Hiking to the Clavalité Sanctuary in Valtournenche

Where is the Clavalité Sanctuary located?

The Clavalité Sanctuary, dedicated to Saint Dominic Savio, is a place of great charm both spiritually and naturally, located above Cheneil, in Valtournenche, Aosta Valley. Built in 1980, the sanctuary stands in an extraordinary panoramic position, at about 2,500 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, the Grandes Murailles, Monte Rosa, Punta Tersiva, and Becca di Luseney. Reaching it is an unforgettable experience, recommended for those who love the mountains, peace, and open landscapes.

How do you access the hike?

The hike starts from the Cheneil parking lot, reachable by car from the regional road of Valtournenche. From the town of Valtournenche, take the right turn towards Cheneil, following the paved road until the La Barma locality (2,000 m), where there is a large parking area. From here, the ascent towards the village of Cheneil (2,080 m) begins, which can be reached in about 20 minutes along a pedestrian road or a panoramic staircase. Cheneil is a small car-free village, immersed in greenery, where time seems to have stopped. It is the ideal starting point for various hikes, including the one to the Clavalité Sanctuary, one of the most suggestive in the area.

What is the itinerary to the Clavalité Sanctuary?

From the parking lot, follow the signs for Cheneil and continue towards the upper part of the village. Once past the inhabited area, there is a yellow sign indicating the direction to the Clavalité Sanctuary (path no. 31). The route is well marked and easily recognizable. Departure: from the village of Cheneil, take the road to the right of the village chapel. You ascend on a dirt track that crosses meadows and pastures, offering an increasingly wide view of the valley.

What can you find in the forest along the trail?

After a few minutes of walking, the trail enters a larch forest. Here the environment becomes cool and shaded, ideal on summer days. The terrain is regular, with uphill sections but never too steep. You reach a well-marked fork. To the left, you continue towards the Colle del Grand Tournalin (path 30), while to the right, you follow path 31 to the Clavalité Sanctuary. You continue to the right, along a route that alternates grassy sections with short climbs on stone.

What panoramas can you admire along the way?

Once past the tree line, the trail opens up to a grand landscape, with the Matterhorn dominating the background. The view also extends to Monte Roisetta, Grand Tournalin, Falinère, and the Grandes Murailles. The final part of the route is slightly more challenging, with an ascent on stony ground. After about two hours of total walking, you reach a small hill where you can admire an extraordinary panorama. From here, in a few minutes, you arrive at the Clavalité Sanctuary.

What is the Clavalité Sanctuary like?

The sanctuary is a small stone building, simple yet harmonious, which integrates perfectly with the surrounding environment. It was erected in 1980 and dedicated to Saint Dominic Savio, a young student of Saint John Bosco, who spent part of his life in Aosta Valley. Every summer, the sanctuary becomes a destination for pilgrimages and religious processions that start from Cheneil and nearby villages. From the natural terrace on which it stands, you can enjoy one of the widest views in the region: on one side the Matterhorn and the Grandes Murailles, on the other Becca di Guïa, Monte Roisetta, Grand Tournalin, and Punta Falinère, with Punta Tersiva in the background. It is a place that transmits peace and spirituality, perfect for a meditative stop or a packed lunch.

How long does the hike take and what are the difficulties?

The route from Cheneil to the Clavalité Sanctuary takes about 2 hours of ascent and 1 hour and 15 minutes of descent. The overall elevation gain is about 500 meters. The hike is classified as E (hiking): it does not present technical difficulties but requires a minimum of training and suitable footwear. The trail is well-marked and maintained, but the last stretch before the sanctuary is a bit steeper and can be tiring.

What can you see along the trail?

Along the route, you cross very different environments: larch forests, alpine meadows, and rocky sections. In the lower part, you encounter blooming rhododendrons and gentians, while higher up, the vegetation thins out and gives way to open panoramas. It is not uncommon to spot ibex and marmots, which live abundantly in the area. On clear days, the view extends to the more distant peaks of Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso.

How do you return to Cheneil?

The descent follows the same route as the ascent. It is advisable to descend slowly, especially in the last stretch, where the ground can be a bit slippery. Once back in Cheneil, you can visit the Cheneil Chapel, a small religious building located in the lower part of the village, surrounded by woods. Alternatively, you can stop at the Albergo Panorama al Bich, from where you can enjoy an exceptional view of the Matterhorn.

What panoramas and points of interest are there along the trail?

The trail to the Clavalité Sanctuary is one of the most panoramic in Valtournenche. At various points, spectacular glimpses of the surrounding mountains open up, ideal for those who love mountain photography. The Matterhorn appears in all its majesty, accompanied by the Grandes Murailles, Becche di Guïa, Monte Roisetta, and the peaks of Grand Tournalin and Punta Falinère. To the south, you can see Punta Tersiva and the mountains of Gran Paradiso.

What are the tips for hikers?

Bring water with you, as there are no fountains along the route. Wear trekking boots with good grip. Avoid the hottest hours and start early in the morning. Bring a windproof jacket: at altitude, even in summer, the weather can change rapidly. In spring or after heavy rains, some sections may be muddy.

Why is the hike a unique experience?

The hike to the Clavalité Sanctuary is not just a walk in the mountains, but also a journey of the spirit. The silence, the vastness of the panoramas, and the simplicity of the place invite reflection and serenity. It is a hike that combines the beauty of nature with the depth of spirituality, making it one of the most significant destinations in Aosta Valley for those seeking authentic emotions between sky and mountain.