Orbeillaz
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
Leaving the motorway at the Verrès exit, enter the roundabout and take the second exit. Proceed in the direction of the town centre and, after 300m, turn left onto the regional road for Val d'Ayas. Follow the regional road for 16.5 kilometres, passing the village of Challand-Saint-Victor and the villages of Challand-Saint-Anselme, Corliod, Tilly and Quincod, where you will come to the crossroads for Col Tsecore. Turn left and follow the little road as far as Orbeillaz: go past the characteristic chapel dedicated to St Mary Magdalene and reach the end of the village where there is a small car park 🅿️ where you can leave your car free of charge.
[0h20'] - [11.7km]
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The directions given here were verified at the time of the route survey. Before setting off, it is advisable to ensure that no substantial changes have occurred on the route to the starting point. Therefore, we recommend the use of the satellite navigation apps provided by Google or Apple to obtain up-to-date and detailed directions.
Introduction
Orbeillaz is a small, charming village located in the municipality of Challand-Saint-Victor, in the Ayas Valley, in the Aosta Valley. Immersed in a charming natural setting, the village is located at an altitude of about 1,000 metres above sea level, surrounded by coniferous forests and gentle slopes opening onto mountain scenery. Its secluded location makes it an ideal place for those seeking tranquillity and authentic contact with nature.
Description
The name Orbeillaz has uncertain origins, but may derive from the Latin term urbilia, suggesting a reference to a rural area or small agricultural settlements. Some scholars speculate that the toponym is linked to the morphology of the area, characterised by natural terraces overlooking the valley. Human presence in this area is very ancient, as evidenced by archaeological finds in the surroundings and the passage of important communication routes used since the Middle Ages. Over the centuries, Orbeillaz has maintained a discrete and rural character, linked to sheep farming and the cultivation of typical Valdostan mountain products.
The Orbeillaz area has interesting geological features, including the Flambeau d'Arlaz, a striking natural monolith located along the Ru d'Arlaz path, an ancient irrigation canal that runs through the village. This rock formation, with its soaring, almost fairytale-like appearance, has inspired local legends and tales handed down through the ages. The climate of Orbeillaz is relatively mild compared to other Alpine resorts, thanks to its sunny exposure and the protection offered by the surrounding mountains. However, winters can be harsh, with heavy snowfalls transforming the landscape into an enchanted setting.
Reaching Orbeillaz is relatively easy for those coming from the central valley of the Aosta Valley. From Verrès, follow the Val d'Ayas regional road to Challand-Saint-Victor, then take a diversion that leads to the village via a forest path. The Ru d'Arlaz, which passes nearby, is also a popular hiking route, suitable for walkers of all levels. The trail, which connects Montjovet to Val d'Ayas, offers a pleasant walk between history and nature, with several vantage points from which to admire the valley below. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, it is possible to continue to the nearby Orbeillaz waterfalls, which in winter turn into fascinating ice formations.
The history of Orbeillaz is linked to numerous characters who have left their mark on the local culture. These include wood craftsmen, known for their skill in making sabots, the traditional clogs of Valle d'Aosta. Although there are no internationally prominent figures, the village has been inhabited over the centuries by generations of families dedicated to woodworking and mountain farming, helping to keep the community's traditions alive.
Historical and bibliographical sources on Orbeillaz are rather rare, but the village is mentioned in some hiking guides dedicated to the Ayas Valley and the central Aosta Valley. The itineraries that pass through it are mentioned in several publications on walks along the Aosta Valley rus, with particular reference to the Ru d'Arlaz and the paths that lead to the Isollaz waterfalls.
Information
Height: 1,121m
Alternative name: -
Populated:year-round