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A recommended rucksack companion for flower lovers is the Cicerone pocket guide Alpine Flowers (2014), while Grey-Wilson and Blamey's Alpine Flowers of Britain and Europe (Harper Collins, 1995) is the perfect reference book at home.

Local traditions

It is worth mentioning the kaleidoscope of cultural events on offer in the region. In addition to the numerous castles in the main Valle d'Aosta, the most characteristic tourist attractions are the unusual ‘Battailles des Reines’. Probably traceable back to prehistoric times, they involve two enormous pregnant cows engaged in (bloodless) battle, for the honour of being decorated ‘Queen’. Each competitor has already established herself as best milker-cum-battler at the head of a herd. Emotional local tournaments involving entire villages start in March and the grand finale is the Regiona Championship held late October in Aosta. Copies of the ‘calendrier des combats’ (open to all) are available from tourist offices. The practice is also extended to goats with the ‘Bataille des Tzevres’ held in Valgrisenche in September.