The tiny reality of Rhemes Notre-Dame

Rhemes Notre-Dame is a very small town in the Aosta Valley, the one that has the least number of inhabitants. According to ISTAT data of 2016, in fact, its inhabitants were only 88. This center is located at 1725 meters above sea level, in a natural setting of great beauty. It overlooks a valley dominated by mountains, and the most notable peak is that of Granta Parey, which is part of the Graian Alps. The character of the people has been determined over time by the harsh living conditions. The place is almost inaccessible in winter, which lasts six months and is very rigid. In the past, agriculture and pastoralism lived here and in the hamlets. In the hamlets there were always a mill and an oven to make rye bread. Today, however, the economy is mainly based on tourism. Not far from Rhemes Notre-Dame, which owes its name to the dedication to the Madonna, there is a suggestive lake, the Pellaud. Lake Pellaud is frozen over in winter while in spring it is home to migratory birds. Here there was a mill, now converted into a power station.