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Hiking · Aosta and the central valley · hidden gem

Ru Marseiller

An almost level path that follows an old irrigation channel, contouring the slopes above the central valley through woods, villages and meadows.

Difficulty
T Tourist
Length
11.5 km
Elevation gain
+510 m / −440 m
Time
3–3.5 hours
Route
Point to point
Altitude
769–960 m
Season
Spring Summer Autumn
2 km
StartFinishMap © OpenTopoMap (CC-BY-SA) · data © OpenStreetMap
75080085090095010000 km246810
Elevation profile · hover over the chart to see the altitude

Download the GPXDirections to the start ↗

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The story

The rû are irrigation channels that since the Middle Ages have carried stream water to the driest slopes of the central valley, among the driest in the Alps. Dug by hand for kilometres, they are still run by landowners' associations, and the maintenance paths alongside them have become walking routes.

Why go

Because it tells the story of another Aosta Valley, of the farmers who brought water where there was none, and it is one of the few hikes that are comfortable in spring and autumn too.

Good to know. In places the channel runs beside the path without any barrier: keep an eye on small children.

Practical information

Start
Verrayes
Finish
Torgnon
Best time
April–November
Parking
Small car parks at both ends.
By public transport
Local buses to Verrayes and Torgnon from the central valley, with few runs.
Water
Fountains in the villages.
Shade
Alternating woods and meadows.
Huts and refreshments
None: cafés in the villages.
With children
Yes: almost flat, ideal with children.

Weather at the start

The forecast for the next 7 days at this spot: sky, temperatures, rain and wind.

Forecast by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), from the models of national weather services. Your browser downloads it directly from Open-Meteo, and only when you ask. In the mountains and at sea the weather changes quickly: check the official forecast as well before you set off.

What to see on the route and nearby

More hikes in Aosta Valley

Routes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), via Waymarked Trails and BRouter; elevations from a digital terrain model. Times and elevation gains are indicative: waymarks on the ground and closure orders always take precedence.

← All hikesGuide to Aosta Valley