I must have travelled the freeway below this massive fort controlling the narrow passage between the steep and dangerous mountain sides more than a hundred times over the past 30 years without reflecting on what you might find inside. This time I took a day trip from home in Switzerland with the aim to discover this surprisingly interesting place steeped in history lasting over 800 years. It's now owned and administered by the region of Aosta and houses 6 museums, a large museum shop, a cozy 11 room hotel and restaurant as well as a café. If you buy a simple entrance ticket you will access two exhibitions of your choice, if you want to see all six museums, the price is about double the ordinary entrance fee. There is ample parking around the castle, the near-most being paying. Access is either via an ingenious series of funiculars or by foot on a winding road. Avoid visiting on a busy day not to spend your time waiting to access the funicular system. I came on a Friday afternoon mid May 2025 and was surrounded by 15 year olds trying to learn Italian history, not the most serene situation. You do need a full day to fully appreciate the place so I will come back to spend a night here before touring the premises.

So much to see here! There are 5? main buildings, each housing different museums and (temporary, rotating) art exhibits. Costs €12 to visit 2 of any things of your choice or €24 to visit everything. But you can visit all the exterior fort for free! This is definitely worth it if you want a quick look and get a good view from the top of the Fort. If you want to visit the museums, you'll need a few hours to spare! Our 2 choices were both in the Carlo Alberto building (at the top). We did the Museum of the Alps which has SO MUCH to see, and quite the diversity of history and information. This took us 2 hours and we didnt look too closely at half of it. Could definitely take 2-4 hours depending on your interests. Absolutely 1 of the best ways to spend a solid chunk of your day here. 2nd, we did the prisons downstairs in the same building. This was cool but much quicker (like 30 mins). It was a toss up between the prison and the Ferdinando building at the bottom.. unsure what all that offers or the time it takes to visit. In total we spent about 3 hours here, and could have spent much longer if we got the full package. Lots of history here and offers a neat view of the valley. I would recommend it, but again, you'll need time if you want to visit any museums. I personally didnt care to visit any of the art exhibitions. From what I've gathered, they kind of have nothing to do with the Fort itself, so didnt seem worth any of my 2 choices.

Have you even been to Valle d’Aosta if you haven’t visited Forte di Bard? The structure is just impressive in its size and location! Inside is pretty bare, but the museums and exhibits are super interesting.

The castle is beautiful, no doubt there. However, we wanted to take a quick walk within the walls, and there is unfortunately no ticket allowing you to just stroll around. You have to purchase a ticket for 12e which allows you to enter 2 out of 6 available exhibitions/ “museums”. Maybe it would not be that frustrating if a couple in front of us wasnt allowed to enter for free by stating “we only came for a walk” in italian. We checked the japanese exhibition which was rather mediocre, not much to learn from it. We would appreciate some story behind and more descriptions behind the pictures. The other exhibitions was the prisons which was more interesting - you can see the real prison rooms and how the castle was evolving over time.

Wonderful place . Breathtaking and perfect for a day with children . Nice museums, nice view and the staff was really nice .

19th-century fortress, part of the fortifications of the Aosta Valley. The fortress is well maintained and houses a rich permanent exhibition (about forts and fortresses throughout history), as well as interesting temporary exhibitions. Entrance tickets: - €12 for visiting the fortress itself and two exhibitions - €24 for visiting five exhibitions Both tickets include access to the lifts. The ticket price is absolutely worth it.

Loved it. Beautifuly renovated fort with abundant museum and theatre spaces.

This summer residence castle was built for the Queen Margherita of Savoy from 1899 to 2004. It must have been a major undertaking, just like the Margherita refuge that was constructed for her mountain excursions on Monte-Rosa above 4000 m altitude. You are obliged to visit the castle with a guide which will give you all the stories and anecdotes you need to understand what was going on in the royal family in the beginning of the 20th century. I had an excellent and fun guide. The only problem is that you need to have a rather good knowledge of Italian to follow the stories you are told since all guides appear to speak Italian only. When I visited a Friday mid June of 2025, the magnificent interior main stairs were unfortunately under restoration so this section was closed. You had to mount to the first floor via the main tower in a staircase that was used by her guards. The restoration of the castle after it had been purchased by the region of Aosta had managed to recover parts, but far from all of the original furniture. There is one of the rooms on the 1st floor where there are photographs documenting how it looked like in daily life at the time the queen was here as well as of her husband Umberto I. The view from the glassed veranda over parts of Monte-Rosa is exquisite.

In the middle of the mountains, with breathtaking landscapes: the fairytale castle of the queen. The one-hour guided tour tells how the queen decided to build the castle in that small village, the five years it took to complete the work - from 1899 to 1904, how the king never set foot in the castle and the modernization with heating and electricity. From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit to the Castle it takes about an hour by car. Dogs allowed in a carrier. We recommend purchasing one of the many Valle d'Aosta Cards to visit all the sites and castles.

We decided to do the tour. The guide had explained everything about the Castle and the Savoia's family. He was very friendly.

Amazing place to visit in the middle of the mountains. Nothing to do with the very touristic and crowded places. The environment is so peaceful. I could learn a lot from here.

It’s really like a fairy tale castle. Modest price to enter (10€) and you get also a tour guide for the group entrance at the same time. You can walk the grounds at your leisure and enjoy the beautiful landscape and the park. The guide will show you the rooms in the castle and explain a lot of the history. If you’re having a summer holiday in Gressoney, don’t miss to see it, it’s definitely worth it. A couple of hours well spent.

The castle itself is magical, seems like it has been taken out of a fantasy film. Truly beautiful, wonderful scenery in the forest and with Monte Rosa views. We entered the castle for a small fee of a few Euros, but the only way is with a guided tour, which was in Italian so we didn’t understand. It was a shame that the main staircase, supposed to be the most beautiful feature, was in maintenance work. The tour was for an hour and you could not move freely. Despite the subtle disappointment from the tour and maintenance work, the castle was amazing and worth it.

Wonderful house, not really a castle as it’s not fortified. The views of the Monte Rosa massif are the reason the house was built here and they are magnificent. We did a guided tour in Italian only so were a little lacking in detail and had to mostly rely on the short English descriptions in the rooms. One of our party was on crutches at the time of visiting and was finding stairs difficult to negotiate. We enquired about a lift and were told there was one. There was indeed a lift but it was not working - quite annoying and no refund or reduction was offered. On balance worth a visit particularly with older kids as they get a fantastic reduction. Senior citizens on the other hand get no concession whatsoever.

A local recommended this restaurant to us. It features a beautiful decoration and well-dressed servers. The service is welcoming and efficient, and the dishes are delicious. There are many options on the menu, and I wish I had been hungrier that day or had more time in Aoste to try them. Note: An English menu is available.

Very good pasta in a beautiful restaurant! I highly recommend the gnocchi ;)

1 star is given to the appiter of 3 kinds of traditional goose. The other star is given to the waitresses there always smile and cheer you. I don't know why they got so high review rate from google. The cheese fondue taste like milk mix flower. The goose ragu pasta looks tasty from the picture but the texture of fresh pasta taste like the overnight noodles...horrible (ragu itself is tasty). All cold cut and Lardo made us very disappointed because normally this kind of restaurant in the moutain always offer delicious local cold cut, but the one they offered are even worse than yhe one you can find it in the supermarket. They even ruined Tiramisu which taste like dry thick panna colored in yellow, It is obviously not made by mascarpone cheese. Maybe the high review is because everyone is same as me that we go there by reference of google's review. It is not worthy to book this restaurant so early even that night when we went there were full booked as usual. I never had so bad experience by reference the review of google. Be aware of it if you really have high standard of food and wanna taste good quality mountain good in Aosta, you will be disappointed.

We decided to go here as per the reviews. But we were disappointed, first of all when you see the expensive plate, you expect top quality it's not the case. Food was in the average, so there is no an explanation for the high price.

Among the crowded street, it situated in a quiet compound and very peaceful. There were many guests but plates were served very quickly. My plate , as you can see in photo, was very delicious. Goose leg was grill very well and sauce made it perfect. However I’m giving 4 stars because the rest of the plate (potatoes and fried vegetable) didn’t go so well in general. It made the meal a bit heavy. After eating meat with sauce, it would be better if there’s something refreshing like small salad. Aside from that, it was a good meal.

I liked it, it is a place of beautiful decoration, delicious Italian food and very good service. Of course we will return. Thank you, keep that quality always!

This osteria serves mainly local dishes - so lots of cheese - but specialising in goose, which I didn’t have. My entree of vegetables in pastry on cheese sauce was a bit plain and my veal was the same. But it had gorgeous polenta. My partner’s main was sausages in a tomato sauce on polenta; much tastier. Unusually, the servers are all female and they were all nice. ( no English however)

Excellent neapolitan pizzas, with a great variety! And also a selection of other dishes, which we did not try

I can't stress enough that you need to come here for pizza. This might be the best pizza within all of Northern Italy. I find myself driving through the aosta valley a lot these days and I make sure that I schedule my trips to visit iSaulle. They have a great parking lot right out front that always has spaces available and it's right off of the highway. Easy access from aosta or the Great St Bernardo pass. The food is incredible, the ingredients are amazingly fresh as though they were picked that morning from the garden. The flavors blend together so well it's as though they were created with a higher power. The entire menu is absolutely amazing although I often find myself migrating to their pizza as it is like nothing I have ever experienced. If you go out to one restaurant when you're in Northern Italy make it iSaulle. You will not regret it and you will find yourself wanting more. I also want to compliment and mention how friendly every employee and staff member is that works here. It's almost as though it's one big family and from the moment you walk into the door they welcome you and I almost want to reach out and give them a hug. It's that cool of a place. And finally, the prices are incredibly reasonable for what you get. Now go enjoy some pizza and delicious food.

Indeed true napolitan pizza, amazing quality, wide choice of pizzas and other dishes. The staff is incredibly friendly, servings of drinks and food are very generous! Totally recommended. Top level of authentic italian pizzeria👍

Best restaurant in town. I had two pizzas in a row and loved it. I can definitely recommend this restaurant. Super nice service, delicious food for best price. Love this restaurant.

I will leave this review for the owner since I couldn’t say it to his face yesterday when we were there . Next time you have a French speaking group of people coming to your restaurant , give them the French menus that you already have and LET THEM READ WITH calm without coming with your pressure and options . You literally didn’t leave the table since the moment we arrived till we made the order . It was embarrassing and much pressure from your side . You didn’t stop speaking in Italian and giving us options that we barely understood. You brought us appetizers that we didn’t ask for and after paying we realised that we ordered 2 waters and you charged us 5 . Really sad experience. And NO! We didn’t want to eat for free. You should see my reviews from other restaurant . We didn’t tell you anything about eating free or not charging us . We even shout our mouths about the 3 water you charged us . Not nice !

Quick and friendly service with delicious pizzas. The restaurant is a bit out of the way but totally worth it.

Good food, waiters are meh not the nicest hence why I put 4 not 5 stars

A great place to really feel you are in Italy. Local food beautifully cooked. I loved the ice cream with liqueur and fruit.

If you want to experience some of the best local food of your life, you must visit this place when in Aosta! I've been there twice, and both times were unforgettable. The local dishes are fantastic, and after the meal, they treat you to a special whiskey. Enjoy!

It was our great experience here. This restaurant is not only interesting at the decoration, also the foods are very good. The owner and staffs are very friendly and they have a fun game to play with alcohol, helmet and the baseball bat if you ask for it. We came on 31/01/2022 so it was a fun and great night before the New Year. Highly recommend! 👍

Osteria La Vache Folle is a cozy and charming restaurant located in Aosta, Italy, known for its warm atmosphere and delicious cuisine. The restaurant offers a delightful blend of traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Ambiance and Service: Patrons often praise the welcoming and rustic ambiance of Osteria La Vache Folle. The interior is thoughtfully decorated, creating a comfortable and inviting environment that reflects the charm of the Aosta Valley. The staff is known for being friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for all guests. Cuisine: The menu features a variety of dishes that showcase the rich culinary traditions of the region. From hearty pasta dishes to expertly prepared meats and fresh vegetables, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The restaurant also offers a selection of fine wines to complement the meals. Location: Situated in the heart of Aosta, Osteria La Vache Folle is easily accessible and makes for a perfect stop during a day of exploring the historic city. Overall Impression: Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler seeking an authentic Italian dining experience, Osteria La Vache Folle offers a memorable meal in a delightful setting. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of the Aosta Valley. If you have any specific questions about the menu or need assistance with reservations, feel free to ask!

The food was edible I guess… the service was terrible after multiple eye contacts we still had to ask the waiter to take the order. Prices are inadequate for what you get.

Amazing local pub. The owner speaks English, warning not much of the staff do. Be nice and come with google translate you can get by. Excellent food, excellent service, atmosphere is unique and rustic.

Overpriced average food. They forgot one of the plates we ordered (never arrived to the table) and the bill wasn’t correct. We came for dinner and the bread as quite stale. The olive oil was great though.

We loved this restaurant!! We had dinner here for each of the 3 days we stayed in Aosta. An extensive menu with a large variety of pizzas. This place has a good buzz and the staff are friendly and helpful. Good value for money. Outdoor seating, so you can watch the world go by.

We have visited the Moderno over many years and went there three times for dinner last week. The food is simple but delicious. It's a busy place so there is a lively atmosphere but we never felt rushed. The staff are welcoming and efficient. The two course set menu is fantastic value at 18 euros in the week and 20 euros at the weekend. The chocolate ice cream is wonderful and enough for two people. We have not tried the pizza but they looked good. We would highly recommend the Moderno for proper Italian food.

This is rather simple looking restaurant shouldn't fool you, they will serve you an excellent food! Everything was so delicious! We simply can't get enough of their appetizers, pizza, pasta and Risotto! They do have a special pizza chef who is way too serious about his business and will watch you as the hawk as you try his masterpiece 😉 Again, he has every right to do so as his pizza simply amazing! Also I really lived mushroom Risotto and pasta carbonara. The only thing if any I can complain about is their dessert game. The could beef it up, but it could be just me coming from France Chamonix spoiled by their desserts 😜 Another good thing to say - that this place is working on Sunday, it is a problem to find restaurant that is open on Sunday in Aosta, so definitely consider it if you are there during the weekend.

In the middle of the hustle and bustle. You are squeezed onto tables around other family’s and friends all equally tucking into the tasty food and supping down litres of unreal Frizzante. Pizzas, pasta, wino - yes please!

Actually couldn’t believe the poor service. Our bill was wrong, and was thrown at us when corrected after we noticed. Food was mediocre. Slightly cold for one dish Awful last evening meal experience in a lovely place. Staff…. Advice, if you don’t like your job, do something else. A smile goes a long way

A good place to eat. We ate several times during our week in Aosta. It was always busy with the locals. With so much choice in town this should tell you something. The food is basic, typically Italian, pizza and pasta. Prices are competitive and service was quick. This is the sort of place you go for food rather than an extended evening meal. The restaurant as a whole is deceiving. There is an upstairs which is way larger than the downstairs so even if it looks busy it’s worth asking for a table.

Horrible food. Meat was dry & tasteless Bread was Stale and inedible. Very cheap though, so reassurance that you generally really do get what you pay for,

I had dinner at Trattoria Praetoria with the kids, and overall, it was not life changing. The service was okay, the waiter didn’t volunteer their best dishes dispute me asking multiple times. Just pointed to which ever ones were not pork. The ambiance is average, which is definitely ok if the food is amazing. The food was decent but nothing memorable. My kids didn’t like their pasta at all—they somehow managed to mess up plain penne with cheese, turning it into something closer to a white sauce. The waiter also got my starter order wrong, so I ended up with a whole cheese dish—not what I wanted, even though it tasted good. My main was good flavor-wise, but the portion of meat was a bit low. And I generally don’t like meat in sauce. Not a place I’d go back to but not disappointed by it either.

Really good and tasty! We will come back! They have a certificate of the association of celiacs since 2017, so you can eat relaxed because your dishes are without gluten 🤩 The coulant of pistachio is the best I tasted!

Delicious food, excellent service. My husband and I dined there tonight and the quality of everything was excellent. Thank you and we will be back!

This restaurant was recommended to us by our B&B it is lovely, the menu is original, you get local food and creative menu. The location is perfect and the service is super fast. The service was good and nice and people there are welcoming. But There was no atmosphere, no music nothing. We were almost alone in the restaurant and it felt very silent. Adding some atmosphere music would help (maybe they forgot it on that night). The food was okay. Maybe we’ll give it another try next time 🙌🏼

really great place where you can try traditional dishes. the restaurant is placed in the city center, next to the "porta praetoria". the place is nice and really cured. the quality of the food is really high and the dishes are excellent, the offer is in line with the tradition of this region. the price is a bit high but the staff is friendly and helpful.

A very wonderful place, The food was very good and the price reasonable, and they have almost everything GLUTEN FREE. We were in 2 and we took the tasting menu, that came with a delicius plate of local products as appetizers, gnocchi with fondue, polenta with carbonada and dessert, we spent 74 euros total with water and coffee. everything gluten free. Also the service was great and the waiters very nice. Worth a stop, especially if you need a gluten free menu.

We stopped there for lunch and visit the beautiful town of Aosta/ Aoste. Perfect outdoor seating just close to the porta praetoria. Good variety of local and italian food. Reasonable price and a good quality of the products. Very good choice of vines and also small bottles, better if you wanna have something to do the rest of the day. Friendly service. Go there when you visit this beautiful town ad the food of the alps.