Places
Hike·Easy·Family·Popular
Ru Courtaud
Aosta Valley
For centuries, Aosta Valley farmers hand-dug narrow irrigation channels called rus along the contour of the hillsides to carry glacial meltwater to distant vineyards and hay meadows, and the Ru Courtaud above Saint-Nicolas is among the best preserved. The near-level path follows the water's gentle gradient through vineyards, chestnut groves, and stone hamlets with wide views across the valley to the Grand Combin. Several stretches of the original 15th-century channel are still visibly in use today.
Duration
2.5 hours
Distance
8 km
Elevation
+150 m
Best season
April – October
Highlights
- 15th-century irrigation canal path
- Views across to the Grand Combin
- Vineyard and chestnut grove scenery
With your dog
Level canal-side path, dogs off-leash welcome along most of the route.
