Go up along the river Dranse de Bagnes and you’ll come across villages with lilting names. Bagnes patois is still spoken here in some of the traditional homes. Lourtier, Fionnay, Sarreyer and Bonatchiesse, as well as being little corners of paradise, are perfect places where you can forget time and indulge in slow food. A preserved natural landscape containing several nationally protected areas, the Haut Val de Bagnes is home to some exceptional alpine flora and numerous animal species. Right at the bottom of the valley, where the road ends, is the majestic Mauvoisin dam, the last trace of civilisation before you get to Italy. Beyond that, you’re in the territory of great alpine tours such as the E-Tour du Mont-Blanc. Are you longing for the great outdoors? You can get to the Cabane FXB Panossière mountain hut via the Corbassière glacier in the Massif des Combins (4,314 m) with its dizzying 210-metre long footbridge, suspended 70 metres above the ground. Or set off on one of the many itineraries in the area on foot or by bike.