Top 16 Natural Monuments around Pont-Saint-Martin
Best natural monuments around Pont-Saint-Martin, located in Italy's Aosta Valley, serve as gateways to remarkable natural areas. The region is characterized by rugged mountainous terrain, expansive meadows, and dense forests, including the Mont Avic Nature Park. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, from high-altitude alpine lakes to the picturesque Lys Valley, which features the Lys River, waterfalls, and sculpted rocks. This area offers a blend of natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Best natural monuments around Pont-Saint-Martin
- The most popular natural monuments is Path of the Souls, a trail where legend states the souls of the dead passed. Along the route, petroglyphs with illustrative boards can be found.
- Another must-see spot is Oropa Stream Waterfall, a waterfall where water flows between boulders, creating colors and reflections. Visitors can observe this natural feature between the sanctuary of Oropa and the Rosazza refuge.
- Visitors also love Lake Vargno, a beautiful lake located at the foot of the Mont Mars Nature Reserve. From its banks, several mountain peaks are visible, offering a scenic break point.
- Pont-Saint-Martin is known for its diverse natural monuments, including lakes, waterfalls, and trails. The area offers a variety of natural features to explore, from alpine lakes to historical paths.
- The natural monuments around Pont-Saint-Martin are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 50 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Lake Vargno
Highlight • Lake
It's a nice place to take a break on your mountain run with a breathtaking view. The paths in this area are mostly free of technical difficulties and easy to follow while running.
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Burnel di Nomaglio
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Path of the Souls
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Another legend tells that the elderly people, to end their life, let themselves fall down the path.
All along the route there are petroglyphs with an illustrative board that describes it. Not all rock marks can be found easily. Some I could not find them, despite the billboard indicating it nearby. Along the way you will find the Bruno Piazza refuge. Bella is the hamlet of Piani di Cappia, where the path ends and where, thanks to beautiful green meadows, it is possible to have a picnic
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Barma Lakes
Highlight • Lake
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Oropa Stream Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
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Popular around Pont-Saint-Martin
Piemont's Via Francigena
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Paths, castles and views of Italy’s Aosta Valley – Cammino Balteo
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Tips from the Community
The Burnel is an ancient cup-marked stone located halfway along Via Maestra, the road that crosses the center of Nomaglio. On its surface, the cup marks engraved in prehistoric times are still visible, small hemispherical cavities whose exact function remains a subject of debate among scholars — perhaps linked to propitiatory rites or cult practices. In more recent times, the stone was adapted into a fountain, with a basin carved out for water, and on the stone, you can also observe the grooves left by the blades and knives that the villagers used to come here to sharpen. The name "burnel" indicates precisely this: a fountain with a stone basin. It is an object that, in a few square centimeters, tells of centuries of daily use superimposed on prehistoric traces, and has accompanied the life of the village for times much older than the stone houses with the typical Canavese arches that surround it.
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Nomaglio is a small but pleasant, characteristic village that deserves a quick stop and a bike ride.
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At 2020 meters, Lake Barma (or Balma) is a lake of glacial origin sunken between the Gragliasca peak, Lei Long and Balma d’Oropa on the left, Mont Mars and Monte Rosso on the right, and the Balma d’Oropa hill in front. With 31,320 square meters of extension, it is the largest lake included in the Mont Mars Nature Reserve. On its shores, from the second half of June, rhododendrons, mountain lilies, round cotton grasses, mountain arnica and wild orchids bloom.
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waterfalls of the Oropa stream on the path to Mucrone
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Between the sanctuary of Oropa and the Rosazza refuge, at this point you can see a small but pretty waterfall of the Oropa stream. The water flows between several boulders to create a truly remarkable play of colors and reflections.
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Convenient road from the sanctuary, beautiful to look at and cool to rinse off
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It is a "mica schistic monolith" that is, a single block of stone. It has large dimensions and a few tons of weight. We are not sure about its origin or function but it may have been used, in the Lombard era, as a burial place for a high-ranking person.
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This beautiful lake is located at the foot of the Mont Mars Nature Reserve. From its banks Punta Leretta, Punta Figlieu, Mount Mars, Mount Rosso, the Lei Long and Gragliasca peaks and Mount Pietra Bianca are visible. It's a nice place to take a break on your mountain run with a breathtaking view. The paths in this area are mostly free of technical difficulties and easy to follow while running.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique natural features to explore around Pont-Saint-Martin?
The region around Pont-Saint-Martin is rich in unique natural features. The Mont Avic Nature Park, for instance, is known for Italy's largest hook pine forest, diverse geological formations, and numerous alpine lakes like Gran Lago and Lago Miserin. The Lys Valley also offers picturesque waterfalls and sculpted rocks formed by the Lys stream.
Are there any notable lakes to visit near Pont-Saint-Martin?
Yes, there are several notable lakes. Lake Vargno, located at the foot of the Mont Mars Nature Reserve, offers stunning mountain views and is a great spot for a scenic break. The Mont Avic Nature Park also features a remarkable number of alpine lakes, including Gran Lago, Lago Bianco, and Lago Miserin. Additionally, you can find the Barma Lakes and Laghetto del Camino, a small glacial lake rich in frogs and tadpoles.
What kind of hiking trails can I find near these natural monuments?
The area offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks to more challenging routes. Sections of the historic Cammino Balteo and Via Francigena pass through the region, providing excellent ways to experience the natural landscapes. For more detailed information on routes, you can explore the Hiking around Pont-Saint-Martin guide.
Are there any family-friendly natural monuments around Pont-Saint-Martin?
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. Lake Vargno is considered family-friendly, offering a beautiful setting for a break. The Oropa Stream Waterfall is also accessible and provides a captivating natural spectacle for all ages.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments near Pont-Saint-Martin?
The best time to visit is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is mild, and the alpine trails are clear of snow. This period allows for comfortable hiking and enjoying the vibrant flora and fauna. Some areas, like the Mont Avic Nature Park, are particularly stunning in summer with blooming meadows and accessible high-altitude lakes.
Can I bring my dog to the natural monuments in this region?
Many natural areas and trails in the Aosta Valley are dog-friendly, especially if dogs are kept on a leash. Specific regulations may apply within nature parks like Mont Avic. It's always advisable to check local signage or park guidelines for the specific monument you plan to visit to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Mont Avic Nature Park?
The Mont Avic Nature Park is home to a rich variety of alpine fauna. Visitors might spot ibexes, chamois, marmots, and golden eagles. The park is also renowned for its impressive diversity of butterflies, with over 1,100 species recorded.
Are there any historical or cultural sites integrated with the natural monuments?
Yes, the region blends natural beauty with historical elements. The Path of the Souls is a historical trail where petroglyphs can be found along the route, offering a glimpse into ancient legends and human presence in the landscape. The Lys Valley also features charming traditional alpine villages that showcase the unique Walser culture.
What are the main geological features of the Mont Avic Nature Park?
The Mont Avic Nature Park is characterized by diverse geological formations. It features rugged mountainous terrain, and its landscape is shaped by glacial activity, resulting in numerous alpine lakes, marshes, and peat bogs. The park's unique geology contributes to its distinct ecosystems and scenic beauty.
How long should I plan for a visit to the natural monuments around Pont-Saint-Martin?
The duration of your visit depends on your interests. A short visit to a specific highlight like Oropa Stream Waterfall or Lake Vargno might take a few hours. To fully explore areas like the Mont Avic Nature Park or hike longer sections of the Cammino Balteo, you might want to dedicate a full day or even multiple days, staying in local accommodations.
What outdoor activities, besides hiking, can I do near these natural monuments?
Beyond hiking, the region offers excellent opportunities for mountain biking and road cycling. You can find various routes that traverse the beautiful landscapes surrounding Pont-Saint-Martin. For more information, check out the MTB Trails around Pont-Saint-Martin and Road Cycling Routes around Pont-Saint-Martin guides.
Most popular routes around Pont-Saint-Martin
Most popular attractions around Pont-Saint-Martin
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