Piedmont, Italy: Slow Food and Stunning Natural Beauty

Piedmont, the region for foodies and wine lovers. Discover the delightful world of this region—a place where nature, mountains, and the exquisite Barolo wine come together perfectly.

When you think of Piedmont, you think of a good glass of Barolo, the delicious aroma of white truffles, and a hearty slice of blue cheese. The region, tucked away on the border with Switzerland and France, is a paradise for foodies and wine lovers. Piedmont is the birthplace of Slow travel. And it all begins in the charming town of Bra, just over 50 kilometers from the bustling capital, Turin. Bra is the birthplace of the Slow Food movement, which emerged in the 1980s and turned Piedmont into a culinary powerhouse. But Piedmont is more than just a paradise for foodies.

What does “Piemonte” mean?

The name “Piedmont” comes from the Latin “ad pedes montium,” which literally means “at the foot of the mountains.” And yes, there are some impressive peaks, such as the majestic Monte Rosa, which stands proudly at 4,618 meters. Yet the true beauty of the region actually lies in the sweeping views over the vineyards of the Langhe. Geographically, it can be divided into three main regions: the Alps, the Po Valley, and the rolling hills in the southeast. So, whether you’re here for nature, mountains, delicious food, wine, beautiful landscapes, or all of the above, Piedmont has it all.

Where is Piedmont located in Italy?

Piedmont is located north of the Ligurian coast—also known as the Riviera of Flowers—and south of the Aosta Valley. It borders Switzerland to the north and France to the west.

The distance from Utrecht to Turin is approximately 1,117 km. It takes about 12 hours to drive there.

Top 11 Must-See Natural Attractions in Piedmont

Gran Paradiso National Park

In addition to the national parks, there are more than 50 regional parks and nature reserves. Mountain lovers can visit Monte Rosa, Monviso, and the Gran Paradiso National Park. Bordering the Aosta Valley, this “roof of Italy” is beautiful in every season. Six municipalities within the park are part of the Piedmont region.

Val Grande National Park

This park is about an hour’s drive from Milan. The famous Lake Maggiore lies on the eastern side of the park. There is only one village in the entire area: Cicogna. It is a steep and rugged mountainous region, making it difficult to navigate. In addition to mountains, there are also valleys and gorges filled with flowers and forests. It’s a great place for hiking, but it’s best to go with a guide because not all trails are well marked. Click here for more information about hiking trails.

Sacra di San Michele

A very old abbey built at the end of the 20th century atop Mount Pirchiriano, about 40 km from Turin. Several members of the royal family of Savoy are buried here. This is also the church that inspired Umberto Eco to write his book *The Name of the Rose*. From the abbey, you can look out over all of Turin and the Susa Valley. The Sacra also runs along the pilgrimage route from Mont Saint-Michel in France to Monte Sant’Angelo in Puglia.

The Mystical Monastery of Oropa

On the border with the Aosta Valley lies the Oropa Monastery. This sanctuary is a magical place and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. It is located in the Biella Pre-Alps at 1,159 meters above sea level. It is said that the structure dates back to the 4th century, the period when Christianity was spreading throughout the region. Inside the sanctuary, the Black Madonna is honored with a statue dating from 1300. Today, the basilica is primarily a destination for pilgrims. From May through September, you can also visit the botanical garden, a WWF oasis that protects and preserves Alpine flora. There are beautiful hiking trails leading to Oropa, ranging from 2 to 7 days in length and well-marked.

Villa Taranto

Villa Taranto is located on Lake Maggiore between Pallanza and Intra and features a beautifully landscaped garden with many flowers and plants.

Borromean Islands

This archipelago is located in Lake Maggiore. A group of five islands off the coast of Stresa. You can take a boat there from Stresa. Three of the five islands are open to visitors: Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. In addition to the beautiful aristocratic villas, you’ll find stunning gardens there.

The Langhe, Monferrato, and Roero

This region lies between Cuneo and Asti. The centuries-old tradition of viticulture and winemaking has had such a profound impact on social life and the entire landscape that in 2014, the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato wine regions were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition to delicious wine and vineyards, you’ll find centuries-old villages and castles here. These six areas are part of the UNESCO-protected site. Click here for more information about Piedmont’s UNESCO heritage.

Monferrato

In addition to vineyards and castles, this hilly region offers beautiful scenery and stunning natural surroundings. Of course, the old borghi and the winemakers are also worth a visit. Read more here about the beautiful, lesser-known region of Monferrato.

Orridi di Uriezzo

These beautiful gorges are located in the Ossola Valley and were formed by glacial water.

Fenestrelle Fortress

Also known as the Great Wall of Piedmont. It is a large castle divided into three structures, connected by a tunnel with no fewer than 4,000 steps.

Racconigi Castle

Located in the province of Cuneo, this royal palace—part of the House of Savoy—is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Umberto II, the last king of Italy, was born here in 1904. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful park, originally designed by a French landscape architect and later adapted to incorporate English and German influences.

What to See in Turin and the Surrounding Area

Residenza Sabauda, located about 11 km from Turin in Venaria Reale, features beautiful rooms and gardens with frescoes and temporary exhibitions.

Stupinigi Hunting Lodge

Also near Turin, in Nichelino, you’ll find the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, the hunting lodge built by Filippo Juvarra for Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy. Its magnificent frescoes and garden are open to the public.

Agliè Ducal Castle

Near Turin, a medieval castle. Here, too, there are beautiful frescoes, art, and gardens.

Read here about the Via Francigena in the Turin area.

Slow Food in Piedmont

Piedmont is known for its cuisine. The birthplace of the Slow Food movement is in Bra, Piedmont. The cuisine is perfect for foodies, as it makes use of local products. Piedmont is best known for its cheeses, white truffles, nuts, and Angolotti and Tajarin pasta. And wine, of course.

Where can you find truffles in Piedmont?

Truffles are a rare product and require very specific soil conditions and humid weather. In Piedmont, truffles are hunted with dogs. Piedmont is famous for its white truffles, but black truffles are also found there. The harvesting season is usually in the fall and winter, but some black truffles are also found in the summer.

Most truffles in Piedmont are found in:

• The Monferrato Region
• Roero
• The Langhe
• Hills of the province of Cuneo, south of Asti

TIP: The movie *The Truffle Hunters*, about a group of elderly men searching for white truffles in Piedmont

When is the best time to visit Piedmont?

Piedmont is, of course, beautiful in the spring and summer, but it’s especially a great idea to visit in the fall! The trees and vineyards take on beautiful autumn hues, and the grape harvest is in full swing. There are many village festivals celebrating the harvest, as well as the famous truffle fairs.