The six bridges trail in Pontboset

An itinerary suspended between Nature, history, and human ingenuity

Overview

The trail starts from the medieval village of Pontboset (approx. 780 m elevation), characterized by traditional alpine architecture, rascards, stone fountains, and barns. With a short circular route of about 4.9 km and 200 m of elevation gain, it allows you to cross six stone bridges nestled in the lush Ayasse valley, through deep gorges and waterfalls.

The bridges

Bozet Bridge, with its arched “donkey-back” shape, is one of the most scenic bridges over the Ayasse, once connecting the village to mule tracks toward Piolly and Fournier.
Frontière Bridge, a small stone bridge across the stream, offers striking views of the watercourse and nearby buildings.
“Dancing” Bridge, a characteristic suspended footbridge above crystal-clear pools of the Ayasse.
Ratus Gorge Bridge, which crosses a deep canyon carved by water, a dramatic sight of rocky landscapes and natural erosion.
Bridge over the Manda, with a graceful stone arch and panoramic views of alpine vegetation and clear waters.
The final and most scenic bridge, directly spanning the Ayasse: a large stone arch above a natural pool, marking the trail’s culminating viewpoint.

Landscape and Nature

The route combines village paths, mule tracks, brief descents toward the stream and climbs through woodland. Along the way, you’ll encounter gorges, waterfalls, rock pools and smoothed stone walls shaped by water, offering a wild yet accessible mountain experience.

Historical and interpretive value

The bridges bear witness to the ingenuity of alpine communities who, from the 17th to 19th century, used stone to build lasting links between villages and trails. This is living, often invisible heritage, engraved in stone, woven into the path and preserved in local memory.

Technical info

Total length: about 4.9 km loop
Altitude: from approx. 685 m to 850 m
Elevation gain: around 200 m
Walking time: approx. 1 h 06
Recommended season: April to October (accessible most of the year, except in case of low snow)

Why visit?

It embodies the spirit of Heritage Interpretation: the story is built around familiar places, emotions, anecdotes, and living landscapes.

It lets you read the land like an open book, discovering traditional engineering, the use of water, and life in typical Aosta Valley villages.

It offers rich sensory experiences: the sound of water, the coolness of the pools, the rustic charm of alpine buildings, and the wonder of ancient bridges.