Pont-Bozet - Crest - Fournier

A loop route that allows us to visit the high villages of Pontboset.
These villages were heavily inhabited in the past (we can see two old village schools at Crest and Fournier) but are now almost abandoned.
Visiting the villages takes us back to imagining life in times gone by.
Particular attention should be paid to the crosses found on the façades of some buildings.
The section from Crest to Barmafumo includes some stretches crossing steep slopes, which should not be attempted in very wet, slippery conditions or when covered with snow or ice.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn left towards Aosta. At the roundabout, continue on the left, still heading for Aosta.
Proceed past Donnas and reach Bard. After passing through the town, at the roundabout, turn left towards Champorcher.
Pass through the village of Hône and enter the Champorcher Valley.
Continue almost to Pontboset, where the road to Biel begins on the right. Follow it for a few dozen metres, then turn left to access the car park where you can leave the car.
From the Verrès motorway exit, turn right towards Turin, pass Arnad, and at the roundabout, turn right towards Champorcher.

From the car park, descend to cross the main road and enter the village, passing through it while carefully observing the details of the various buildings until you find, on the left, the path that descends between the houses and leads to the bridge.
After admiring the bridge and the large pool of water beneath it, return to the road, following it gently downhill for a short stretch until you find, on the right, a mule track that rises slightly and crosses a beautiful arched bridge, joining the main mule track that leads up to Crest.
Ascend to the fifth hairpin bend, where on the right you take the mule track that climbs to the village of Creux.
After passing the village, the mule track turns left to reach, at a bend, the main road. Follow it for a short stretch, then climb to the right, passing near a small chapel, to reach the first houses of Crest Dessous near the restaurant "La Louye su la goumba".
After visiting the village, descend about ten metres along the road and then climb to the right along the Alta Via No. 2 mule track. Follow it for a stretch, then turn right at the first junction to reach the village of Crest Dessus.
This village is even larger and situated on a sunny hillock. Visit the small church and the "dortoir" (a small unmanaged refuge and former village school), imagining life in days gone by.
Ascend through the village to find the path which, after an initial climb, continues with ups and downs, with some slightly exposed sections, until reaching the bridge over the Manda stream.
Just past the bridge, take a small path on the left which, in a few dozen metres, leads to the remains of the mill.
Returning to the path, continue on level ground, climb a short staircase, and reach the houses of Barmafumo where the road arrives. Follow the mule track just below the road to reach the old school and the chapel of Fournier, which are worth a pause.
Continue along the mule track to the road. The track crosses the road several times, which can alternatively be followed for an easier descent.
Reach the beautiful chapel of Delivret and the next village along the way.
Once you reach the road again, cross it twice; on the third crossing, do not take the mule track but follow the paved road, which allows a visit to the village of Folliettaz, where there is a house with a curious cobbler’s sign.
Descend along the mule track to reach the small bridge crossing the Ayasse stream.
Follow the road to the right, and by crossing the entire village, return to the car.