Lake Vargno

This route was traditionally followed by the inhabitants of Issime for the Oropa procession, which takes place every five years.
The excursion allows you to visit the village of Farettaz, one of the most beautiful in the Aosta Valley, showcasing the remarkable skill of the bricklayers from Fontainemore, renowned throughout the region.
It is also possible to start not from the village but from the Obre Gran Proa houses, shortening the route.
As an alternative to returning along the same path, you can descend via the Oropa procession trail back to the village and then return to Issime by public bus.
Once back at the car, it is recommended to visit the church of Issime.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right towards Turin. At the second roundabout, turn left in the direction of Gressoney.
The road rises for several hundred metres before taking the right-hand turn onto the Valle del Lys road, passing through the villages of Lillianes and Fontainemore.
Continue into the territory of Issime until you reach the village, where the church and the car park can be seen on the right.

From the car park, take the small road that descends to the cemetery, then follow the stream to the bridge over the Lys.
Cross the bridge and continue along the road on the right. Follow the asphalt road descending towards Fontainemore, passing a few villages and two charming chapels, until the end of the road.
For those wishing to shorten the route, this point can also be reached by car, reducing the walk by approximately 4.5 km.
Continue by crossing the valley and reach the Planaz road, following it downhill to the bend, then enter between the houses to the small square with the chapel (on the right, a house adorned with a large climbing wisteria).
Continue straight ahead along the trail marked as path no. 4, which, after a flat section, begins to climb through the terraces. The trail includes some steeper sections until you reach the village of Farettaz.
Farettaz is worth exploring in detail to admire its architectural features. Historically, it was a self-sufficient village with its chapel, school, bakery, and mill scattered throughout.
From Farettaz, continue along the flat path to reach the houses of Molinat in a few minutes, where the traditional bread oven is still in operation.
Now reach the asphalt road, cross it, and ascend the trail on the left that leads to the mill. From the mill, continue until you reach the irrigation channel, which, via a scenic route, connects to the main mule track.
The climb now begins: follow a beautiful stone staircase and then a less visible path past the houses of Dela. After a steeper section, reach Moulinat, where you can see a large avalanche protection structure built to shield a house.
Pass a few more scattered houses, reach the rural road, follow it to the right, cross the bridge, and continue to a junction where you turn left. Continue along the rural road to a clearing where eight switchbacks begin (a trail allows them to be cut), crossing the stream again and reaching Lago Vargno.
The return is made along the same route, or you may descend directly to Fontainemore and take the bus back to Issime.