Désarpa della Valpelline
The herds' return to the valley, between cowbells and tradition
About Désarpa Valpelline
What is the Désarpa
The Désarpa is the festival celebrating the descent of the herds from the mountain pastures at the end of summer, when cattle leave the high-altitude grazing lands to return to the stables in the valley. It is one of the most cherished traditions of the Aosta Valley, linked to the culture of farming and the life of mountain communities. In Valpelline, a side valley leading towards the Grand Saint Bernard massif, the Désarpa marks the symbolic moment when the alpine season concludes.
The herds cross the village
The heart of the festival is the descent of the herds, which, coming down from the pastures, cross the municipal territory to reach the village stables. The cows advance to the unmistakable sound of the sonnaglie (cowbells), accompanied by the shepherds, in a procession that draws residents and visitors along the streets. The Désarpa of Valpelline does not have a fixed date: the precise day is determined by the shepherds based on the conditions of the pastures and the rhythm of the transhumance, generally between late September and early October.
A community celebration
Around the descent of the herds, a moment of celebration and conviviality is created, with the welcome of the residents, aperitifs, and tastings of typical products at the village gathering points. It is an opportunity to experience an authentic tradition of the Aosta Valley mountains up close, where transhumance is not a reconstructed folklore but a living part of the local economy and identity. The Désarpa thus allows visitors to discover Valpelline in its most genuine aspect, far from the major tourist circuits.
Désarpa Valpelline — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Désarpa della Valpelline will take place, as tradition dictates, between late September and early October. The final date is not fixed on the calendar but is determined by the shepherds based on the pasture conditions and the timing of the transhumance. The central moment is the descent of the herds, which, to the sound of cowbells, cross the municipal territory to the village stables, accompanied by a celebration and welcome with typical products. The detailed program will be announced closer to the event.
Programme Désarpa Valpelline 2026
The hourly program for the Désarpa della Valpelline is not published far in advance: the date and times depend on the actual descent of the herds from the pastures, decided by the shepherds based on seasonal conditions. The day revolves around the passage of the herds through the municipal territory to the village stables, with the welcome of the residents and convivial moments with tastings of typical Aosta Valley products. The final program and date will be announced by the Municipality of Valpelline and local tourist channels closer to the event.
Highlights Désarpa Valpelline 2026
Prices Désarpa Valpelline 2026
Practical information — Désarpa Valpelline
How to get there
Valpelline can be reached by car from Aosta, driving up the Buthier valley through Gignod (about 15 km). The nearest train station is Aosta, on the Turin-Aosta line. In autumn, it is advisable to check the mountain road conditions.
When
The Désarpa takes place between late September and early October, with no fixed date: the day is determined by the shepherds based on the descent of the herds from the pastures.
Where to get information
Dates and details from the Municipality of Valpelline and local tourist channels (valpellineallseason.it).
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Where does it take place — Désarpa Valpelline
Capoluogo di Valpelline