Top 20 Natural Monuments around Exilles

The Exilles area is primarily surrounded by two significant protected areas: the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park and the Orsiera-Rocciavrè Natural Park. Both offer diverse landscapes, from unique mixed forests to high alpine peaks and glacial lakes, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

The Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park is particularly known for its unique mixed forest of white fir and spruce, which is rare in the Western Alps. It also features over 600 species of plants and a rich variety of fauna, including deer, chamois, marmots, and golden eagles. About 70% of the park is covered by woodlands, with the rest being pastures and high-mountain grasslands. You can learn more about the park here.

The Orsiera-Rocciavrè Natural Park boasts breathtaking alpine landscapes, characterized by majestic peaks like Monte Orsiera (2,890 m) and Monte Rocciavrè (2,778 m). Its geological history has led to the formation of several glacial lakes, such as Lago Ciardonnet and Lago Laus. The park's diverse terrain supports rich flora and fauna, including chamois, ibex, wolves, and golden eagles. More information can be found here.

Yes, Lake Laux is considered family-friendly, offering emerald green waters where you can walk along its banks. Another option is Lac de Rochemolles, which is also noted as family-friendly and can be reached by car, offering beautiful views.

The Strada dell'Assietta and Colle dell'Assietta (2472 m) is a historic military road and mountain pass renowned for being one of the most scenic routes in the area. It offers stunning views of the Cottian Alps and is popular for cycling and hiking, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience with magnificent landscapes.

Absolutely. You can visit Rochemolles Lake and Dam, an artificial lake situated at over 2,000 meters. It's known for its peaceful setting and supplies a hydroelectric center. The area around it offers beautiful and tranquil scenery.

The region around Exilles offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including routes like 'From Pragelato to Pattermouche' or 'Monte Albergian da Pragelato'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are challenging routes such as 'View of Fort of Exilles' or 'Seguret Tunnel'. Road cycling options include 'Névache – Montgenèvre Pass loop'. You can explore more options on the running trails guide, cycling guide, and road cycling guide for the area.

The best time to visit is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is most favorable for hiking and exploring. During July and August, some high-altitude roads, like the one leading to Lac de Rochemolles, may have paid access or specific closure days for motorized vehicles, making them ideal for cyclists and hikers. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing in areas like Gran Bosco di Salbertrand.

Yes, for Lac de Rochemolles, during July and August, the road route has paid access on certain days and is closed to traffic on Thursdays. It's advisable to check local regulations for specific dates and times, as these can vary seasonally. The Strada dell'Assietta also has specific days in July and August when cars and motorcycles are not allowed, making it more enjoyable for bikes and hikers.

The natural parks around Exilles are rich in wildlife. In Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park, you might spot deer, chamois, marmots, foxes, and various bird species, including golden eagles. Orsiera-Rocciavrè Natural Park is home to chamois, ibex, wolves, and golden eagles, thriving in its diverse alpine environments.

Yes, the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park features an extensive network of hiking trails, including internationally recognized routes like the Via Alpina, the Grande Traversata delle Alpi, and the Via Francigena. The Orsiera-Rocciavrè Natural Park also offers a 55-km GR footpath known as the 'Giro dell'Orsiera' which circles Monte Orsiera, providing multi-day trekking opportunities.

The Susa Valley is characterized by its dramatic alpine environment, where human history, like the Forte di Exilles, is intertwined with formidable natural landscapes. It's a region of significant biodiversity, featuring unique mixed forests, high mountain grasslands, and glacial lakes, all protected within its natural parks. This blend of natural beauty and historical context makes it a unique destination for exploring natural monuments.