Etroubles

The village of Etroubles, situated in the middle reaches of the Great St Bernard Valley, has been the valley's tiny capital since ancient times, providing protection and services. Important during the Middle Ages were a square tower in the Vachéry district, built in the 12th century on what were probably Roman foundations, a church whose Romanesque bell tower of 1480 still survives, and a pilgrim's hospice founded in 1317 and still in operation last century. The famous passage, during these centuries, was that of Napeoleon's army in May 1800. Etroubles is on the Via Francigena, the medieval road which passed through Europe from Canterbury and over the Great St Bernard Pass to Rome, and Jerusalem. The medieval village of Etroubles, with its splendid frescoed 19th century church, is well worth a visit and an ideal place to spend several peaceful hours.