The link between Italy and the Maurienne Valley: a centuries-old story
- sitelittleitalyfes
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Did you know that the Maurienne Valley, in the heart of the French Alps, has always been a strategic crossroads between France and Italy ?
Long before transalpine trains linked Lyon to Turin, traders, travelers and craftsmen crossed these mountains , forging lasting cultural and economic links between the two countries.
A historic corridor between two cultures
From Roman times to the Middle Ages, the Maurienne Valley was a major thoroughfare for trade and cultural exchange between Italy and France. The roads crossing the valley facilitated:
The circulation of Italian goods such as wine, cheese, fabrics and spices.
The settlement of Italian craftsmen in the valley, influencing local architecture and traditional know-how.
The organization of cross-border markets, where residents could discover products and traditions from Italy.
These exchanges forged a common cultural heritage , still visible today in gastronomy, music and local crafts.
Modernity reinforces this link
Today, with the arrival of the future Transalpine rail tunnel and the international station in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, the valley is positioning itself as the new European crossroads between France and Italy . This strategic development reactivates an old link and gives the Maurienne a central place in cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries.
It is in this historical context that the Little Italy Festival 2026 takes on its full meaning: a festival rooted in the Maurienne , but with an international ambition, celebrating the best of Italian culture, music and gastronomy .
A unique cultural and musical experience
The festival offers:
Exceptional concerts with Mika, Alfa and the legends of Italo Disco , symbols of the cultural link between France and Italy.
A Franco-Italian village where Italian gastronomy and artisanal products are showcased.
Immersive activities that allow visitors to experience Italy in the heart of the Maurienne .
Each note, each dish and each animation is an invitation to discover or rediscover the historical link between Italy and the valley .
Don't miss this unique event
The Little Italy Festival is more than just a festival: it is a living celebration of Italian heritage and its influence in Maurienne .
Early Bird tickets are selling fast!
Book now to experience this unforgettable cultural and musical event: https://www.little-italy-festival.com/billetterie
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