Day 38 IT Châtillon, Verrès and Pont-Saint-Martin:

Châtillon, Verrès and Pont-Saint-Martin: Two Stages, One Day

I hit the trail early today—6:15 AM—to get ahead of the rain that never showed. Breakfast was simple but effective: a Mars bar and orange juice. Surprisingly, it worked like a charm.

The climb out of Châtillon was no joke. Just like the guidebook warned, it was steep and unrelenting right from the start. The trail was narrow and uneven, with some dicey drop-offs, but I eventually settled into a rhythm. By 6:30 AM, locals were already out tending their vegetable gardens. That’s some serious dedication.

Above the town, most homes seem fairly modern—probably built in the last 50 years—but Châtillon itself has that classic alpine charm. A quirky feature on some of the Italian trails: public workout equipment like pull-up bars scattered along the path. Unexpected, but interesting!

I reached Verrès just before 11 AM. The town was just waking up, though I imagine it gets lively later in the day. Known for the impressive Castello di Verrès, a 14th-century fortress perched on a rocky hill, the town has deep historical roots. It plays host to an annual medieval festival and has plenty of cobbled lanes, quaint cafés, and a quiet charm.

As I followed the river out of town, the climate noticeably shifted. Descending into the Aosta Valley, it got much warmer. Vespas zipped by through tiny villages—many riders wearing helmets at least five sizes too small. Classic Italian.

Next up was Bard, one of the most picturesque spots along the route. The village clings to the base of the towering Fort Bard, a 19th-century fortress that looms over it. With its stone houses, cobbled alleys, and mountain views, Bard feels like it’s been plucked out of another time. It’s no surprise it was used as a filming location for Avengers: Age of Ultron. If you’re ever passing through, definitely stop for a coffee and a soak in the atmosphere.

Just before reaching Pont-Saint-Martin, I walked a stretch of ancient Roman road carved straight into the rock—weathered, timeworn, and incredibly cool.

Pont-Saint-Martin itself is named after its iconic Roman bridge, dating back to the 1st century BC. Spanning the Lys River, it’s an engineering marvel that still stands strong. The town marks the border between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont and blends Alpine and Italian cultures beautifully. It’s also known for its Carnevale Storico, one of the oldest in the Alps, with parades and historical reenactments tied to local legends.

Today I doubled up on stages to make up some time. Luckily, the heat wasn’t as intense as last week. It was still a physically demanding day, thanks to the altitude swings and temperature changes, but the scenery more than made up for it. I’m feeling strong. Tomorrow I head deeper into the Aosta Valley and away from the mountains—thank God for that! 😅