Argomenti trattati
Have you ever found yourself longing for those idyllic vacations, even while they’re still in full swing? As the sky shifts to softer hues, the arrival of autumn beckons us to explore new horizons in breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re nestled under an umbrella on a sun-kissed beach or cozied up at home, let’s whisk you away to a different September—one brimming with adventures, ready to be embraced with the gentle breezes of this enchanting season.
The Allure of September in Piedmont
September marks the start of regenerative journeys—those cherished escapes that truly feel like a vacation. It’s the perfect time for small getaways that help you rediscover beauty just a stone’s throw from home. Late summer in Piedmont greets you with open arms, free from the usual crowds. Here, you’ll find a tranquil atmosphere filled with crisp air, shifting colors, and a soothing sense of peace that only nature can provide.
What makes Piedmont so captivating? Just a few hours from Milan, Turin, or Genoa, a world of mountains unfolds, each with its own captivating story. The project “A Mountain of Experiences” unites eight tourist consortia—Valle Maira, Conitours, Bardonecchia, Fortur, Valli di Lanzo, Valli del Canavese, Alpi Biellesi, and Valsesia Monterosa—under a simple yet profound idea: to promote sustainable tourism. Each of these territories offers a unique way to experience the mountains, all tied together by a philosophy rooted in authenticity, warmth, and a discreet luxury that comes from genuine hospitality.
Food and Nature: A Perfect Harmony
The true luxury lies in waking up to peaks painted in soft pinks, savoring cheeses crafted in time-honored ways, and listening to producers share their heartfelt stories. It’s about valuing history and identity, reminding us of the rich tapestry our plates weave. Imagine walking along the Occitan Paths, where late summer ignites the larches with golden reflections. Before you, 180 kilometers of trails await, spread across 14 stages, winding through timeless villages that safeguard ancient cultures.
Start your trek in Valle Maira, where you can begin your adventure in Dronero, famous for its Devil’s Bridge and historic mansions. Here, outdoor enthusiasts can explore a network of hiking trails, discover mountain biking routes, or challenge themselves on climbing walls. Covering approximately 45 kilometers, your journey culminates at Chiappera, marked by the impressive Rocca Provenzale Castle and traditional slate roofs that define the region.
This area is not just about outdoor activities; it also offers an authentic culinary experience. Instead of Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll find dishes crafted from precious local ingredients—vegetables from nearby gardens, cheeses that reflect the essence of pastoral life, and herbs that carry the fragrance of the mountains. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting soft hues across the sky, you’ll find your refuge feels like a true retreat, allowing you to unplug and reconnect with nature.
Exploring Cultural Riches and Natural Wonders
Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy’s oldest, opens its arms to reveal the truest form of nature in September. Here, ibex roam freely, golden eagles soar above, and the profound silence invites you to feel the vibrations of the environment around you. Along the Sentiero Italia CAI, you might spot chamois, marmots, and griffon vultures as you traverse the Valchiusella and Dora Baltea valleys.
In Canavese, the Sentiero Italia intersects with the Grand Traverse of the Alps, connecting with the Alta Via Canavesana and the Giroparco Gran Paradiso, leading you along wild trails from Settimo Vittone to Traversella. This outdoor paradise doesn’t require expert climbing skills; it features family-friendly paths that allow everyone to appreciate the landscape’s beauty, even as the late summer temperatures coax you to explore. Prefer a less strenuous adventure? E-bikes are at your disposal to help you reach stunning vistas with ease.
Well-being here can also mean riding in horse-drawn carriages, immersing yourself in sensory trails, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in forest bathing in an environment that embraces you warmly. Yet, Canavese isn’t solely about untamed nature; it’s also home to three DOCG wines, the fragrant civrin cheese from Valchiusella, and the unique salampatata. Engage in foraging with Michelin-starred chefs dedicated to sustainability or stroll through vineyards with sommeliers eager to share the secrets of these rolling hills.
Culture is within reach, with four UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Sacro Monte di Belmonte, Castello di Agliè, the pile dwellings of Anzasco, and the industrial city of Ivrea—crafting an unmissable itinerary through charming towns and majestic castles.
If you’ve ever sensed the “spirituality” that envelops Piedmont, the Valli di Lanzo hold the key. They invite you to embark on the Sindonic Itineraries, leading from mountain sanctuaries to Turin, winding through chestnut groves that begin to unveil their autumnal colors in September. As you walk ancient paths, you’ll encounter mountain sanctuaries such as Sant’Ignazio, Madonna di Ciavanis, Marsaglia, and Santa Cristina.
Accessing these regions, the cradle of Italian mountaineering, is simple from major Italian cities. Alongside the three valleys—Valle di Viù, Valle d’Ale, and Val Grande—you’ll also discover the Ceronda and Casternone Valleys to the south, and the Tesso and Malone Valleys to the north.
Embrace the Mountain Experience
The rich history of the mountains is preserved in the Ecomuseum of Mountaineering in the Valli di Lanzo at Lanzo Torinese, while in Balme, you can explore the Ecomuseum dedicated to Antonio Castagneri, a historic Italian guide. The Valli di Lanzo are a haven for hikers year-round; in addition to mountain bike trails and climbing routes, you can search for mushrooms and wild herbs.
The local cuisine will tantalize your taste buds, featuring flavors like fragrant toma cheese, goat and wild boar salami, sanguinacci, and the irresistible salame di Turgia. Artisan bakeries produce delights such as grissini, torcetti, and paste di meliga, all available directly from the producers. Cônitours will guide you to where the mountains generously share their bounty, each valley boasting its own unique character. From the Valli Monregalesi to Valle Gesso, each territory presents different yet equally thrilling landscapes. As you pause for lunch in a historic inn, savoring a delicious plate of ravioles from Valle Varaita or a good Castelmagno DOP from Valle Grana, you’ll truly understand what “tourism of good living” means.
The RivierALP route guides you along extraordinary paths, from the Alps to the hilly territories, eventually reaching the Ligurian Riviera. But the primary allure of these areas lies in the passion for outdoor activities. In Valle Tanaro, explore Bosco delle Navette and Monte Mongioie; in Valle Pesio, trek or bike through ancient forests and cascading waterfalls leading to Parco del Marguareis.
Valle Varmenagna, the heart of outdoor activities, is home to Limone Piemonte and the Alta Via del Sale. Valle Gesso awaits you for trekking and climbing, while the Stura River offers rafting and kayaking adventures. If you plan an extended excursion, local expert guides are available to assist with overnight stays, luggage transport, and equipment rentals.
Those who claim that mountains and wine form a perfect pairing are absolutely right! In the Valsesia region during summer and autumn, gentle trekking along Monte Rosa trails coincides with harvest time in the hills of Cellio and Guardabosone, where nebbiolo grapes thrive for the noble DOCG Gattinara. This journey traces the Sesia River and its tributaries: Valle Grande up to Alagna Valsesia, Valle Mastallone toward Fobello and Rimella, and Valle Sermenza leading to Carcoforo and Rima. This river offers endless possibilities; in September, you can go rafting, canoeing, kayaking, hydrospeeding, canyoning, or sport fishing in tranquil spots.
The Walser village of Rima, the highest in the valley, narrates the tale of a community that adapted to life in the mountains while preserving its identity. Don’t miss the Sacro Monte di Varallo, a UNESCO heritage site and the first built structure from the 15th century, designed as an earthly Jerusalem for devotees and pilgrims. The mountain dairy cheeses and crispy miacce complete a culinary experience steeped in tradition, showcasing local cuisine that offers flavors of the past—like soups, cured meats, and freshly caught trout. As for wine? In Valsesia, it’s for true connoisseurs. In these Lands of Upper Piedmont, renowned DOCGs such as Gattinara and Ghemme are complemented by Boca, Sizzano, and Coste della Sesia.
In September, Biellese is pure poetry. At Oasi Zegna, a 100 km² area open to the public, you can discover the beauty of beech, larch, and fir trees while enjoying guided experiences along trails for trekking, mountain biking, or e-biking. And for thrill-seekers, there’s the Colossus Bridge bungee jump, plunging from 152 meters.
These territories also hold tales of labor and industrial development, with wool-producing towns scattered throughout the region. Biella, a UNESCO Creative City for Craft and Folk Arts, still houses traditional manufacturing workshops. The Cammino di Oropa takes you to the Sacro Monte di Oropa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Marian sanctuary in the Alps. But the true treasure lies in the stages leading to the destination.
Each stop offers an opportunity to discover the flavors of this land: from ratafià, the typical cherry liqueur, to cheeses and cured meats, including the Paletta di Coggiola and artisanal beers, reflecting the slow passage of time. The Toma Biellese and polenta concia remind you of the pure luxury found in simplicity.
At 1312 meters, in the heart of Val Susa, Bardonecchia welcomes you to a golden basin where rejuvenation becomes a necessity. Here, tourism is synonymous with sports and leisure, featuring a range of activities suitable for all, from amusement parks to a well-marked network of hiking trails for excursions, trekking, and mountain biking. The Lago di Rochemolles or Valle Stretta, in September, reflects the season’s first colors, while the Alpine Coaster offers a healthy adrenaline boost that attracts the younger crowd.
The local alpine cuisine isn’t fancy, but it’s undeniably authentic. Each dish is a testament to the passion of those who live at high altitudes; every bite carries the flavor of pure air and the joy of well-crafted work. Val di Susa is an open-air museum inviting you to become a modern-day pilgrim. The ancient stretch of the Via Francigena and historical mountain routes like the Strada dell’Assietta and Pramand are not mere paths but journeys through time, where every step brings you closer to your deeper self. As you reach the Sacra di San Michele or the Abbey of Novalesa, you’ll understand why people have trekked for miles to arrive at these sacred sites.
Unique waffles known as “gofri,” mountain honey, and alpine cheeses transform every culinary discovery into a meditation on true flavors. And when you finally arrive at the Sacra di San Michele or the Abbey of Novalesa, you’ll grasp the enduring significance of these journeys.
September in the mountains is ripe for discovery. The mild temperatures invite you to enjoy outdoor dining, while the changing colors present a spectacle that’s challenging to capture, even for the most skilled photographers.
But the true beauty of September lies in its tranquility. The trails are less crowded, the refuges feel more welcoming, and the attention you receive is personal. And the prices? Reasonable and accessible for everyone, offering a well-deserved and genuine break.
Come and experience something truly different, where warmth is found in wood-burning stoves and the smiles of those who have learned to live in harmony with the land. The cuisine tastes like home, showcasing products that have journeyed only a few kilometers and crafted by hands that understand the essence of cooking with love.
As you drift to sleep under a sky filled with dream-inducing stars and awaken to peaks aglow in the morning sun, you’ll feel the magic of summer gracefully yielding to autumn, granting you a moment just for yourself.
This is not merely a vacation awaiting you; it’s a return home to places you might be encountering for the first time—a small yet significant journey that transforms you from within, allowing you to return to your daily life enriched by an experience that leaves a lasting impression, with new perspectives and a lightened heart.
So, what do you say about embarking on this journey from summer to autumn in the mountains of Piedmont?