5 Reasons to Visit Piedmont in Italy

5 Reasons to Visit Piedmont in Italy

5 Reasons to Visit Piedmont in Italy

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Located in the northwest of Italy, on the border with France and Switzerland, the Piedmont region attracts visitors seeking authenticity!

Located in the northwest of Italy, on the border with France and Switzerland, the Piedmont region attracts visitors seeking authenticity! A land of renowned vineyards famous for its picturesque landscapes, prestigious wines and exceptional gastronomy, the Piedmont region is also home to numerous historical treasures. All reasons that make Piedmont an absolute must-discover region during a trip to Italy!

1. Discover the unique architecture of Turin

  5 Reasons to Visit Piedmont in Italy  

It is impossible to visit the Piedmont region without passing through Turin. Once the capital of the Duchy of Savoy, the Kingdom of Sicily and the Kingdom of Sardinia, the city of Turin boasts incredible historical and cultural wealth. You will discover numerous baroque churches, majestic palaces, world-renowned museums and a lively nightlife. Among the architectural sites not to miss during a visit to Turin are the superb residential complexes built by the House of Savoy, Valentino Castle, Turin's Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama, and Turin's Royal Library.

Just 15 km from the city, stop by Rivoli where you will find Rivoli Castle, which now houses the Museum of Contemporary Art, and continue to Borgo Uriola where you will discover sublime colorful and flowered houses.

2. Get lost in the charming villages of the Langhe region

    5 Reasons to Visit Piedmont in Italy  

After discovering the urban life of Piedmont, you can continue your journey through the Langhe region. Located in the heart of Piedmont, this collection of villages is renowned for its castles, centuries-old vineyards and gastronomic traditions. You will be charmed by these many charming hamlets where the sweetness of life is intoxicating and where you can undertake numerous hiking trails to discover picturesque landscapes and remnants from medieval times.

To name just a few, we recommend the unmissable Alba, La Morra, Barbaresco, Barolo, Neive, Castiglione d'Alba, Novello, Ostana, Bra, Cherasco, Canelli... As for castles, Serralunga d'Alba Castle, the Castle of the Alfieri, the Grinzane Cavour manor, and Barolo Castle are among the must-sees not to miss during a trip through Piedmont.

3. Taste legendary wines

  5 Reasons to Visit Piedmont in Italy  

While the wine-growing landscapes of the Piedmont region are a sight to behold, they are above all the delight of wine enthusiasts! Often compared to Burgundy for its terroirs, the Langhe region is home to some of Italy's most prestigious vineyards. You can visit artisanal cellars and taste the best wines of the region, where winemaking is a traditional craft dating back several centuries.

In total, the region has 42 DOC and 17 DOCG designations, the most renowned being Barolo and Barbaresco. For those who prefer bubbles, you can also taste the famous sparkling wines of Asti, which also have Protected Designation of Origin status. In any case, whether you like white wine, red wine or sparkling wines, you will definitely find your perfect match in Piedmont!

Note: In addition to vineyard visits, you can learn more about the region's wines by visiting the Museo Ratti di Vini wine museum in Alba, located in the cellar of the Benedictine monastery at La Morra.

4. Savor exceptional gastronomy

  5 Reasons to Visit Piedmont in Italy  

Attention all food lovers, the Piedmont region is not famous only for its wines, it is also known for its incredible gastronomy! Starting with the city of Alba, renowned for its precious white and black truffles. This is the perfect opportunity to venture out with a forest guide to learn how to find and delicately harvest them (during the autumn season).

The region is also famous for its hazelnut groves that produce hazelnuts from the AOC "Tonda Gentile delle Langhe," renowned for their sweetness. It is no coincidence that the Ferrero brand was born in Alba. When it comes to cheeses, it is the province of Cuneo that attracts connoisseurs who can savor cheeses with protected origin status such as Bra cheese, raschera, robiola, castelmagno, and Piedmont tomme.

Did you know? It was in the heart of the Piedmont region, in the city of Bra, that the Slow Food movement was born. As a true counterpoint to fast food, this movement advocates for food that is "good, clean and fair," designed to be respectful of local terroirs, biodiversity and traditions!

5. Hike through wild spaces

  5 Reasons to Visit Piedmont in Italy  

For nature lovers, the Piedmont region encompasses several natural parks to discover through treks and hiking trails. Among them, you can find the Grand Paradis National Park, Italy's oldest national park. You can go hiking in search of wildlife (including ibex, chamois, birds of prey and lynx) but also enjoy rock climbing, alpine skiing and snowshoe hikes! As for Val Grande, it is one of the largest natural parks in Europe and one of the best transalpine areas for trekking.

In addition to the parks, you can recharge your batteries along the shores of Piedmont's lakes such as Lake Maggiore and its Borromean and Brissago islands, or at Lake Orta, whose surrounding spruce and chestnut forests make it a true haven of peace!

Discover all the riches of Piedmont through our gastronomic hiking circuit in Piedmont.

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Frequently asked questions

Piedmont is best visited in spring (April-June) for lush landscapes and mild temperatures, or in autumn (September-November) for the grape harvest and Alba's white truffle fair. Winter is also attractive for mountain sports enthusiasts.

From Paris, you can reach Turin by TGV in approximately 5.5 hours via direct connection, or by plane via Turin-Caselle airport. By car from Nice or Lyon, expect approximately 2 and 3 hours respectively via Alpine passes or tunnels.

Piedmont is Italy's capital for great red wines. Barolo and Barbaresco, both classified as DOCG, are the most renowned. For those who prefer sparkling wine, Asti Spumante is a must-try. The region has a total of 42 DOC and 17 DOCG designations.

Piedmont is a paradise for food lovers: don't miss Alba's white truffle, Tonda Gentile delle Langhe hazelnuts, local cheeses (raschera, castelmagno, robiola) and tajarin, these typical fresh Piedmont pasta. All accompanied, of course, with a glass of Barolo!

Piedmont is home to several remarkable natural areas, including the Grand Paradis National Park, Italy's oldest national park, ideal for observing ibex and chamois. Val Grande is one of Europe's largest natural parks, perfect for trekking and hiking.

A stay of 5 to 7 days is ideal for discovering the highlights of Piedmont: 2 days in Turin for architecture and museums, 2 to 3 days in the Langhe for vineyards and charming villages, and 1 to 2 days in natural parks for hiking.

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