Beaulard, also known as Belardi in Italian, is a small, picturesque village and frazione (hamlet) of the comune of Oulx, located in the Metropolitan City of Turin, in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. Nestled in the Upper Susa Valley at an elevation of 1,175 meters (3,855 feet) along the Dora di Bardonecchia river, Beaulard is a tranquil destination framed by the dramatic peaks of the Grand’Hoche and Punta Clotesse mountains. This charming village blends a rich historical and cultural heritage with a stunning natural setting, making it a haven for tourists seeking both relaxation and outdoor adventure.
Beaulard is situated in the heart of the Upper Susa Valley, a region
known for its alpine beauty and strategic location near the French
border. The village lies in the valley bottom, along the banks of the
Dora di Bardonecchia, a tributary of the Dora Riparia river. Its
position at the foot of towering mountains, including the Grand’Hoche
and Punta Clotesse, creates a stunning backdrop and offers easy access
to a variety of outdoor activities. The nearby Puy Beaulard reserve, a
462-hectare forested area, is renowned for its rich biodiversity,
featuring a wide variety of flora and fauna. This reserve is accessible
via a two-hour hike from a trailhead near Beaulard’s railway station,
making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
The
village is well-connected despite its remote feel. Beaulard has a
railway station on the Turin-Bardonecchia line, providing convenient
access to nearby towns like Oulx (5 minutes by train or 10 minutes by
car or bus) and Bardonecchia. A pedestrian and cycling path, known as
the Sentiero Natura, links Beaulard with Oulx and Bardonecchia, while
the Sentiero del Balcone trail offers a scenic 90-minute walk from Oulx
to Beaulard. The village itself is best explored on foot, though some
steep slopes require sturdy footwear.
Beaulard’s history stretches back over a millennium, with evidence of
human settlement predating the Roman era. The name “Beaulard” is
believed to derive from the Belaci, an ancient Celtic-Ligurian tribe
that inhabited the Bardonecchia valley before Roman conquest. Their name
is inscribed on the Augustus Arch in Susa, built in 9 BCE, suggesting
the area’s significance in antiquity.
The earliest documented
reference to Beaulard dates to 1065, when its chapel was listed among 40
churches donated by the Bishop of Turin, Cuniberto, to the diocese of
San Lorenzo d’Oulx. Throughout the Middle Ages, Beaulard was shaped by
the broader history of the Susa Valley, experiencing Roman rule,
Frankish influence, and the presence of monks from the Novalesa Abbey.
The valley also faced incursions by Saracen raiders, who were expelled
around the year 1000 by Arduino il Glabro, the Marquis of Turin.
From the 11th century, Beaulard fell under the control of the Counts of
Albon, known as the Delfini. In 1343, Umberto II, the last Delfini heir,
granted the communities of the Grande Escarton (a semi-autonomous alpine
region) the right to manage their own tributes. By 1349, these
territories were ceded to the French crown, remaining under French rule
until 1713, when the Treaty of Utrecht transferred the Upper Susa and
Chisone valleys to the House of Savoy. Beaulard’s history is marked by
its role as a crossroads for armies and travelers crossing the Alps,
which brought both destruction and cultural exchange, contributing to
the valley’s unique artistic and linguistic heritage.
Beaulard
was an independent commune until 1928, when it was incorporated into the
comune of Oulx. During the 20th century, it gained prominence as a
winter sports destination, boasting a small ski resort with five lifts
at its peak. However, the resort closed in the mid-1990s following the
bankruptcy of the operating company. Today, Beaulard is focused on
preserving its cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism.
Beaulard’s historic center is a treasure trove of cultural and
architectural heritage, with several notable landmarks:
Church of
San Michele Arcangelo:
One of the oldest churches in the Upper Susa
Valley, this Romanesque gem dates to the early 11th century. Despite
modifications in the 15th century and during the Baroque period, its
original structure remains largely intact. The church houses a cycle of
frescoes from 1480–1490, depicting the Eternal in a mandorla, the Twelve
Apostles, and the symbols of the four Evangelists. A stone baptismal
font from 1501 is another highlight. The church stands as a testament to
Beaulard’s medieval roots and its significance within the region’s
religious history.
Restored Village Bakery:
Beaulard’s ancient
bakery, recently restored, is a focal point for local traditions. During
the Christmas season, it hosts a traditional handmade Occitan nativity
scene, a cultural highlight that draws visitors and celebrates the
village’s Occitan heritage. This initiative is part of broader efforts
by the local Associazione Agricola Turistica to revive Beaulard’s
customs.
Château-Beaulard (Castel Belardi):
Located 3
kilometers from Beaulard at an elevation of 1,387 meters, this nearby
frazione is home to the Church of San Bartolomeo Apostolo, built in
1493. The church features a Delfini-style bell tower, a sculpted portal
from 1690, and a painted lunette depicting the Deposition of Christ.
Château-Beaulard also has a small mountain museum housed in a former
school, showcasing the region’s alpine heritage. The village is situated
near “Il Forte,” a rocky outcrop where a fort was built in 1593 to
control the Upper Susa Valley, though it was abandoned by 1610.
Occitan Heritage:
Beaulard is part of the Occitan cultural sphere,
and efforts are underway to preserve the Patouà, the ancient Occitan
language spoken in the region. The village’s linguistic and cultural
traditions are celebrated through local exhibitions and festivals,
fostering a sense of identity among residents and visitors.
Joseph Chalier Connection:
Beaulard is the birthplace of Joseph
Chalier (1747–1793), a prominent figure in the French Revolution.
Chalier, a radical Jacobin, was executed in 1793 during the Reign of
Terror. His legacy adds a layer of historical intrigue to the village’s
story.
Beaulard’s alpine setting makes it a paradise for outdoor
enthusiasts, with a range of activities available year-round:
Hiking and Trekking:
Beaulard is a gateway to numerous hiking trails,
many of which follow historic mule tracks once used by partisans during
World War II. A popular route starts near the Dora di Bardonecchia
bridge and leads to the Puy Beaulard reserve, a two-hour hike through
diverse forest ecosystems. Other trails connect Beaulard to nearby
villages, refuges (such as Rifugio Guido Rey), and peaks like Punta
Colomion and Passo della Mulattiera. The Sentiero Balcone and Sentiero
Natura offer gentler options for casual walkers and cyclists.
Cycling:
The region is a hub for cyclo-tourism, with routes ranging
from paved roads to challenging off-road trails. A notable loop starts
in Beaulard, ascends to Borgata Puys, and continues to Punta Colomion,
where cyclists can enjoy panoramic views and a meal at a mountaintop
restaurant.
Winter Activities:
Although Beaulard’s ski resort
closed in the 1990s, the village remains a base for winter sports
enthusiasts. Nearby Bardonecchia offers modern ski facilities, and
Beaulard’s trails are suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing,
particularly with the aid of crampons or snow chains in snowy
conditions.
Camping:
The Campeggio di Beaulard, established in
the 1970s and managed by Orsa s.r.l. since 2012, is nestled in a scenic
pine forest at the foot of the Grand’Hoche and Guglia d’Arbour peaks.
The campground offers traditional tent sites, mobile homes, and pods,
emphasizing relaxation and immersion in nature. Its mission is to
provide an authentic alpine experience, making it a popular choice for
families and outdoor lovers.
Today, Beaulard is a quiet tourist destination that prioritizes
tranquility and the preservation of its cultural and natural heritage.
The village has shifted from its past as a winter sports hub to a focus
on sustainable tourism, with initiatives led by the Associazione
Agricola Turistica. These include:
Cultural Revitalization:
Events and exhibitions highlight local traditions, such as the Occitan
nativity scene and research into the Patouà language. The restoration of
historic buildings, like the village bakery, underscores Beaulard’s
commitment to its past.
Trail Maintenance:
Local groups
maintain hiking and cycling paths, ensuring accessibility and safety for
visitors. A small itinerary through Beaulard’s old borough introduces
tourists to its fountains, architecture, and history.
FAI
Recognition:
Beaulard and nearby Château-Beaulard have been nominated
in the Fondo Ambiente Italiano’s (FAI) “I Luoghi del Cuore” census, a
campaign to protect Italy’s cherished places. In 2024, Beaulard ranked
771st with 5 votes, reflecting community pride in its heritage.
Château-Beaulard is also celebrated for its scenic beauty and historical
significance.
Accommodations:
Beaulard offers a range of
lodging options, from hotels and vacation rentals to the aforementioned
campground. Tripadvisor reviews highlight the village’s appeal, with 335
traveler ratings praising its hotels, restaurants, and attractions.