Riserva naturale Tsatelet, Regional nature reserve in Saint-Christophe, Italy
Riserva naturale Tsatelet is a protected regional nature reserve covering around a dozen hectares near Saint-Christophe, with a rocky hilltop that rises above the Aosta Valley plains. Marked walking paths connect the reserve from a parking area near the SR 17 highway, giving access to the elevated terrain.
The reserve area contains archaeological remains of human habitation from the Neolithic period, along with an Iron Age burial site that speaks to long-term occupation. These findings show the land has been inhabited for millennia.
The hilltop draws birdwatchers who come to observe migratory species passing through the valley. The elevated vantage point also offers sightlines to nearby Jocteau Castle and the surrounding landscape.
The marked trails from the SR 17 parking area lead upward with manageable grades and minimal elevation change, making the route accessible to most visitors. The open hilltop provides good views without requiring extreme physical exertion.
The landscape was shaped by glaciers from two separate valleys, the Buthier and Baltea, whose collision left behind distinct geological layers visible on the hillside. These ancient ice masses sculptured the terrain and created the varied rock formations that define the terrain today.
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