Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses
Nature, history and gastronomy
Located at the end of the upper Great St. Bernard Valley at an altitude of 1,632 meters, Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses is the last municipality before the Swiss border.
Since ancient times, it has been a transit and connecting point between the north and south of Europe, and its history is closely linked to the Great St. Bernard Pass and its increasing importance over the centuries. Crossed by travelers, pilgrims, and armies, the Pass has greatly influenced the life of this region.
In the 11th century, under the jurisdiction of the counts of Savoy, the inhabitants of the village obtained the exclusive right to accompany travelers and their goods from Aosta to the Pass. This privilege, called "Viérie du Mont Joux," created the figure of the "marronniers," who were both guides and carriers providing this service.
Later, in the 17th century, the inhabitants gained a new benefit: the exemption from military service. This led to the creation of the "Soldat de la neige," a small army that continued the regular maintenance of the access road to the Pass and provided assistance to avalanche victims or travelers exhausted from fatigue and cold.
The construction of the medieval castle of Bosses dates back to the 15th century and today, recently renovated, it is hosting exhibitions and cultural events.
Another significant historical event deeply marked this place: the passage of Napoleon's armies, which descended from the Great St. Bernard Pass in May 1800 to face the Austrians in the great Battle of Marengo.
This event was undoubtedly extraordinary for the local population, and it is the uniforms of this army that inspire the costumes of the historical carnival in this valley.
Like the rest of the valley, walkers and pilgrims still pass through this village along the Via Francigena.
Another delightful tradition arises from history: the precious Jambon de Bosses DOP. This recipe dates back to the 14th century and gives life to a seasoned raw ham with mountain herbs, aged for over 12 months on beds of hay. In the village of Saint-Rhémy, it is possible to visit the aging center of this local excellence.
Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses offers a diverse range of tourist attractions thanks to its territory. In summer, there are numerous hiking and mountain biking trails with different difficulty levels. In winter, the Crévacol ski area with its 22 km of slopes and numerous ski mountaineering itineraries satisfies skiers of all levels.