Tête de la Cou

The Tête de la Cou is an ideal route for spring and autumn. In some years, it can even be attempted in winter, as the entire path is sun-exposed and snow is rare.
The upper section follows the historic route used by Napoleon’s troops to circumvent the Fort of Bard. The itinerary begins with a decidedly steep ascent, after which it continues along the scenic military trail to the col, where the ruins of a small fort remain. From the col, the trail follows a broad, gently sloping ridge up to the summit, offering a breathtaking view straight down onto the Fort of Bard.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn left towards Aosta. At the roundabout, continue to the left, still following signs for Aosta. Continue past Donnas until you reach Bard. Pass through the village and, at the end, on the left, you will find a large car park along the Dora Baltea.
From the Verrès toll booth, turn right towards Turin, pass Arnad until the roundabout leading to Champorcher, continue straight, and after a few hundred metres, the large car park will be on the right.

From the car park, head towards Bard along the scenic raised pavement above the Dora Baltea. Cross the road and take the mule track (a few metres towards Aosta, you can see the remains of a small Roman bridge that once spanned a mountain stream) which climbs quickly, offering characteristic views of the Dora Baltea.
Reach the houses of Nissert and continue a little further to a small road, following it gently uphill. At a junction, take the left-hand path with a series of switchbacks to reach the village of Arbard di Bard. In some sections, it is possible to follow the old trail, which is not always clearly visible.
At the start of the village, a mule track begins, passing near the building housing the Chestnut Museum, and rejoins the carriage road, which shortly becomes a path. The mule track now climbs the steep slope, passing the small villages of Chesal and Bossou, until reaching the junction from which the Cammino Balteo comes.
Follow the beautiful military mule track and, after a panoramic traverse to the left (slightly exposed but very wide), from where you can admire Bard Fortress below, continue to the last small valley leading to Verale with its charming little church. After a brief visit to the village, proceed towards Col de la Cou, passing the remains of a military building.
Upon reaching the pass and the houses of La Cou, turn sharply left, pass the remnants of a small fort, and along the broad ridge reach the summit of Tête de la Cou. A short walk beyond the summit offers a spectacular view straight down to Bard Fortress.
The return follows the same route.