Pont d’Ael

An architectural heritage hidden in the low valley of Cogne, at the level of the ravine of the Grand Eyvia torrent. Here lies a monumental example of Roman architecture: the aqueduct of Pont d’Ael. A grandiose stone work, built in the 3rd c. B.C., yet still in perfect shape and open to visits. From a naturalistic point of view, and also due to its arid climate, the area offers an interesting variety of flora and fauna, in particular rare floristic species of Mediterranean steppe origin: there are also 11 different species of the rare Orchids and 96 species of butterflies which animate the landscape. You can also admire the Golden Eagle and the Fish Hawk which find their ideal nesting place in this habitat.

Activites

  • Hiking

    Once you have passed the bridge of the hamlet, it is possible to take the trail marked 2A, an easy and pleasant one which runs principally at mid-hill and takes you to the hamlet of Camagne.
    All itineraries are described in the TRAILS section.

Discover the site

In order to fully appreciate the vegetation and the flight of butterflies, the best time to visit this site is late spring - beginning of summer (May-June). In autumn, it is the colours of the woods which deserve to be seen.
From the parking lot, it is possible to access the always-open information office, where a small exhibit shows the history of the site. As you cross the hamlet, many information panels will guide you to the Roman aqueduct, which is not far.
The entire area can be visited by families with children and is well-suited to didactic excursions.
The site is rather small, so it is recommended to keep the visits brief and in small groups. During the season of maximum blossoming, much care must be given to respecting the site’s flora and fauna, especially its butterflies.


Behavioural conduct rules

We remind you that you can contribute to the preservation of these sites by following these simple rules:

visit the site on foot, avoid using motorized vehicles; mountain bikes and horseback riding are permitted only in specific authorized areas (external to the site): please respect hikers;

please stay within the marked trails, as trampling can ruin the fragile grass and undergrowth areas;

please observe wild animals from a distance, do not capture them, do not disturb them nor feed them, and do not photograph occupied nests;

keep your dog on a leash and on the marked trails;

do not pick minerals or flowers;

do not make fires;

please bring your garbage , where you will find many recyclable waste-collection points.

How to get there

By car

The hamlet of Pont d’Ael can easily be reached from the S.R. 47 regional road for Cogne, to be taken from the S.S. 26 road, at the height of Aymavilles: the village is on the right as you climb, and you will find an ample parking lot for cars and even larger vehicles including buses.

By bus

The “Aosta – Cogne” busline runs 7 times a day, with a stop at Pont d’Ael.

Accessibility codification of sites

VIVA has chosen to supply everyone – youngsters, adults, the elderly and the disabled – with all the sites’ information so as to allow the visitor to choose a destination in an autonomous way.
An “Accessibility Codification”has thus been defined.


Pont d’Ael

Information to reach the site 2
Accessibility from main roads 2
Parking for the disabled 2
Accessible restrooms 1
Information panels 1
Slopes (max 8%) 0
Trail width (min 90cm) 0
Road surface 0
Resting areas approx every 10 m 0
Safety and protection of trails 1
Periodic maintenance 1

GENERAL INDICATIONS – ASSESSMENT VALUES (0 ÷ 3):
0 corresponds to ABSENCE of the indicated parameter;
3 corresponds to the PRESENCE of the indicated parameter, in optimal condition;
1 – 2 are INTERMEDIATE VALUES: in general, they indicate the presence of the parameter which must however be improved (1 = sufficient, 2 = close to optimal)

Paths

More paths :

VIVA suggests:

Short path

Pont d'Ael

  • Elevation gain : 89 m circa
  • Travel time: 45 min
  • Signposting: 2A

What to see:

Period:

Easy trails: routes that present no major technical difficulties or too challenging slopes. They can be covered in full or in small sections, allowing in both cases to come into contact with unspoilt nature, discovering its pace and balance …

Medium difficult trails: routes that can be covered in a day, varying considerably in terms of height differences and technical difficulty; the benefit is in being able to reach wildlife destinations of great impact.

Long trails: excursions lasting several days which provide for stopover places and catering along the route.

cartina Pont d’Ael

SIC SIC IT1205030

Municipality: Aymavilles

Surface: 183,2 ha

Altitude: 700 ÷ 1.550 m s.l.m.

Responsible forest station:
Aymavilles