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This delightful area of Valle d’Aosta in the very northern
part of Alpine Italy is renowned for its skiing and
winter sport opportunities.
Though considered somewhat remote today, Valle d’Aosta
has for millennia been a crossroads though the Alps,
with structures and roads dating back to the Roman period.
Today, there are many resorts and casinos in the area
that cater for the well-off tourist, though there are
many less expensive options for hikers and nature lovers.
The climate here is among the mildest in the Alps.
This tiny region in the northwest borders France and
Switzerland as well as Piedmont to the south.
Many people in Valle d’Aosta actually speak French
or German as a first language, though Italian is predominant
and English is quite common because of the many tourist
opportunities.
It is the only region of Italy not divided into provinces.
- Instead, the region is divided into 74 comunes.
The valley was not developed until the swift mountain
streams, including the Dora Baltea that flows into the
Po, were used for generating hydroelectric power.
Because of its long and storied history, this province
has special powers of autonomy in the Italian Government
including inclusion of French language in all official
signage and business.
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