The village of Graines, located at 1375 meters and best known for its castle, is located in the lower Val d'Ayas a short distance from Brusson.
From Graines start several paths, some very panoramic, including the number 8 for Fenilliaz, the 9 for the Frudiera Pass, the 9A for the Ranzola Pass, the 9B for the Garda Pass. The village of Graines can be reached by car via the highway 506, at Arcesaz take the junction for Curien and continue to the village.
Graines has a rich and very ancient history. In ancient times, the castle’s strategic location made it possible to communicate visually with the Bonot tower, the Villa castle in Challand-Saint-Victor and the valley floor. The castle is located on the top of a cliff, at the entrance of the Freudière valley, in a position to control the entire Ayas Valley and access to the upper Gressoney Valley.
The castle can now be visited after the long conservative restoration, which has protected and preserved the most endangered areas of the ancient castle, its chapel, the walls. The area can now be visited in safety, accompanied by several posters.