hike?

The starting point is located at the Sanctuary of Plout, above the village of Saint Marcel. The sanctuary is reachable by car, but care must be taken: the navigator often indicates the shortest route that climbs from Fénis, a long and winding path. It is better to follow the direction of Druges and, just before the hamlet, turn towards Plout. There is a large free parking area in front of the sanctuary, convenient for leaving the car.

How long does it take to get from Saint Marcel to Plout?

From the center of Saint Marcel to the sanctuary parking lot takes about 12 minutes by car. However, if the wrong route from Fénis is taken, the minutes increase to over forty, with tight turns and elevations that make driving more exhausting. For this reason, it is useful to know the right road right away.

How does the hike to Eve Verta begin?

From the sanctuary parking lot, located at an altitude of 942 meters, take the paved road in front of the building, the one opposite to the arrival road. After about 200 meters, there is signage indicating the 3C trail, which leads into the heart of the forest.

What can be encountered along the trail?

Almost immediately, you arrive in front of a centuries-old chestnut tree, huge and hollow inside, where a wooden sculpture is kept. It is the guardian of the path, called Véruc, who welcomes hikers. Next to the chestnut tree are three plaques with a nursery rhyme inviting you to say a magic word before proceeding. A curious detail that makes the walk even more experiential.

What landscapes characterize the hike?

The trail initially follows the profile of the valley and alternates between wooded areas and more open zones. The variety of vegetation, with beeches and chestnuts, makes the walk pleasant in all seasons. After a few minutes, you start to follow the Saint-Marcel stream, which flows vigorously and creates a relaxing sound backdrop.

Is it a flat or uphill path?

The first part of the route is almost flat. After crossing two wooden bridges, you take the signpost 4, which leads to a more marked ascent. Some hairpin bends accompany you upwards until you reach the destination.

At what altitude are the Eve Verta springs?

The springs are located at an altitude of 1,373 meters. After the climb, almost suddenly, an unexpected spectacle opens up: the spring that gushes from a small cave and a stream with turquoise waters, flowing down and creating color games among rocks and mosses.

Why are the waters turquoise and not green?

Although the name "Eve Verta" literally means "Green Waters", the color of the water is actually closer to turquoise. This phenomenon is due to the presence of minerals such as copper and manganese, as well as woodwardite particles, which tint the surfaces of the stream with intense and variable shades.

Does the water always have the same color?

No, the coloration can change. The flow of the stream varies depending on the seasons and weather conditions. Sometimes the water appears a vivid turquoise, other times less pronounced. Each visit can therefore offer a different shade, and it is precisely this natural variability that makes it so fascinating.

Can you see the spring up close?

Yes. It is possible to climb a few meters up the stream to reach the small cave from which the spring gushes. It is a very suggestive point that allows you to observe closely the birth of these special waters.

What options are there after seeing the Eve Verta?

There are two possibilities: return along the same trail back to the Sanctuary of Plout, or continue on a loop trail that leads to the Servette Mines.

How long does it take to reach the Servette Mines?

From the fork, it takes about an hour of additional walking and 400 meters of elevation gain to reach the mines. The route follows the so-called Cavour Road, an ancient winding road used by miners to move between villages and the mining site.

What can be discovered at the Servette Mines?

The mines have ancient origins: the Romans already extracted minerals such as pyrite and chalcopyrite. The activity continued for centuries until the final closure in 1957. Today the site has been secured and can be visited both with guided tours in the underground galleries and with an external path equipped with informative panels explaining the history of the place.

Are there other points of interest along the return?

Yes. During the return, you pass by the Treves foundry, an ancient furnace from the 18th century where copper extracted from the mines was melted. A little further on, you encounter the hamlet of Seissogne, with its mill and the old community oven, examples of rural architecture that tell the life of the past.

Are there picnic areas or food stops?

Those who want to stop can take advantage of the picnic area of Les Druges, immersed in nature. Upon returning to Plout, it is possible to enjoy a typical snack at the Cantina del Viandante, located just behind the sanctuary. A tasty alternative is the Pasticceria Buzzi di Nus, famous for its artisanal ice creams.

Why choose the hike to Eve Verta in Aosta Valley?

This experience offers multiple dimensions in a single itinerary: a shaded forest, a rushing stream, a spring with a surprising color, ancient mines, and mountain villages. Each stop provides different emotions and the opportunity to experience the mountains authentically.