Balteo hike – Stage 1

A stage steeped in history: castles, bridges, churches, and beautiful mule tracks.
After an initial stretch that is quite steep, the route continues with many opportunities to pause and admire the historic landmarks along the way. From the Roman bridge at Pont-Saint-Martin, to the enchanting Moretta Bridge towering above the Lys stream, and finally to the bridge at Lillianes—the only four-arched bridge in the Aosta Valley—where this stage comes to an end.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right towards Turin. At the second roundabout, take the left-hand exit towards Gressoney.
Halfway up the hill, on the right-hand side, you will find the large car park beside the library.

Continue along the main road leading into the town centre until you reach the Lys stream. After pausing to photograph the splendid Roman bridge, climb up on the right, cross the bridge, and descend into the old village for about a hundred metres. From here, take the steep staircase on the right, which leads into an area of olive trees.
Keep to the level path to reach Baraing Castle. Descend the steps near the building to the car park below, then continue along the access road. Cross the main road and take the wide mule track on the right.
The route climbs steeply, crosses the road, then turns left along a small lane between houses. Crossing the paved road again, continue on the mule track towards Plan de Brun. Cross the road once more, passing near the church, and follow it briefly before turning left to rejoin the mule track. After a short section on tarmac, the mule track resumes, leading to the paved road near the main village.
Follow the upper road into the hamlet, where Charles Castle comes into view. Walk through the historic centre and, towards the end, note the large wine press on the left and Vallaise Castle on the right, before crossing the road to reach the church.
The path now plunges steeply into a narrow valley, crossing an exposed rocky section before descending via very steep hairpins to the spectacular Moretta Bridge. Cross the bridge—taking time at the centre to admire the Lys stream rushing below—then climb steeply again to reach the Church of Tour d’Héréraz.
Pass by the church and continue along an inner lane until you reach the regional road of the Lys Valley. Follow it for about one hundred metres before crossing over and taking the road leading to the hamlet of Remondin.
Continue as far as the chapel, where a mule track begins on the right. This leads once more to the paved road: turn left, pass a hairpin bend, and shortly afterwards turn left again onto a dirt track. Follow it until it narrows into a footpath, which leads to the hamlet of Suc.
Before reaching the small church at Suc, descend left through the houses to rejoin the road. Follow it briefly, then turn left onto a charming mule track leading to Chussun. After a short section on tarmac, cross the bridge over the stream and turn right onto a mule track that climbs among terraced slopes.
At a junction, take the left-hand track descending towards the town hall of Lillianes, where this stage of the route comes to an end.