Grand Château

The Grand Château occupies an isolated position and, despite its moderate altitude, offers a splendid viewpoint.
On the way to the Serra di Biel, remnants of military structures can still be seen, including the mule track, ammunition depot, and guard posts. The location is particularly advantageous for overseeing the central valley.
It is worth taking time to explore the two villages of Biel and Courtil, which are crossed along the route.
The final section of the trail requires a little caution.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn left towards Aosta. At the roundabout, continue to the left, still heading towards Aosta.
Pass through Donnas and reach Bard. After leaving the village, at the roundabout, turn left towards Champorcher.
Pass through the village of Hône and enter the Val di Champorcher. Continue almost to Pontboset, where on the right the road to Biel begins. Follow this road until you reach the parking area in the hamlet.
From the Verrès toll booth, turn right towards Turin, pass Arnad until the roundabout, then turn right towards Champorcher.

From the car park, enter the village to find at its centre the large fountain carved into the rock — the largest in the Aosta Valley. Continue along the road until you reach it again.
Follow the road a short distance to the left, then take the mule track. Follow it until you reach a country road. If visiting at the right time (mid-February to mid-March), it is recommended to keep to the right for about 200 metres, as above the trail, within a small valley, there is a beautiful display of bellflowers.
Return to the mule track and continue uphill until reaching the main road and the village of Courtil. Enter the village: on the left is the chapel, then turn right to find a beautiful stone fountain. Continue between the houses until exiting the village, then take the mule track on the right. At a fork, follow the right branch to reach the main road again. Cross it, then ascend a short section and turn left into the beech forest, where part of the trail is paved with vertical stones, before rejoining the asphalt road. Follow it uphill to the hairpin bend, then turn right onto the beautiful military road.
Pass near the ammunition depot carved into the rock face and skirt the various climbing routes to reach a viewpoint with a distinctive bench, the first of several iron artworks installed over recent years, which you will also encounter in the forest and at the summit.
The wide mule track continues with a few hairpin bends (on the right is a military guard post) until reaching the viewpoint over the central valley. Continue along level terrain, crossing a picturesque beech forest, then ascend a steep, slightly exposed section leading to the summit.
The return follows the same route, optionally passing through the centre of Courtil.