Introduction: Heading North into the Alpine Realm
There is a distinct, unmistakable shift in the air when a motorcycle tour leaves the rolling hills and gentle warmth of the Italian lowlands and points its front wheels toward the high Alps. On Day 12 of our Twisties & The Tuscan Sun tour, that shift was palpable from the moment we fired up the engines. Having spent the last several days soaking up Tuscan cypress trees, Apennine passes, and rich espresso in sunny piazzas, today marked our return to the rugged mountain amphitheatre of northern Italy.
Leaving the region around Via Roma and Regione Montiglie, our target for the day was La Thuile—a mountain haven tucked high in the Aosta Valley at 1,441 metres above sea level. Ahead of us lay a scenic transition route: smooth tarmac, sweeping valley turns, ancient fortress walls guarding narrow gorges, and the gradual rise into fresh mountain air. As tour leader for Wild Roads, these transition days build anticipation and set the stage perfectly for the dramatic pass climbs awaiting us.
Today’s Route: From Piedmont Foothills to the Aosta Valley
Our journey took us north-west out of the Montalenghe basin, crossing from the edge of Piedmont into the autonomous region of Valle d’Aosta. The route followed the natural carved valley of the Dora Baltea river, a roaring glacial artery flowing directly down from Mont Blanc. For motorcyclists, the Aosta Valley route is a masterpiece of scenery—gentle valley curves framed by sheer granite cliffs, dotted with medieval castles like Fort Bard.
Covering approximately 88 miles (142 km), the ride gave the group plenty of time to enjoy the changing landscape. We began with a mid-morning coffee stop along Via Roma in Regione Montiglie to let traffic clear and stretch our legs. From there, we pushed deeper into the valley corridor as the thermometer dropped from 28°C down to a fresh 19°C. The final leg pulled us up the winding access road to La Thuile, where alpine meadows and timber chalets greeted us against glaciated peaks.
The Ride: Via Roma Regione Montiglie to La Thuile
Morning Coffee Break at Via Roma, Regione Montiglie
We kicked off the morning with a pause along Via Roma in Regione Montiglie. Sunbeams warmed the cobblestones as we parked up our fleet of adventure bikes and sports tourers outside a local bar. Helmets came off, gloves were stowed in tank bags, and the aroma of freshly pulled espresso filled the morning air.
Coffee breaks on a Wild Roads tour are where the group debriefs, checks tire pressures, and studies the map. Sitting outside on Via Roma with a cappuccino in hand and bikes resting on side stands, everyone was buzzing with excitement about heading into the high mountains.
Ascending the Aosta Valley to La Thuile
Back in the saddle, we rolled out in formation, following the sweeping curves of the valley road. Passing under the looming ramparts of Fort Bard, the valley narrowed dramatically. Steep pine-forested ridges pressed in on either side, and the air grew cooler and crisper with every mile gained.
Turning off near Pré-Saint-Didier, the road began to climb in earnest. A series of smooth, rhythmic hairpins carried us up the Valdigne side valley toward La Thuile. The tarmac was in exceptional condition—smooth, grippy, and perfectly banked. The sound of engines echoing off the rock walls was pure music.
Arriving in La Thuile in the early afternoon, the transition was complete. Surrounded by snow-capped alpine summits and icy mountain streams, we pulled up to our base camp. The cold water running down the riverbed was crystal clear, and the mountain environment provided an incredible contrast to central Italy.
Rider Experiences: Reflections from the Group
By the time we parked up in La Thuile, the smiles under the helmets were wider than ever. Transition days can sometimes be overlooked, but today proved to be one of the group’s favorite riding days. Here is what our riders had to say during our afternoon debrief:
Mark (Riding a BMW R1250GS): “The change in climate and landscape today was incredible. Riding out of the warmer foothills this morning in Regione Montiglie with a coffee, and ending up here in La Thuile surrounded by mountain peaks feels like a whole new chapter.”
Sarah (Riding a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT): “The road coming up from Pré-Saint-Didier into La Thuile was brilliant. Wide, smooth turns, fantastic visibility, and that cool mountain breeze coming off the river. My Tracer was right in its element.”
Dave (Riding a Ducati Multistrada V4): “Twelve days in, and the bike hasn’t missed a beat. Taking a breather on Via Roma this morning was top class, and pulling into La Thuile with snow peaks in view reminds you why European touring is second to none.”
Hotel & Evening: Valdostan Hospitality & Mountain Cuisine
After checking into our hotel in La Thuile, the group gathered on the sun terrace overlooking the valley. Fleeces and light jackets came out as the sun dipped behind western ridges, casting long shadows across the valley floor.
Dinner was a celebrated Valdostan affair. We treated ourselves to traditional polenta concia—creamy polenta baked with local Fontina DOP cheese and melted alpine butter—alongside braised beef in local red wine. We toasted the day with a glass of Valle d’Aosta Torrette, reflecting on how far we had come since Folkestone twelve days ago.
Tomorrow: High Passes and Crossing into the French Alps
Tomorrow on Day 13, the mountain drama ramps up significantly. Leaving our base at La Thuile, we will immediately tackle the Petit Saint-Bernard Pass (Little St Bernard Pass) at 2,188 metres elevation, crossing into France. Sweeping switchbacks, alpine tarns, and vistas of Mont Blanc await us as we forge deeper into the Western Alps.
Tires will be checked and cameras charged tonight. Tomorrow promises to be a full-course feast of alpine twisties!
Ride This Tour Yourself: Twisties & The Tuscan Sun 2027
If reading about our ride from Via Roma to La Thuile makes your right wrist twitch, you belong on the road with us! Our Twisties & The Tuscan Sun tour is the ultimate 15-day European motorcycle adventure, blending the hairpin passes of the Alps and Dolomites with the golden roads of Tuscany.
At Wild Roads Motorcycle Tours, we handle all logistics—hand-picked hotels, expert lead riding, luggage support, and carefully curated routes—so you can focus on the ride. Whether you ride an adventure bike, sports tourer, or naked machine, our small-group guided format ensures an unforgettable journey.
Click here to explore full details and book your spot for the 2027 Twisties & The Tuscan Sun Tour!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes riding into La Thuile and the Aosta Valley so special on a motorcycle?
The Aosta Valley offers a unique combination of dramatic glacial canyon scenery, historic fortresses like Fort Bard, and smooth tarmac road surfaces. Riding into La Thuile provides a seamless transition from warmer lowlands into the high alpine environment.
What altitude is La Thuile and how does it affect motorcycle performance and gear choices?
La Thuile sits at an elevation of 1,441 metres (4,728 feet). Modern fuel-injected motorcycles adjust automatically without power loss. Ambient conditions are 5-10°C cooler than the valley floor, making layered touring gear ideal.
Is Day 12 of the Twisties & The Tuscan Sun tour suitable for all experience levels?
Yes. Day 12 is a well-balanced transition stage featuring wide valley roads and gentle alpine curves leading up to La Thuile. It provides a relaxed rhythm for riders of all experience levels.
What local food specialties should motorcyclists try in La Thuile and Valle d’Aosta?
Valle d’Aosta is renowned for Fontina DOP cheese, polenta concia, Motsetta beef, and local red wines like Torrette and Fumin. These rich alpine dishes provide perfect fuel and warmth in the evening.
How far is La Thuile from major alpine mountain passes like Little St Bernard Pass?
La Thuile is located right at the base of the Little St Bernard Pass (Col du Petit Saint-Bernard). The pass summit sits just 8 miles (13 km) up the road from town, making La Thuile an ideal springboard for riding into France.
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