The village of Verrès is located in the central valley, at the entrance of the Val d'Ayas, where stands the imposing castle of the Challant, a perfect cube that stands as a bulwark of the valley still known today with the name of the noble family.
In addition to witnessing the history of this town, the castle is also a sumptuous setting for the historic carnival, that every year sees the protagonists of the figures of Pierre d'Introd and Catherine of Challant and recalls the dance in the square of the countess with the young people of the country while the population, enthusiastic, acclaimed "Vive Introd et Madame de Challant".
WHAT TO SEE
The castle of Verrès: built at the end of the fourth century by Ibleto di Challant, is an example of a feudal fortress also used as a residence of the Challants and their court.
The Collegiate Church of Saint-Gilles: the complex, which includes the monastery and the parish church, was built between the eleventh and eighteenth centuries and is located in the historic center, right at the entrance of the Val d'Ayas.
Les Murasses: these are some buildings surrounded by walls, once used as stables for the Challants and now home to the Evançon Mountain Community and the ski library.
NATURE AND SPORT
At the beginning of the Val d'Ayas, in a very panoramic area, there is the Arboretum La Borna of Laou (the wolf’s den in the local patois), rich in plants and shrubs of various species. It can be reached on foot, going up the first section of the Val d'Ayas regional road.
In the municipality there are numerous facilities for the practice of multiple sports activities. In the building that houses two indoor pools (one for children) there is also an indoor field for five-a-side football, volleyball and basketball, a gym and a sauna. There is also a football field and a gym for indoor climbing.
FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS
The historical Carnival takes place every year between Saturday and Shrove Tuesday: four days of historical revaccination, dinners and dances at the castle and parades in the center of the village.
Market of the occasion and exchange: now become a fixture and appreciated by all lovers of used, is organized every first Sunday of the month from May to September.
● Feast of Saint Augustine and Saint Roch: at the end of August, on the occasion of the celebration of Saint Augustine, in the village Martorey is organized a food and wine festival, such as August 16, day of Saint Roch, in the district whose chapel is dedicated to him, is celebrated with traditional dishes.
● The Feast of the Pumpkin... from the garden to the table is the event that in late September wants to enhance this fruit that is grown in the country’s vegetable gardens: a market, themed tastings, various animations and a prize for the best pumpkins on display.
FOR THE LITTLE ONES
Children in Verrès can have fun in the three playgrounds in the village: in Via Duca d'Aosta, near the municipal sports field, in Via Francheté on the corner with Via XXVI Febbraio and in the public gardens adjacent to the municipal swimming pool.
In the indoor climbing gym they can take courses and try to climb children from 6 years old.
