La Veillà di Gimillan
An evening among the ancient mountain crafts
About La Veillà
The memory of the mountain comes alive
La Veillà is the evening re-enactment of life and crafts of the past that animates the hamlets of Cogne, in the province of Aosta. In the valley's hamlets — including Gimillan, the highest village, overlooking Gran Paradiso — residents recreate the atmosphere of bygone days, when winter evenings (the veillà) were times of shared work and socialising.
Crafts, gestures, and stories
Along the village streets, you'll find blacksmiths, shoemakers carving clogs (sabots), women spinning wool, shepherds shearing sheep, farmers threshing wheat. There are also groups playing cards, singing, or telling stories around the fire. It's a journey into Alpine peasant civilisation, meticulously recreated in detail.
A taste of flavours from yesteryear
Between demonstrations, a gastronomic route offers specialities from the Cogne Valley: soca, a soup with black bread and fontina cheese, potatoes, seuppa, cream, and mécoulin from Cogne, accompanied by local wines and liqueurs. La Veillà begins at sunset and lasts for most of the evening, offering one of the most authentic experiences of the Aosta Valley summer.
La Veillà — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of La Veillà is held in Gimillan, the highest hamlet of Cogne, on July 18th. An evening re-enactment of ancient crafts and life from the past, with a gastronomic route through the village streets.
Programme La Veillà 2026
Saturday, July 18, 2026 — from sunset
- Opening of the re-enactment at dusk in the hamlet of Gimillan;
- Demonstrations of ancient crafts: blacksmiths, shoemakers, wool spinners, sheep shearing, wheat threshing;
- Groups playing cards, singing, and telling stories in the village streets;
- Gastronomic route with traditional dishes from the past: soca, soup with black bread and fontina cheese, potatoes, seuppa, cream, and mécoulin from Cogne, local wines and liqueurs.
The event continues for most of the evening. Details and confirmed times from the Pro Loco of Cogne closer to the event.
Highlights La Veillà 2026
Prices La Veillà 2026
Practical information — La Veillà
How to get there
Gimillan is a hamlet of Cogne, reachable by car or shuttle bus from the village centre. Cogne is about 27 km from Aosta along the SR47.
Information
The event begins at sunset. It may be postponed in case of bad weather. Info and programme: Consorzio Operatori Turistici Valle di Cogne, +39 0165 74835.
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Where does it take place — La Veillà
Borgata di Gimillan
Frazione Gimillan, 11012 Cogne