The Inn/Restaurant of “La Clusaz” stands in the village of Gignod, in the Aosta Valley, just a few miles from the Great St. Bernard Pass.

As you follow the road northwards from Aosta to the Great St. Bernard Pass or the modern road tunnel, you will see on your left the unmistakable strung-out complex of buildings comprising “La Clusaz”, which have been lovingly restructured by the present owners. The main facade was decorated by a distinguished local artist, who also created some of the art works on display inside the premises, the aim being to combine ancient and modern, tradition and innovation, in all aspects of the inn, including its decor and furnishings.

The Valley of the Great St. Bernard is a fascinating area, of great historical interest, a grandiose natural setting of woodland and countryside that changes with the seasons. In the surrounding villages, characterized by rascards (wooden chalet-style farmhouses) and other historic buildings, time seems magically to have stood still, preserving the area’s ancient rural way of life.

Historical background

In the time of the Celts, the road beside which La Clusaz stands was just a track. It later became a great Roman road leading to Switzerland and Germany. The "Mons Jovis", as the Romans called the Great St. Bernard Pass, was the most important crossing point of the Alps. For this reason, it was the site of a temple at which soldiers and travellers could offer sacrifices to gain the favour of the gods for their journey. 
The Roman legions passed this way, as did the armies of Charlemagne and, centuries later, the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte, who in 1800 crossed the Great St. Bernard Pass to win a famous victory at Marengo. 

Around 1050, Bernardo di Mentone, vicar general of Aosta diocese, built a hospice at the pass that now bears his name to offer refuge and assistance to pilgrims and travellers. The hospice was run by Augustinian monks, who have faithfully continued to perform this task right up to the present day. The hospice has been altered and extended many times over the centuries, but is still a place of peace and prayer for travellers wanting to benefit from its atmosphere of quiet contemplation.

In their work of succouring travellers, the monks had a great ally in the St. Bernard dog, the very symbol of loyalty and faithfulness. A powerfully built animal, hardy and of excellent temperament, the St. Bernard was trained to seek out travellers who had lost their way or been buried in snow as a result of avalanches. Although modern rescue methods are now used, including helicopters, and lighter-built dogs are preferred, the monks continue to raise St. Bernards, following a rigorous breeding programme. The dogs spend the winter at Martigny but are brought up to the pass in the summer months, to the delight of the many tourists who come to see them each year.

This ancient tradition of hospitality in the Valley of the Great St. Bernard is reflected in the history of “La Clusaz". It is first mentioned in the 12th century and there are documents dating from 1140 which refer to the inn as a place of refuge and refreshment for travellers and pilgrims crossing the Great St. Bernard Pass. 
In 1820, the inn lost its original role when it was sold to Nicola Gerbore, who transformed it into a farm and demolished the old chapel. The building subsequently underwent many alterations. Bearing witness to the building’s original charitable foundation, an iron plaque is displayed above the fireplace in the dining room, bearing the arms of the 18th-century vicar general of Aosta, René Ribitel.

Fortunately, in 1925 Graziano Grange – grandfather of Maurizio, who now runs the inn together with his partner Sevi Math, – acquired “La Clusaz”, built the present farmhouse and restored it to its original function, providing food, drink and hospitality. 

Since then, the Grange family has worked with dedication and enthusiasm to offer their guests the warm welcome that travellers in centuries past encountered within these walls. 

A tour of the premises

The Inn/Restaurant of La Clusaz offers a warm and friendly welcome, its calm and understated atmosphere set off by the charm of subtle colours and lighting, and artefacts that recall our historic tradition. Let us take you on a tour to investigate the two different functions of La Clusaz, as both Inn and Restaurant.

The Restaurant consists of two dining rooms, housed in the part of the building formerly frequented by travellers and pilgrims in search of refreshment. The spectacular stone vaulting is elegantly and softly lit to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The two dining areas have different roles: the first is quieter and more intimate, ideal for a relaxed meal with friends, seating a maximum of thirty people. The second, which is slightly larger and simpler in its furnishings, lends itself to small-scale events, banquets, private parties and weddings.

The Restaurant offers two set menus – Traditional and Seasonal – which vary to some extent with the changing seasons. The kitchen staff at La Clusaz bring all their skills to bear in developing the culinary heritage of the Aosta Valley. Their aim is to create a happy marriage of tradition and innovation, as they engage in constant research and experimentation.

When you have finished your meal, linger in front of the open fire in our sitting/reading room or, in the summer months, enjoy the cool of our sun terrace. Alternatively, you can cultivate your knowledge of our local wines by visiting our cellar, with its stone vaulting and massive walls. It contains a great wealth of wines, all carefully selected by Maurizio.

If you have decided to stay at the Inn, we have fourteen bedrooms on the upper floor of the building, following a painstaking restructuring of the dormitories used by travellers in centuries past. Each room has been lovingly furnished and decorated with your peace and comfort in mind. There are three categories of room: “Relax”, “Panorama” and “Ambiente”, each with its own distinguishing features.

The Inn’s owners, Maurizio Grange and Sevi Math, will provide you with all the information and documentation you need to explore the Aosta Valley and discover our little region, which, in addition to its traditions, history and beautiful natural setting, provides sports and entertainment facilities.