Places to visit

Situated at 1,330 meters above sea level, Brusson is a tourist destination known for its particularly mild climate, making it popular with families, and offers beautiful places to visit.

The name Brusson is believed to derive from “Bruxeum,” which comes from the Latin term for gold mines, found in the area around the Frudière Lakes. The origins of the urban settlement are thought to date back to Roman times.

The Chamousira Gold Mine

The Chamousira Gold Mine is the most significant gold mine in the Aosta Valley. Discovered in 1899, it was operated for several decades by the Goldmining Company, a British firm, and its history is intertwined with the modern era of metallurgy in the region.

During peak periods, the mine employed around a hundred workers, mostly from the villages of the Brusson municipality. Thus, mining was a crucial resource for the local population’s subsistence.

The Chamousira deposit is characterized by the presence of native gold or gold associated with sulfides (pyrite and galena) in quartz veins. The underground workings extend about 1,600 meters, with external facilities used for transporting and processing the ore. Gold production is estimated to have been around 4 tons during the early 20th century.

Today, visitors can explore a modern facility with panoramic views of the Val d’Ayas, guided by experts, to discover the fascinating underground world of the ancient Brusson gold mine. To reach the site, drive from Brusson towards Estoul. After 4 km, a marked pedestrian access leads to the mine entrance, which is a 15-minute walk from the access point.

Graines Castle

During the Middle Ages, the Brusson area was part of the estate of the Abbey of Saint-Maurice d’Agaune, under the Lords of Challant. The valley is dominated by the remains of Graines Castle, the only one of the Aosta Valley’s castles that has not undergone significant alterations since its original 11th-century architecture.

The castle is situated atop a rocky outcrop at the entrance of the Vallone di Freudière, strategically positioned to oversee the entire Val d’Ayas and the access to the upper Val de Gressoney. It is a “primitive-type” construction, characterized by its essential and austere appearance. The defensive wall follows the natural contours of the rock and is absent on the steep side, where it was deemed unnecessary.

Today, visitors can still see the remains of the Romanesque minor church, oriented eastward and dedicated to Saint Martin, along with the perimeter walls that define its single nave.

The site is accessible by taking the regional road from Verrès up to Val d’Ayas, turning right after the village of Arcesaz (Brusson). From there, a short footpath through cherry tree woods, especially beautiful in spring and autumn, leads to the castle.

Brusson Lake

Brusson Lake is an artificial lake and serves as a recreational reserve. Easily accessible by car, it is located in the main town of Brusson. The lake is surrounded by a large playground with tables and benches, a beach volleyball court, a small beach with inflatables, and a grassy area for sunbathing. 1 km beyond the lake, there is a beautiful picnic area equipped for outdoor dining.

Palasina and Bringuez Lakes

Located on the left side of the Val d’Ayas, roughly above the town of Brusson, the Palasina Basin is highly valued for the seclusion and beauty of the Palasina Lakes. The hike to the lakes is considered one of the most popular excursions in the valley; the entire Palasina Valley is very frequented as it offers numerous routes with manageable difficulties in a pleasant and lush environment.

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