La Veillà of Gimillan
An evening among the ancient mountain crafts
About La Veillà
The memory of the mountain that comes alive
La Veillà is the evening re-enactment of the life and crafts of the past that enlivens the hamlets of Cogne, in the province of Aosta. In the hamlets of the valley — including Gimillan, the highest village, overlooking Gran Paradiso — residents recreate the atmosphere of bygone days, when winter evenings (the veillà) were moments of shared work and socialising.
Crafts, gestures, and stories
Along the village streets, you will meet 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 is a journey into Alpine peasant civilization, meticulously recreated in its details.
A journey through flavours of yesteryear
Between demonstrations, a gastronomic route offers the specialities of the Cogne Valley: the soca, broth 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 continues 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 will be held in Gimillan, the highest hamlet of Cogne, on July 18th. An evening re-enactment of ancient crafts and life of 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 of the past: soca, broth 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 town centre. Cogne is about 27 km from Aosta along the SR47.
Information
The event starts 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