Val di Susa — History & Attractions
The Val di Susa is one of the most historically significant valleys in the Alps — the main overland route between Turin and France for millennia. Roman armies, medieval pilgrims and Napoleon's troops all passed through here. The valley below Sauze d'Oulx rewards exploration.
The valley
The Val di Susa runs from Turin in the east to the French border (Col du Montgenèvre, 1,854m) in the west. Sauze d'Oulx sits on the south-facing slopes above the upper valley, approximately 76km from Turin via the A32 autostrada.
The valley has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times, and its strategic importance as the gateway to France from Turin has left an exceptional concentration of historical sites — Roman roads, medieval castles, Romanesque churches and baroque fortifications.
The valley town of Susa (the capital of the valley) is worth an afternoon — a compact historic centre with a Roman arch, cathedral and excellent local restaurants.
Key attractions
Sacra di San Michele
Sant'Ambrogio di Torino · ~45km from Sauze d'Oulx · approx. 45 minutes by car
A Benedictine abbey dramatically built into a rocky spur above the lower Val di Susa at around 960m. Founded in the late 10th or early 11th century, the Sacra di San Michele was one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in medieval Europe — on the route from Canterbury to Rome.
The abbey is the symbol of the Piedmont region and reportedly the inspiration for Umberto Eco's novel The Name of the Rose. The building is extraordinary — carved into the living rock, with a famous staircase climbing through the interior of the mountain before emerging into the church.
sacradisanmichele.com →Susa — Roman town
Susa · ~25km from Sauze d'Oulx · approx. 25 minutes by car
The town of Susa (Roman name: Segusio) was an important Roman settlement on the road to Gaul. Significant Roman remains survive in the town centre — most notably the Arco di Augusto (Arch of Augustus), built around 8 BC, and sections of the Roman city walls.
The town also has a Romanesque cathedral (11th–12th century) and a good weekly market. Worth combining with a visit to the Sacra di San Michele for a full day out.
Avigliana Lakes
Avigliana · ~50km from Sauze d'Oulx · approx. 50 minutes by car
Two natural glacial lakes at the eastern entrance to the Val di Susa, surrounded by a protected nature reserve. Popular for walking, cycling, swimming and birdwatching in summer. The medieval village of Avigliana overlooks the lakes from a hilltop.
The lakes are an easy and scenic half-day trip — particularly pleasant in summer as a contrast to the higher mountain terrain.
Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park
Near Salbertrand · ~15km from Sauze d'Oulx
A protected natural park covering approximately 3,770 hectares of mountain forest and alpine meadows within the Val di Susa. One of the most significant remaining old-growth forests in the Alps, with ancient larch, fir and pine woodland.
Excellent for hiking and nature walks. Marked trails at various difficulty levels. The park is accessible by car from the valley road — visitor information at parcomonviso.eu.
Getting around the valley
By car: Most flexible — a car allows you to combine multiple valley sites in a single day. The A32 autostrada runs the length of the valley (toll charges apply). Many valley roads are the old SS24 state road which is free.
By train: Oulx station (~10km from Sauze d'Oulx) is on the Turin–Lyon line, with regular services stopping at Susa and continuing to Turin. Good for reaching Susa town or Turin; less useful for the Sacra di San Michele (which requires a car or organised tour).
Car hire: Available at Turin Airport. See our car hire guide.
Guided Tours in the Val di Susa
From guided visits to the Sacra di San Michele to half-day valley excursions — browse organised tours from local guides covering the valley's highlights.
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