Province of Cuneo

Monviso

Is it a pyramid? Is it a mirage? No, it is Monviso! At 3,841 meters above sea level and with the distinctive shape of its summit, the highest peak in the Cottian Alps dominates the surrounding landscape and is visible even from the Po Valley. Monviso is also the heart of two natural parks: the Monviso Park in Italy and the Queyras Regional Nature Park in France. And of course it is a heavenly place for mountain enthusiasts. The verdant Pian del Re (where the source of the Po River is located) and Pian della Regina are an excellent starting point for climbing the peaks of the Monviso group, such as Punta Roma and Viso Mozzo, or for excursions to discover other natural beauties, such as the four lakes on the north side or the Vallone dei Quarti. On the other hand, those who want to climb the summit of Monviso and enjoy spectacular views from the top can tackle the long and challenging normal route.

If you want to be sure to appreciate all the beauty the area has to offer, you can take the Grand Tour of Monviso, a high-altitude, multi-day hike that is among the most spectacular in Europe. An interesting detour leads to Colle delle Traversette, on the border with France, and the Buco di Viso, the first alpine tunnel in history.

The main valleys

In addition to the Po Valley, which, as its name suggests, is home to the source of the Po, the mountainous part of the province of Cuneo is divided into several fascinating valleys, which offer numerous trails to be explored on foot, by bicycle or on horseback:

• the Varaita Valley, rich in natural and architectural treasures, can be explored thanks to a series of trails that make up a 12-stage itinerary.
• in the Stura di Demonte Valley are the beautiful lakes of Roburent and the lake of San Bernolfo.
• the Gesso Valley, part of the Maritime Alps, is home to challenging trails among lush forests, alpine lakes, such as those of Valscura, and rugged peaks, for example Mount Argentera.
• The Pesio and Tanaro Valleys, on the other hand, are home to the Marguareis Natural Park, a natural paradise that owes its name to Punta Marguareis, the highest peak in the Ligurian Alps. Here you can admire the most important karst phenomena in the Western Alps. The park's views can also be admired by riding the beautiful Ciclovia del Duca mountain bike trail. The Pesio Valley is also home to the fascinating Bossea Cave.

But the most beautiful valley is probably the Maira Valley (or Val Maira), which, being rather isolated, has been able to preserve its authenticity. Here it is possible to immerse oneself in an almost completely unspoiled nature, among alpine lakes, high peaks and flowering meadows. The trail dedicated to mountaineer Dino Icardi passes through some of the wildest and most spectacular places in the Maira Valley. The 15-stage "Occitan Paths" itinerary, on the other hand, allows visitors to explore the valley's Occitan culture and traditions. Mountain bikers have as many as 21 bike routes at their disposal. For the more experienced, we recommend the difficult tour of Mount Oronaye or the scenic Cannon Road, used in the past to transport war material.

One place in the Maira Valley that deserves special mention is the Gardetta Plateau, a wonderful plain surrounded by peaks, some so rugged as to resemble those of the Dolomites, for example Rocca La Meja. The Gardetta has a wealth of traces dating from various geological eras, for which it can boast the title of Italian Geological Heritage Site, and is an ideal destination for hikers and mountain bikers.

Champion climbs

Those who can't resist the lure of road biking have an easy choice in the Cuneo Alps, for here are some of the most beautiful and challenging climbs in the Western Alps, as well as longer or scenic routes. Colle dell'Agnello, one of the highest carriageable hills in Europe, was made famous by the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. Colle Fauniera, in the Grana Valley, also owes its fame to the Giro d'Italia (a statue of Marco Pantani stands at the top), and the very tough climb repays with spectacular views of the Maritime Alps. Those who prefer to ride in a less man-made landscape should choose the splendid Colle della Lombarda. Two other very beautiful and by no means easy climbs are those leading to Colle Valcavera and Colle d'Esischie.

Rock, water and air

Fancy some strong emotions? The mountains in the province of Cuneo promise plenty of them! For keen climbers, you'll be spoiled for choice; in fact, peaks such as Rocca la Meja, Rocca Castello, Rocca Provenzale, and Corno Stella offer plenty of climbing routes in which to indulge. Water lovers can go rafting, canorafting and canyoning on the Stura River in the valley of the same name, as well as a more relaxing canoe or kayak ride. Those who, on the other hand, want to admire the area from above by paragliding or hang gliding will find fantastic take-off spots in most of the province's valleys.

Not only nature and food and wine, but also history and culture: Cuneo itself offers visitors several tourist attractions, including the historic center with elegant palaces and arcades, splendid churches, the civic tower, the old Jewish ghetto, and the monumental complex of San Francesco, which houses the Cuneo Civic Museum. But the province is full of places that are definitely worth a visit, such as the towns of Saluzzo, Mondovì, famous for its sundials and annual gathering of hot air balloons, and Bra, in the Roero area, a pearl of Piedmontese Baroque. In the Langhe there is Alba, once known as the "city of a hundred towers" (today few remain), but also many picturesque villages, such as Nieve, Murazzano, Monforte d'Alba and Diano d'Alba. Those who prefer more alpine charm will instead appreciate mountain villages such as Garessio, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Maritime Alps," tiny Chianale, and Vernante, with its museum and murals inspired by the adventures of Pinocchio.

Among the places to visit in the province are:

• the interesting archaeological areas
• the beautiful monumental complexes, such as the Staffarda Abbey, the Vicoforte Sanctuary and the Sanctuary of Sant'Anna di Vinadio, the highest in all of Europe
• the Fort of Vinadio
• the four Savoy residences: Racconigi Castle, Pollenzo Castle, Govone Castle and Valcasotto Castle
• the eight castles of the Langhe, including those of Grinzane Cavour and Serralunga d'Alba
• the Filatoio Rosso spinning mill in Caraglio, the oldest silk mill now remaining in Europe, which now houses the Silk Museum

As a fitting conclusion to an outdoor day, excellent typical Cuneo and Piedmontese cuisine awaits you, with delicious and authentic dishes. Among the products that can be tasted in this province are: the white truffle of Alba, various cured meats and cheeses (e.g., prosciutto crudo di Cuneo DOP, Castelmagno DOP cheese, toma or robiola), the Madernassa pear, typical of the Roero, and the Nocciola Tonda Gentile delle Langhe. Typical wines of the area are Barolo DOCG, the "king of wines," Alta Langa DOCG (sparkling wine), Asti DOCG, Barbaresco DOCG, Nebbiolo d'Alba DOC and Roero DOCG.

But why not combine the outdoor activity with a tasting of the best local products? In fact, there are numerous food and wine and thematic itineraries, including the four WineTours of Roero, which can be traveled on foot, MTB or ebike, and the Trifolao Trail.