Aiton: Fort, vineyards and fishing opportunities

Aiton offers a range of reasons to stay: historic buildings, fishing opportunities, walking trails through vineyards and local winemaking. If you are looking for a hotel in Aiton, first consider whether the history of the fort, fishing, walks or winemaking matters most to your trip. Check the details for each hotel to confirm its location.

Historic buildings and military heritage

The Palais d'Aiton, which no longer exists, was built in the early 18th century on a promontory above the confluence of the Arc and Isère rivers. Another historic landmark is Fort d'Aiton, built between 1875 and 1880 on the ruins of a bishop's palace. The fort had seven casemates and offers panoramic views of the Massif des Bauges. The fort's construction history and its views are two distinct aspects to explore.

Église Saint-Laurent d'Aiton is also one of the commune's historic sites. Built in 1700, it houses the mortal remains of Cardinal Jean de Ségovie. Contact the town hall to arrange a visit in advance. The fort's outdoor area is open to visitors free of charge every day year-round; check this access information before your visit.

Parcours Secret Défense offers a different way to explore the military heritage. This interactive trail focuses on military installations between Aiton and Saint-Léger and includes seven missions and seven stages. The fort's structure and an interactive trail about military installations offer two distinct ways to explore the subject.

Fishing and trails through the countryside

Parcours de l'Aitelène is a certified fishing trail in Aiton. The stretch downstream from Pont Vert is particularly suitable for fly fishing; the other sections are intended for experienced anglers. This distinction between sections is important when exploring the different parts of the trail.

Plan d'eau de Barouchat offers another way to enjoy fishing: the seven-hectare fishing area is on the Arc, and the association offers full-day or half-day introductions to various fishing techniques. Unlike the different sections of the Aitelène, the focus here is on introductory sessions. If you would like to try a fishing technique, you can take this difference into account when planning.

For a walk, the short Chemin des Vignes winds through Aiton's vineyard landscape and offers views over the valley. Conditions on the trail can vary by season; check them before setting out. Aiton also includes a Natura 2000 site, another aspect of the commune's landscape and natural environment.

Winemaking and grape varieties

Old Mondeuse vines are preserved on the Coteau d'Aiton. Rare grape varieties such as Persan, Douce-Noire, Etraire and Joubertin are also grown there. The range of varieties adds a distinctive perspective on local winemaking to the walks through the vineyard landscape.

Les Sartos du Bec is a wine producer in Aiton. It makes blended wines from old red and rosé grape varieties, including Mondeuse, Persan and Douce Noire. Both the preservation of old vines and the blending of different varieties are part of the area's winemaking tradition. Visitors can meet the winemakers at their estate; check the latest visitor information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Chindrieux, Saint-Pierre-D'entremont, Aime, Entremont-Le-Vieux, Jongieux, Villarodin-Bourget, Voglans, Vions.

For the regional travel overview: Savoie.