Susa
A small town at the crossroads of the Mont-Cenis and Montgenèvre routes, Susa was already a stopover in Roman times: the Arch of Augustus (9–8 BC), the remains of the amphitheatre, the Porta Savoia and the baths bear witness. The medieval centre has the cathedral of San Giusto (11th century), the castle of Countess Adelaide and squares with cafés. Market on Tuesday mornings ([[À COMPLÉTER PAR SAM]] : à confirmer).
Novalesa Abbey
Ten minutes from Susa, at the foot of the Mont-Cenis climb, the Benedictine abbey of Novalesa was founded in 726. Charlemagne stopped there; its Romanesque chapels preserve 11th-century frescoes on the life of Saint Eldrad. Monks still live there and offer guided visits and an ancient-book restoration workshop.
Practical information
- By road: about 1 hour via the Fréjus tunnel and the Susa valley. In summer, you can return via the Mont-Cenis pass (a magnificent loop, see our page).
- Abbey visits at set times: check the timetable before you come.
- Easy parking on the outskirts of Susa; the centre can be visited on foot in an hour.