Issime
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Latest page update: 24 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Issime
Issime has only a small number of accommodation options, primarily traditional mountain lodges and guesthouses serving visitors to the Gressoney Valley. For established hotels with more amenities, the nearby towns of Gressoney-Saint-Jean and Gaby offer the best-reviewed choices within a short drive.
In Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Hotel Lo Scoiattolo provides comfortable alpine-style rooms, a wellness centre, restaurant and panoramic terraces, well regarded for service and facilities (€€€). Also in Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Hotel Gran Baita offers cosy mountain interiors, a restaurant serving regional cuisine and easy access to the Monterosa ski area (€€). In nearby Gaby, Hotel Mologna features simple but comfortable rooms, a family-run atmosphere and convenient access to walking and cycling routes (€€).
In Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Hotel Lo Scoiattolo provides comfortable alpine-style rooms, a wellness centre, restaurant and panoramic terraces, well regarded for service and facilities (€€€). Also in Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Hotel Gran Baita offers cosy mountain interiors, a restaurant serving regional cuisine and easy access to the Monterosa ski area (€€). In nearby Gaby, Hotel Mologna features simple but comfortable rooms, a family-run atmosphere and convenient access to walking and cycling routes (€€).
Where is
Where is Issime?
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The village of Issime is situated a distance of 64 kilometres east of Aosta, the regional capital of Valle d'Aosta.
It stands at an elevation of 956 metres above sea level and has a population of around 400 residents. Nearby places of interest include Gaby, Fontainemore, Lilianes and Gressoney-Saint-Jean. The recommended accommodation is the B&B Mont Mars. |
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Comune di Issime
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Region: Valle d'Aosta
Population: 384 (in 2024 - source) Size: 35 km² Elevation: 956 metres Close by: Gaby, Fontainemore, Lillianes, Gressoney-Saint-Jean Recommended accommodation: B&B Mont Mars (8 km) |
What People Ask About Issime
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Discover
Discover Issime
Issime is a mountain village in the Aosta Valley, located in the upper Lys Valley between Gaby and Gressoney-Saint-Jean. Set at around 960 metres above sea level, it lies along the Lys River, surrounded by steep forested slopes and alpine meadows typical of the lower Monte Rosa region. The settlement has a compact centre with traditional stone houses, wooden balconies and narrow cobbled lanes reflecting the area’s Walser heritage.
The Parish Church of Saint James dominates the heart of the village, known for its painted façade and historic frescoes. Several rural hamlets are scattered through the valley, preserving examples of alpine farm buildings and granaries unique to the region. Issime retains strong cultural links with the Walser community, evident in its language and customs. The village is connected by road to Gaby, Fontainemore, and Gressoney-Saint-Jean, forming part of the scenic route through the Lys Valley.
The Parish Church of Saint James dominates the heart of the village, known for its painted façade and historic frescoes. Several rural hamlets are scattered through the valley, preserving examples of alpine farm buildings and granaries unique to the region. Issime retains strong cultural links with the Walser community, evident in its language and customs. The village is connected by road to Gaby, Fontainemore, and Gressoney-Saint-Jean, forming part of the scenic route through the Lys Valley.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Issime
- Centro Storico di Issime is a quiet alpine village where narrow lanes wind among stone houses with wooden balconies, steep slate roofs, and rustic architectural details. Decorative carvings, small fountains, and colourful flower boxes add charm to the traditional buildings. The village sits in the middle of the Lys Valley in the Aosta Valley, surrounded by forests, meadows, and high mountain peaks. Its atmosphere is peaceful and deeply connected to mountain traditions and Walser culture.
- Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Giacomo stands prominently in Issime, with a graceful bell tower and an inviting façade. Inside are baroque altars, frescoes, and finely crafted wooden sculptures, reflecting the skill of local artisans. The church remains central to religious life and community gatherings. It’s a serene place to visit while exploring the village.
- Piazzetta principale di Issime serves as the village’s small social heart, edged with stone houses, traditional buildings, and local shops. Locals gather here for conversations, small markets, and festive occasions. Benches and flowers bring colour and warmth. The square reflects the gentle rhythm of alpine daily life.
- Museo della Cultura Walser in Issime offers insights into the village’s unique Walser heritage, showcasing traditional clothing, tools, and everyday objects. Exhibits explain the history, language, and customs of the Walser community that settled in this part of the Aosta Valley. It’s a small but engaging museum. Visiting adds depth to understanding Issime’s identity.
- Guided alpine walks from Issime explore trails through forests, mountain pastures, and paths leading towards high alpine passes. Local guides share knowledge about Walser traditions, local wildlife, and alpine plants. Walks vary from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. It’s an ideal way to connect with the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Lys Valley.
Tours and Activities
Issime Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Issime Photo Gallery
Valle d'Aosta Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations
1. Gran Paradiso National Park
2. Aosta
3. Monte Bianco
4. Breuil-Cervinia
5. Matterhorn
6. Courmayeur
7. Fort Bard
8. Castello Savoia
9. Fontainemore
10. Lillianes
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Valle d'Aosta
1. Gran Paradiso National Park
2. Aosta
3. Monte Bianco
4. Breuil-Cervinia
5. Matterhorn
6. Courmayeur
7. Fort Bard
8. Castello Savoia
9. Fontainemore
10. Lillianes
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Valle d'Aosta
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Issime
By Rail: Issime does not have its own railway station. The nearest station is in Pont-Saint-Martin, about 23 kilometres away, on the Aosta–Ivrea line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect Pont-Saint-Martin to Aosta in approximately 50 minutes and to Ivrea in about 25 minutes. From Pont-Saint-Martin, Issime can be reached by car, taxi, or local bus along the SR44 road that continues through the Gressoney Valley.
By Road: The village is situated in the middle of the Lys Valley, surrounded by the peaks of the Gressoney area. From Aosta, the distance is around 70 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Turin, the journey is approximately 95 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A5 motorway, exiting at Pont-Saint-Martin. From Milan, the distance is about 170 kilometres, with a drive of around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Parking is available near the village centre and along the main road leading through the valley.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The village is situated in the middle of the Lys Valley, surrounded by the peaks of the Gressoney area. From Aosta, the distance is around 70 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Turin, the journey is approximately 95 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A5 motorway, exiting at Pont-Saint-Martin. From Milan, the distance is about 170 kilometres, with a drive of around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Parking is available near the village centre and along the main road leading through the valley.
Nearest International Airports:
- Turin Caselle Airport: Located about 95 kilometres from Issime, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes. It provides domestic and European flight connections.
- Milan Malpensa Airport: Approximately 170 kilometres away, the journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It offers extensive international and intercontinental services.
- Geneva Airport: Roughly 195 kilometres from Issime, with a driving time of about 3 hours via the Mont Blanc Tunnel. It serves numerous European and long-haul destinations.
Private Transfers
Issime Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a smooth and convenient way to reach Issime or continue your journey to other destinations in the Valle d’Aosta region and northern Italy. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to plan routes or organise public transport.
From Issime, transfers can connect you with Turin Caselle Airport and Milan Malpensa Airport, while longer routes are also available to Geneva Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport. They are also practical for shorter journeys to nearby places such as Gaby, Gressoney-Saint-Jean, and Fontainemore, or for travelling further across the Valle d’Aosta and into neighbouring alpine regions.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Issime, transfers can connect you with Turin Caselle Airport and Milan Malpensa Airport, while longer routes are also available to Geneva Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport. They are also practical for shorter journeys to nearby places such as Gaby, Gressoney-Saint-Jean, and Fontainemore, or for travelling further across the Valle d’Aosta and into neighbouring alpine regions.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
