The Verney Gorge, also known as the Pré-Saint-Didier Gorge, is a natural canyon located in Valdigne, the north-western portion of the Aosta Valley.
Right here, the flow of the waters of the Dora di Verney, coming from the La Thuile valley, has created, over the years, this suggestive canyon with very steep rock walls.
In spring 2014, just above the gorge, a footbridge was inaugurated, suspended in the void at a height of 160 metres, from which there is a magnificent view of the panorama below and the Mont Blanc massif.
The footbridge over the gorge can be reached via a forest path, which can be walked by the whole family.
Those who suffer from vertigo may have some difficulty walking above the panoramic footbridge, although it is totally safe, even for a child.
In any case, the excursion is worthwhile and can also be organised by those who, at the last minute, decide not to go up the footbridge.
Let’s discover the itinerary together in detail.
Let’s set off!
How to reach the Pré-Saint-Didier Gorge
The nearest motorway exit is Morgex. From here, take the SS26 and continue for 4 kilometres.
As soon as you arrive in the town, you will find a large pay car park where you can leave your car.
If you arrive early in the morning, try to find a place in the small clearing just beyond, turning right.
Here you can park your car for free.
Continue on foot along the road that leads to the entrance of the QC Terme, and you will have arrived at the start of your excursion.
You can also reach Pré-Saint-Didier by public transport, using the buses that connect it to other towns. Here are the timetables.
Gorge of Pré-Saint-Didier
Technical specifications
- Starting altitude: 1027 mt. Pré-Saint-Didier
- Arrival altitude: 1161 mt. Footbridge over the gorge
- Height difference: 130 mt.
- Average slope: 15%
- Ascent duration: 40 minutes (with children 1h)
- Descent duration: 15/30 minutes
- Pram: No.
GPX
Itinerary
The hike starts near the Pré-Saint-Didier thermal baths: go past them and continue along the flat path for about 200 metres, until you reach the old bridge over the Dora di Verney, at the foot of Mont Crammont.
Dating back to the 18th century, the bridge has a humpback shape and, more or less in the middle, you can see the thermal water gushing out, pouring into the Dora Verney.
To the right of the bridge, an uphill forest path leads to the panoramic footbridge.
The 1.2-kilometre-long path is very shady and climbs continuously.
Shortly after the start, you will find a fountain with drinking water.
The walk can also be tackled by younger children (we, with girls aged just under 3 and 5, took an hour).
Panoramic walkway over the Pre Saint Didier Gorge
At the bottom of the climb, a diversion on the left leads to the panoramic footbridge over the Pre Saint Didier Gorge.
The footbridge, as mentioned, cantilevers over the gorge and offers a suggestive view of the canyon below, the basin of Pré-Saint-Didier, Mont Blanc and its valley.
Crossing the footbridge is not an obligatory part of the hike, so if you suffer from vertigo, you can limit yourself to admiring it from its ends.
The hike from Pré-Saint-Didier is not a loop so, to return, you will have to walk back along the outward path.
↪ The panoramic footbridge is always open (except in winter when it snows) and is free of charge.
Arriving at the footbridge by car
If you are unable to make the ascent, you may be interested to know that you can also arrive near the footbridge by car.
From Pré-Saint-Didier, continue by car on the SS26 for about 3 kilometres.
After passing the tunnel, continue for 300 metres until you find the signs for Plan du Bois.
Turn right and park in the vicinity of the Mont Blanc Adventure Park.
From here, take the flat dirt track that leads to the footbridge over the gorge in about ten minutes.
What to do in Pré-Saint-Didier
Pré-Saint-Didier is located at an altitude of 1004 metres and has a small village centre.
Worth seeing is the Church of San Lorenzo built in the 15th century and enlarged in 1891.
The church is in the shape of a Latin cross, with a single nave, and its main portal is surmounted by a wooden work depicting the patron saint of the village, Saint Lawrence, made by local craftsman Ottavio Grange.
The bell tower is one of the oldest in the valley.
Should you get peckish during your walk, the Croquembouche Patisserie has a wonderful assortment of pastries that are as good as they are beautiful!
Pré-Saint-Didier thermal baths
Pré-Saint-Didier’s main attraction is undoubtedly its thermal baths, whose waters have various beneficial properties on the organism.
In the two thermal springs that feed the Pré-Saint-Didier thermal baths, the water gushes out at 22 and 36 degrees centigrade.
Today’s thermal establishment was built between 1830 and 1834 and was upgraded in 2005 by QC Terme.
↪ Please note that minors under 14 years of age are not allowed access to the wellness path.
Mont Blanc Adventure Park and Zipline in Pré-Saint-Didier
A splendid adventure park surrounded by nature, with several routes suitable for both children and adults.
It is located 3 kilometres from Pré-Saint- Didier, on the road to La Thuile.
There are a total of 7 routes of varying difficulty (some of which are reserved for those over 14 years old).
Amongst Nepalese and Tyrolean bridges, floating ladders, lianas and nets, you will also find the pulley (Zipline), which crosses the Pre Saint Didier Gorge, the highest and longest in Europe (130 mt long by 188 mt high).
Cost of admission ticket:
- 2 routes > of 1.20 mt in height – 17.00 euro
- 5 routes > of 1.40 m in height – 23.00 euro
- 7 routes > 14 years – 27.00 euro
- Zipline surcharge – 15.00 euro
- Zipline only – 30.00 euro.
Opening hours:
- May and June: 10am-5pm (closed on Wednesdays)
- July and August: 9am-8pm.
Reservations: +39 335 5918089. For up-to-date information, take a look at the official website.
Pré-Saint-Didier playground
For children, there is a nice playground with picnic tables and a fountain with fresh water.
Unfortunately, it is not shaded by trees so we do not recommend going during the hottest hours.
Mont Blanc Skyway
Approximately 8 kilometres from Pré-Saint-Didier, which can be covered in 10 minutes by car, is the starting point of the cable car to the closest point to the summit of Mont Blanc.
We are talking about the Mont Blanc Skyway.
Skyway is a lift that starts at an altitude of about 1400 metres (Courmayeur) and stops, first, at 2400 metres and, later, at the 3,466 metres of Punta Helbronner.
The panoramic view makes the experience truly unique, but it is necessary to remember to wear temperature-appropriate clothing, warm boots, sunglasses, and sun cream.
We do not recommend climbing the Skyway for small children under the age of 5 due to the altitude and altitude difference. To be postponed until when the experience can be fun for the whole family!
▶ You might be interested in What to do in Courmayer.
Where to sleep in Pré-Saint-Didier
A few minutes’ drive from the centre of Pré-Saint-Didier is the Residence Cour Maison, which offers really cosy flats.
A cot is offered free of charge and children up to 3 years of age are free of charge.
The shuttle service to the Courmayeur and Checrouit ski lifts is also offered at no extra cost – book here.
▶ Do you need travel insurance? As a our reader, you are entitled to a 5% discount on the purchase of a Heymondo policy.
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