La dolce vita: our trip to Cogne, northern Italy
We are off again! This time we are staying closer to home and heading to Italy. Who says Italy, says la dolce vita: mountains and lakes, nature and culture, beaches and picturesque towns, fashion and - not to mention - gastronomy. We are heading to Cogne, a charming mountain village in the northern Italian Aosta Valley.
Between mountain and valley in Cogne
For four years we lived between the picturesque Lago di Como and Lago Maggiore. So, returning to Italy always feels like coming home again. In terms of beauty, the Aosta Valley does not disappoint either. The region is home to some of the highest alpine peaks, breathtaking valleys and dozens of forts and fortresses.
Mountain village in Gran Paradiso national park
After two hours of queuing at the Mont Blanc Tunnel, we finally arrive at our final destination: Cogne. The mountain village is located in the Gran Paradiso National Park and is dominated by the 4061-meter-high mountain that lends its name to the park.
The Gran Paradiso is majestically beautiful, an epitome of unspoiled nature. Glacier water flows powerfully through the valleys via narrow riverbeds and waterfalls. Cows graze in alpine meadows, where colorful flowers attract bees and butterflies. These are everywhere. They accompany you on the numerous hiking trails and come and sit curiously on your shoulders and hands. And then there are marmots, mountain goats and ibex, not to mention the ubiquitous golden eagle.
Experiencing the Gran Paradiso
Gran Paradiso is paradise on earth. The national park is perfect for simple hikes from one village to another. Multi-day excursions to the higher refuges are also possible. It is a playground for young and old, the mountain lover and alpinist, during summer and winter
Bellevue Hotel & Spa, an authentic hotel in the middle of breathtaking nature
We are staying at Bellevue Hotel & Spa, a gem of gastronomy, hospitality and well-being. For four generations, it has been operated by the Jeantet-Roullet family.
The hotel is beautifully located, at the top of the vast Sant'Orso meadow. It has a breathtaking view of the glaciers of the Gran Paradiso. Inside the hotel there is a nostalgic atmosphere of days gone by. A vibe that is only enhanced by the creaking wooden floors and traditional furniture.
With its four restaurants, the Bellevue Hotel offers the pinnacle of local gastronomy. The 1,200-square-meter spa is also known as one of the best in Europe. Not to mention Rino's wine cellar and Roberto's vegetable garden and cheese cellar....
Beautiful junior suite
As a member of Relais&Chateaux, we are upgraded to a beautiful junior suite that exceeds all expectations! We have a view of the Gran Paradiso, a canopy bed and a central fireplace. But the real icing on the cake is the jacuzzi in the wooden alcove that used to serve as a bedstead. It couldn't be more authentic. After the long drive, I am ready for my vacation. But first: mangiare!
La Brasserie du Bon Bec
And food they do well at La Brasserie du Bon Bec! The restaurant is located in the center of Cogne, a short walk from the hotel. It is also one of the hotel's four restaurants where the same cozy atmosphere reigns.
The menu
There is no lack of signature regional dishes at La Brasserie du Bon Bec. We skip the fondues and opt for something light: tagliata alle erbe del nostro orto. We are served slices of perfectly grilled meat topped with a sauce of juniper, a green salad and oven-roasted potatoes. Simple, but oh so delicious! And it’s only the beginning of this amazing trip. For drinks we choose a local wine, l'Emerico from the house Ottin. This pinot noir is a nice introduction to the wines of the Aosta Valley.
Marché aux Puces
With a full stomach, we walk back to the hotel. On our way we stumble upon Marché aux Puces: a cozy shop run by the Jeantet-Roullet family. Here they sell the products they use throughout the hotel and spa. I pick out a bottle of almond scented body lotion and some wooden ornaments for the Christmas tree. My eye also catches an antique stone mortar to add to my collection, but the price tag is a bit disappointing. It will be for another time!