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Pré-Saint-Didier

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Last Visit: 10/09/2023
municipalities
Italy
Aosta Valley
Valdigne

Access

Pré-Saint-Didier, located in the western Aosta Valley, is easily accessible both by car and by public transport. For those travelling by car, the A5 Turin-Aosta-Monte Bianco motorway crosses the region from east to west. It is advisable to exit at Morgex and continue along State Road 26 in the direction of Courmayeur for about 4 kilometres.
The nearest airports are Turin Caselle Airport, located about 115 kilometres away, and Geneva International Airport, about 85 kilometres away. Both offer connections to numerous national and international destinations.
The provincial road network is well developed, with state and regional roads connecting Pré-Saint-Didier to the main towns in the Aosta Valley and to neighbouring regions. In particular, the Strada Statale SS26 is a key artery facilitating travel to Courmayeur and other destinations.

Introduction

Pré-Saint-Didier, located in the beautiful Aosta Valley, is a municipality that embodies Alpine beauty and historical richness. Known for its thermal springs and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, Pré-Saint-Didier is a privileged destination for nature and spa tourism.
The town, strategically located along the road leading to the Petit St Bernard Pass, is a natural crossroads between Italy and France, with a heritage intertwined with Roman and medieval history. Its toponym is linked to religious legends and the name Arebrigium, an ancient reference to the fortified village along the road to Gaul. This geographical and historical context has profoundly marked the country's destiny, making it a place of passage but also of conflict, development and regeneration.

Description

Pré-Saint-Didier is set in a unique landscape, surrounded by imposing mountains and unspoilt nature. The municipality lies at the foot of Mont Blanc and close to the Dora di Verney, whose gorge, known as the 'Orrido', is a distinctive natural attraction. The thermal springs, with waters reaching almost 40°C, are one of the key elements of the area and have fuelled local tourist development.
The territory of Pré-Saint-Didier has been inhabited since Roman times, when it was known as Arebrigium. Its strategic location along important communication routes made it a point of reference for wayfarers but also a target for invasions. In the 16th century, the thermal springs were already appreciated, and in 1750, the first spa was built. Modern history has seen the relaunch of the thermal baths, which have become a cornerstone of the local economy, with a renovation that has returned them to their role as an international attraction.
 The economy of Pré-Saint-Didier is now strongly linked to tourism, especially spa and winter tourism. The Pré thermal baths attract visitors from all over the world, but the commune also retains a link with agriculture and typical handicrafts. Economic activities reflect a fusion of tradition and innovation, with a focus on sustainability and the valorisation of local resources.
 Pré-Saint-Didier retains a strong cultural identity linked to Alpine traditions. Religious and popular festivities celebrate community roots, while local crafts are a form of cultural expression. Among the historical attractions, the oldest bell tower in the Aosta Valley, dating back to the 11th-12th centuries, testifies to the rich architectural heritage of the area.
For hiking and nature enthusiasts, Pré-Saint-Didier offers a network of trails immersed in breathtaking landscapes. The routes lead to panoramic viewpoints, refuges and peaks that reveal the majesty of the Alps. The Orrido di Pré, an evocative gorge that can be visited via a suspended footbridge, is among the must-see destinations for visitors. The stories and legends linked to the area enrich the tourist experience, making Pré-Saint-Didier a place to explore and experience.
This resort is a perfect combination of wellness, culture and nature, ideal for those seeking relaxation or Alpine adventures.

Information

Area: 33.4km²
Altitude: 1,004m
Maximum elevation: m (Mont Crammont)
Number of inhabitants:952 (as of 31.05.24)
Name in dialect: Pré-Sèn-Lédjé
Inhabitants' name: saint-didierins
Patron Saint: St. Lawrence (10 August)
Neighbouring communes: Courmayeur, La Thuile, Morgex
Internet site: www.comune.pre-saint-didier.ao.it

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