Barmasc Sanctuary: Faith, Panoramic Views and Alpine Tradition

A spiritual landmark at 1,880 meters, visited by Pope John Paul II, overlooking Val d’Ayas

Anyone visiting Ayas should not miss the Barmasc Sanctuary, a place of deep spirituality and striking beauty that captivates visitors of all ages. Set on a natural balcony at 1,880 meters above sea level, the sanctuary offers a breathtaking panorama over the Monte Rosa massif, Mount Zerbion, and the entire valley below.

The site is easily reached by car, and upon arriving at the Barmasc parking area, visitors are immediately drawn to the large wooden cross standing in the meadow, commemorating the Mass celebrated here by Pope John Paul II on July 15th, 1990. From there, a short walk leads gently downhill toward the sanctuary, accompanied by fresh mountain air and peaceful alpine scenery.

The chapel, built between 1661 and 1663 and restored in 1897, stands above a clear, lively spring. For centuries, pilgrims have stopped here to drink its water, using the traditional ladle still hanging beside the fountain, a simple ritual deeply rooted in local tradition. Before the pandemic, summer Masses were regularly celebrated on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at 8:30 am.

Surrounding the chapel, large boulders create an almost fairy-tale atmosphere, especially loved by children, who enjoy climbing them to reach the best viewpoints.

Nearby stands the historic wooden chalet Le Solitaire, opened in 1968 by the Commod family. Over the years, it welcomed notable guests, including Giuseppe Saragat, President of the Italian Republic from 1964 to 1971, who spent his summer holidays in Val d’Ayas. Traditional dishes such as polenta concia, stewed sausages, and Aosta Valley soup reflect the authentic local cuisine.

For those wishing to enjoy a full day in the area, the restaurant La Maison du Bracconier, located about 200 meters above the Barmasc parking area, offers regional specialties, including game dishes and locally sourced products.

The Barmasc Sanctuary is more than a place of worship. It is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the harmony between faith, nature, and Alpine tradition.

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About us

All was really good

We had a great stay, very comfortable, the best view ever from the valley and mountains, stunning. I really liked to be met at the property and shown where to park and shown our apartment, keys etc.

Anneke, ie - 01-07-2024

We had a great stay, very comfortable, the best view ever from the valley and mountains, stunning. I really liked to be met at the property and shown where to park and shown our apartment, keys etc.

Anneke, ie - Family holiday

01-07-2024

Nice and friendly hotel, great breakfast

Nice small hotel with family feeling. Good quality / value for money. Excellent breakfast, clean and tidy. Only a short walk to the gondola, plenty of restaurants in all price ranges just around the c

Ulf H - 25-03-2024

Nice small hotel with family feeling. Good quality / value for money. Excellent breakfast, clean and tidy. Only a short walk to the gondola, plenty of restaurants in all price ranges just around the corner from the hotel

Ulf H - Family holiday

25-03-2024

All the comfort you need when enjoying this charming town.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Hotel L'Aiglon. Firstly the staff were so pleasant and helpful. The room was fine, next time we'd opt for one with a balcony! Comfortable bed, great shower. Plenty of

percehere - 24-03-2024

We really enjoyed our stay at the Hotel L'Aiglon. Firstly the staff were so pleasant and helpful. The room was fine, next time we'd opt for one with a balcony! Comfortable bed, great shower. Plenty of storage and hooks for all our ski gear! Breakfast was in a lovely sunny room and there was plenty of choice for all nationalities. It's a slow 10 minute walk to the gondola, we opted for storing our gear there, although you can use the hotel's. Wellness centre was a perfect end to the days skiing.Definitely recommend and we'll be back!

percehere - Holiday with friends

24-03-2024

Easter Ski Trip

My adult kids and I had a great time, the hotel was clean, tidy and everyone was extremely helpful. The breakfast buffet was a treat each morning and the sauna/hot tub were great after a hard days sk

marka12023 - 13-04-2023

My adult kids and I had a great time, the hotel was clean, tidy and everyone was extremely helpful. The breakfast buffet was a treat each morning and the sauna/hot tub were great after a hard days skiing. Overall really good value for money and very welcoming

marka12023 - Family holiday

13-04-2023

Happy Vacation in Hotel L'Aiglon.

Stayed in Hotel L'Aiglon for 3 nights earlier this week. Great place to stay. Rooms were really comfortable and plenty of space and really clean. We received a really warm welcome on arrival and right

dubontour2016 - 20-01-2023

Stayed in Hotel L'Aiglon for 3 nights earlier this week. Great place to stay. Rooms were really comfortable and plenty of space and really clean. We received a really warm welcome on arrival and right throughout our stay. Breakfast was included in the price. Food was great - loads of variety and really healthy food to prepare us for the day ahead. Would love to return and stay here again in the future.

dubontour2016 - Family holiday

20-01-2023

Nice location, great value

Nice breakfast, clean and large room, perfect for a family of four with a pet.

Fabio Sergio, it - 10-01-2023

Nice breakfast, clean and large room, perfect for a family of four with a pet.

Fabio Sergio, it - Family holiday

10-01-2023

Excellent séjour à l'hôtel l'Aiglon!

L'accueil est sympathique et chaleureux. Les chambres sont spacieuses. L'hôtel est idéalement situé et le cadre est très agréable. Le petit déjeuner est extra avec un personnel au petit soin et très

PierreG04 - 28-06-2022

L'accueil est sympathique et chaleureux. Les chambres sont spacieuses. L'hôtel est idéalement situé et le cadre est très agréable. Le petit déjeuner est extra avec un personnel au petit soin et très sympa. Je ne peux que recommander chaleureusement l'hôtel l'Aiglon!

PierreG04 - Solo holiday

28-06-2022

Friendly familystyle hotel

We spent a few days before Easter in wonderful Champoluc, we decided to stay at L'Aiglon. The hotel has great location in the village, very friendly staff; most helpful when it comes to answer questio

908micaeld - 18-04-2022

We spent a few days before Easter in wonderful Champoluc, we decided to stay at L'Aiglon. The hotel has great location in the village, very friendly staff; most helpful when it comes to answer questions and point us to good deals and opportunities. The breakfast is wonderful, in itself worth the stay.

908micaeld - Family holiday

18-04-2022

Fabulous return visit

We have stayed here several times. First visit since the pandemic. The warm Italian welcome ever present. Such a friendly family run hotel. Spotlessly clean, very comfy, lovely views, great breakfast

Julie H - 21-03-2022

We have stayed here several times. First visit since the pandemic. The warm Italian welcome ever present. Such a friendly family run hotel. Spotlessly clean, very comfy, lovely views, great breakfast and next to the ski lift for Antagnod mini ski area so quiet on the slopes perfect. We will return again and again. Brandy measures in the bar still extremely generous! Thank you all the staff!

Julie H - Family holiday

21-03-2022

Another GREAT stay

We have been coming to this wonderful family operated hotel for more than 10 years for an annual ski vacation. Great location near main gondola and our favorite restaurants. Good and friendly service.

LarsNice - 14-03-2022

We have been coming to this wonderful family operated hotel for more than 10 years for an annual ski vacation. Great location near main gondola and our favorite restaurants. Good and friendly service. Good breakfast. Rooms are well kept and neatly cleaned daily. Overall, we find L’Aiglon great value for the reasonable rates. We are already looking forward to our next visit!

LarsNice - Couples holiday

14-03-2022