Beyond Castello di Cly: Vineyards, Wine Tastings and Night Skies Between Chambave and Lignan
Castello di Cly is worth a visit, but the surrounding area has even more to offer: a trail through the Moscato di Chambave vineyards, a cooperative where you can taste wines you wouldn't expect, and, higher up, one of the region's best astronomical observatories for stargazing.
If you're visiting the Castello di Cly, don't stop at just the fortress. Just a few minutes away, you'll find the Moscato di Chambave vineyards, the Chemin du Muscat trail, and the road leading to Lignan. Lignan is one of the best spots in Valle d'Aosta for stargazing.
Before you go, you can also read the guide about the Castello di Cly. It has info on visiting, the fortress's history, and opening times.
Walking through the Moscato di Chambave vineyards
One of the most interesting activities is walking the Chemin du Muscat. This trail connects Chambave to the Castello di Cly, passing through vineyards that produce the famous Moscato di Chambave.
The path follows slopes overlooking the Dora Baltea and offers constant views of the valley. There aren't any particularly challenging sections, so it's suitable even for those not used to trekking.
Along the way, you pass through vineyards that made this part of Valle d'Aosta famous. The dry, sunny microclimate allows for wines with unique characteristics, different from typical alpine regions.
Visiting Chambave
Before or after your walk, it's worth stopping in Chambave's center.
The village lies along the ancient Via Francigena. It preserves historical sites like Casa Guidon, built in 1550, and a 12th-century bell tower. It's not just a photo spot. Chambave is still a wine-producing village, not just a tourist attraction but a real, ongoing activity.
Here, the Chambave Muscat is produced. It's a dry Moscato, different from the sweet ones you might expect. If you want to learn more, visit La Crotta di Vegneron, the local winegrowers' cooperative. You can taste local wines and join guided tastings. These explain grape characteristics, winemaking methods, and unique Valdostan production. Enjoy local products too, which show the wine and food connection.
Heading up to Lignan
If you have more time, continue to Saint-Barthélemy and reach Lignan.
This small mountain village is famous for the Valle d'Aosta Astronomical Observatory, located at about 1,650 meters. Its isolated position and low light pollution make it great for stargazing. You can watch planetarium shows under a big dome or join guided observations. From the educational terrace, professional telescopes let you see the Sun by day and planets, nebulas, and galaxies at night.
The road from Saint-Denis goes through woods and pastures. Once you reach the upper valley, you can see the whole central valley, from Châtillon almost to Aosta.
A day beyond the castle
If you're planning to visit the Castle of Cly, treat it as a starting point, not the only destination. Within a few kilometers, you can walk through Chambave Muscat vineyards, stop for a tasting at a winery, and if you want to end the day uniquely, head to Lignan to visit the Observatory at night. Considering tastings and the observatory, activities cost around 30 to 50 euros per person.
