Valle d’Aosta Region
Italy’s smallest and least populated region spans the Alpine borderlands between Switzerland and France, with Aosta as its capital.
At a glance
Valle d’Aosta occupies 3,263 square kilometres of entirely mountainous territory in north-western Italy. With 125,991 inhabitants, it holds the distinction of being both the smallest and least densely populated region in the country. The region boasts a per capita GDP of €35,264, ranking second among Italian regions and autonomous provinces.
History
Named after its capital city, Aosta, Valle d’Aosta holds special autonomous status within Italy. The region’s geographic position—bordered by Switzerland to the north and France to the west, with Piedmont to the south and east—has long shaped its cultural and economic character. It maintains membership in the International Association of French-speaking Regions (AIRF), reflecting its linguistic and cultural ties to the Francophone world.
What you see
The region comprises 74 municipalities unified under the Province of Aosta. Major towns include Courmayeur, Châtillon, and Saint-Vincent, each serving distinct roles within the Alpine valley system. The landscape itself dominates—deep valleys carved by rivers and tributaries, with settlements distributed along traditional routes connecting the Mediterranean basin to northern Europe.
Cultural significance
Valle d’Aosta represents a unique cultural crossroads where Italian, French, and Swiss Alpine traditions converge. Its autonomy and Francophone identity distinguish it from other Italian regions, making it a living expression of the Alps-Mediterranean Euroregion. The territory preserves centuries of Alpine heritage spanning trade routes, architecture, and community life.
Key facts
- Capital: Aosta
- Area: 3,263 km²
- Population: 125,991 inhabitants
- Address: Piazza Deffeyes, 1 – 11100 Aosta
- Coordinates: 45.7391069, 7.3280124
- Phone: 0165 273111
- Official website: http://www.regione.vda.it/
Practical information
The regional administrative offices are located at Piazza Deffeyes in Aosta. You can contact the regional government by phone at 0165 273111 or visit the official website for current information on services, events, and travel planning.
Getting there
Aosta is accessible by road from Turin to the south and from France and Switzerland via Alpine passes. The region’s 74 municipalities are connected by a network of valleys and mountain roads that follow traditional Alpine routes.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
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