So, what is there to do? Aside from trekking, try canoeing, mountain biking, rock climbing and fishing. There is also the Alpine Mining Museum.

Interesting to note that the valley has a population of around 8000 people and 13 comuni. Yet, it contained more than 20,000 a century ago such have been the difficult economic conditions since.

'Try the Trails' is a guide outlining 47 paths and routes for discovering the flora and fauna around Cogne.

They take the visitor to such mysterious spots as the 'Travesata Pianasse nel Vallone del Trajo Alpe Petit Nomenon' and the 'Alpe Money'.

The Valle di Cogne is shaped like a quadrilateral which has at its corners the Pont d'Ael on the floor of the valley, the peak of Gran Paradiso (4061 meters), Bec Costazza (3092 mts) at the end of the deep valley of Urtier, and the peak Rossa south of Monte Emilius. The valley is orientated from west to east, hence it is both very sunny and protected from cold north winds.

The starting points of the walks are all indicated with signposts and arrows which give way to yellow circles on the rocks and the path's number in black. One route deserves special mention, and is the only one highlighted in the guide.

It will take you close to the Cima di Montzeuc at 2333 meters above sea level. Here you can reach Montzeuc Belvedere at 2100 meters. As the name suggests panorama of the Cogne valley and Gran Paradiso massif is something else.

What make it easy is that they suggest taking a cable car for the first 2100 meters. Once there it is a 3 hour loop around a nature trail towards Gran Crot (2300 meters).

To get to Cogne take the Aosta Ovest exit then regional highway 47.