Nestled into Italy’s smallest region you will find the quaint Alpine town of Courmayeur. It’s location immersed in nature and set at the base of Mont Blanc makes it a perfect getaway year round. I recently spent some time here in July and I am happy to report back how to spend a summer weekend in Courmayeur, Italy.
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Shop and Explore Courmayeur
The main streets in the town center of Courmayeur (Via Roma and Via Regionale) are quite charming. Aesthetically, with the clean and pristine architecture it fits the bill of a magical mountain village. You’ll find a mix of stores ranging from small boutiques and big-name luxury brands. I actually think a summer weekend in Courmayeur is ironically perfect for skiiers because you can find so many incredible sales on winter gear!
And you might get hungry after all of that shopping! Therefore, I suggest grabbing a table at Caffè della Posta for a casual coffee, snack, or aperitivo. It’s a historic establishment with very friendly service.
Within the town center there is also my favorite restaurant in Courmayeur, Cadran Solaire. The atmosphere is so quaint and lovely, there is friendly service, and the menu is divine. It should absolutely be added to your list of restaurants to eat at in Courmaryeur.
Hike the Val Ferret and Eat at a Rifugio
Val Ferret is a beautiful spot in the valley that has popular trails or hiking and biking. You can essentially choose your level of difficulty as trails range from easy, mild loops to steep, difficult inclines. On the Courmayeur official website you can find a range of Val Ferret hiking itineraries based on your skillset or needs.
I also think one of the best experiences you can have in the Italian mountains is eating at a rifugio. A rifugio is essentially a lodge that provides food (and sometime shelter) for hikers. During the busy months, they can get full quickly, so try to book your reservation ahead based on the length of the hike you plan to take.
In Val Ferret, I suggest booking at La Grandze. Here you’ll find traditional food from the Aosta Valley. Take solace and lounge under the sun with a beer in your hand while waiting for your table.
While we opted to explore some fairly easy trails in the area, more experienced hikers may seek more of a challenge. In this case, I recommend booking a Guided Trekking Tour of Balconata Val Ferret.
Enjoy a Spa Break
Considering you may be up and on your feet all morning hiking, make sure you reward yourself with some relaxation time. Plus, I don’t care whether it is a winter or a summer weekend in Courmayeur – whenever I am near the mountains I want to take advantage of a spa!
Depending on where you have accomodation, there are a handful of hotels in Courmayeur that have spas on-site. If yours does not, I enjoy the QC Terme properties and fortunately there is a QC Terme Monte Bianco!
Enjoy the Skyway Monte Bianco
The highlight of my summer weekend in Courmaryeur was undeniably the Skyway Monte Bianco, where you’ll ascend to the highest point in Europe. There are two sets of 360 degree rotating cable cars that help you climb nearly 3500m into the sky. At the top you’ll find everything from Europe’s highest botanical garden and bookstore to a cinema to a playground!
Here you can book your Monte Bianco Cable Car & Return Ticket.
Make sure you book your roundtrip tickets online in advance to save money (because they also sometimes sell out!). Be sure to go all the way up to the Punta Helbronner. The views are absolutely spectacular.
You can also (and I do suggest) add on the option of the Alpine Lunch at Punta Helbronner. You’ll feast on a yummy mix of Italian and French cuisine (in honor of being on the border) while enjoying an epic view of the Alps. You can book that here.
General Information
Where to Stay
Choosing where to stay in Courmayeur is important. I recommend a stay at the Grand Hotel Courmayeur. It is located only about a 10-minute walk from the main village street, but just outside enough where it feels slightly more secluded.
How to Get Here
The easiest way to arrive in Courmayeur is with a car. From Milan or Turin, you can drive via the A5 autostrada (~2.5-3 hours).
If a car is not an option, you can take the train to Aosta and then connect to Courmayeur with a bus or taxi.
What to Pack
Even if you are spending a summer weekend in Courmayeur, it is best to pack layers! Considering it is a mountain town, cozy chic or casual is best-suited.
Bring a mix of light layers, hiking shoes, swimsuit (for the spa), and a light jacket – especially if you plan to do the Skyway Monte Bianco.
I hope you enjoy your summer weekend in Courmayeur! You may be interested in some of my other Italy travel posts like: