The origins of
Breuil-Cervinia date back more than two hundred
years ago, when uncontaminated nature dominated
the area at the foot of the Cervino, and the Breuil basin
was an immense Alpine pasture which could only be reached
after walking for hours.
“Breuil”
in patois means “land
of much water”, indicating the numerous lakes
and rivers that characterised this area. An enormous green
meadow in summer, transformed into an endless
stretch of snow
in winter, in which silence and peace were interrupted only
by the roar of avalanches.
The majestic beauty of the mountain and the landscape has
encouraged mountaineers and intellectuals over the years
to tackle the paths that led to Breuil. The village was
at least two day’s travel from Chatillon, on foot or
on the back of a mule, stopping off in Valtournenche to
rest and perhaps to make an arrangement with a guide for
the following day, to reach Breuil safely.
