{"id":37312,"date":"2024-09-20T17:20:49","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T15:20:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/niet-gecategoriseerd\/valle-maira-an-unspoiled-mountain-region-in-piedmont\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T16:29:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T14:29:24","slug":"valle-maira-an-unspoiled-mountain-region-in-piedmont","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/italy\/piedmont\/valle-maira-an-unspoiled-mountain-region-in-piedmont\/","title":{"rendered":"Valle Maira, an unspoiled mountain region in Piedmont"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Valle Maira, an authentic mountain region in the Italian Alps <\/h1>\n\n

Valle Maira is a valley about 45 kilometers long in the province of Cuneo in Piedmont. Valle Maira is a surprisingly beautiful and peaceful area with authentic villages nestled on steep slopes along rivers and streams. <\/p>\n\n

A wonderful destination for a hiking vacation in nature, with excellent cuisine to boot. Read more about this area and discover its most beautiful spots, including places to stay. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Valle<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Valle<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Due to its isolated, mountainous location and the exodus of young people\u2014which has led to lagging industrial development\u2014the region is a truly authentic slice of Italy in the border area with France. Breathtaking views, traditional folk festivals, and delicious local cuisine. <\/p>\n\n

In the Valle Maira, you\u2019ll truly be among the locals. Historic family homes featuring traditional architecture, yet equipped with modern comforts. With an eye for detail and small-scale charm, you\u2019ll find distinctive and often sustainable accommodations here. <\/p>\n\n

The valley lies northwest of Cuneo and is home to 13 authentic villages. Each one is unique and has its own long history. Some are located in the lowlands, some in the hills, and others in the mountainous region. They are connected by ancient hiking trails and mountain passes. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Valle<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Valle<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

The mountains in the Valle Maira <\/h2>\n\n

The upper Valle Maira\u2014with the villages of Prazzo, Elva, Marmora, Canosio, and Acceglio\u2014has become a world-renowned hiking destination. We\u2019ve picked out the most beautiful spots. <\/p>\n\n

Highlights of Valle Maira <\/h2>\n\n

The Rocca Provenzale and Borgata Chiappera <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

The Rocca Provenzale is an immensely tall rock that rises vertically from the meadows behind Chiappera. Chiappera is the last village you\u2019ll come across in the higher-altitude region. In the summer, it\u2019s a beautiful area for hiking and climbing; in the winter, it\u2019s a skier\u2019s paradise. The border with France features mountains reaching heights of about 3,000 meters. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Lago<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Lago Nero in Canosio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Lago Nero in Canosio is accessible via an easy hike (with stunning views). It\u2019s a pristine, small mountain lake surrounded by green shores, pine trees, and rocks. There are several ways to hike to the lake, including one particularly beautiful loop trail. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Sagna<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Lake Resile in Marmora<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n

An easy hike at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level. The lake is located just past Marmora, near the Colle-del-Mulo road. It was originally a glacial lake. On clear days, you can see Mount Monviso to the north from here. <\/p>\n\n

Borgata San Martino di Stroppo<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n

The last little hamlet on the road to Elva. It\u2019s in a fascinating location on the mountainside. The village dates back to before the 17th century and is a beautiful area for hiking along old mule trails. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Valle<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Valle<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Church of San Peyre<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n

A 12th-13th-century church at an elevation of 1,233 meters. The interior is open to visitors only on Sundays in August, but it is well worth a visit for its 14th-century paintings and frescoes. <\/p>\n\n

Ponte del Diavolo in Dronero<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

The Devil’s Bridge in Dronero, dating from 1428. A medieval drawbridge\u2014a masterpiece of its time\u2014steeped in history and legends. In 1810, the drawbridge was removed and the area was widened to accommodate a more modern access road. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Valle<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Valle<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Nature Reserve<\/strong> dei Ciciu del Villar<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n

A large protected area covering 64 hectares featuring the erosion phenomenon known as \u201cerosion columns.\u201d These earthen pyramids, located at the foot of Mount San Bernardo, are natural sculptures shaped like giant mushrooms. The reserve\u2019s name is derived from the Piedmontese term \u201cCiciu ‘d pera\u201d (stone doll). The area<\/a> is open to visitors year-round, including guided tours, and features beautiful hiking trails. <\/p>\n\n

Rocca la Meja and the Gardetta Plateau<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n

Do you want to travel back in time, or are you fascinated by dinosaurs? Then pay a visit to the Gardetta Plateau. Huge dinosaur footprints dating back millions of years have been found here. It remains an active research site to this day. <\/p>\n\n

Open every Saturday and Sunday from early July through mid-September, and daily from August 9 through August 20, with a shuttle service from Grangia Selvest in Preit. <\/p>\n\n

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The plateau lies at an altitude of 2,000 meters and is dominated by the Dolomite peak Rocca la Meja. It is one of the most beautiful mountains in the Cuneo Alps, featuring the remains of military settlements. You can reach the summit via a fairly easy trail. It\u2019s a wonderful hike with stunning views. <\/p>\n\n

Fremo Cuncun\u00e0<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n

A remarkable rock formation in Elva, in the village of Colle San Giovanni, offering\u2014once again\u2014a breathtaking view. Nearby stands the chapel of San Giovanni, which shares the same name. This spot is certainly reminiscent of Preikestolen<\/a> in Norway. In addition to this protruding rock, Fremo Cuncun\u00e0 is actually a group of rocks with a very unique shape: that of a crouching woman, known in Occitan as \u201cFremo Cuncun\u00e0.\u201d By the way, the best view of the crouching woman is from the Vallone di Elva road! <\/p>\n\n

The Stroppia Waterfall, the highest in Italy<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n

A relatively unknown waterfall, but the highest in Italy. With a drop of nearly 500 meters, it\u2019s a spectacular sight. You can hike up to it, but it\u2019s quite a challenge. You can also admire the waterfall from a distance at the Mistral campground near the \u201csorgenti del Maira.\u201d A wonderful starting point for the beautiful hiking trail\u201cThe Lakes of Piergiorgio Frassati<\/a>.\u201d <\/p>\n\n

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Hiking in the Valle Maira<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n

I\u2019ve already mentioned a few hikes above that take you to the most beautiful spots in the Valle Maira. The area is a popular destination for trail running, hiking, and walking. It offers a wide range of possibilities and challenges, such as the Via Ferrata, but there\u2019s also plenty to enjoy for less experienced hikers. Here you\u2019ll find more information<\/a> about all the hikes in the area. <\/p>\n\n

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Guided Hikes in the Valle Maira<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Read more here about an 8-day hiking trip in the Valle Maira<\/strong><\/a>. Your accommodations, luggage transport, routes, and on-site guidance are all included. You can book directly through our local partner. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

Occitan Trails in the Maira Valley<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n

The Valle Maira also offers a 14-stage long-distance hike: the Percorsi Occitani. Locanda Mistral is located <\/a>along the 7th stage, and from there you can also tackle other sections; guide Renato will be happy to assist you. He can arrange transfers, equipment, and packed lunches, among other things. <\/p>\n\n

The best months for this trail are May, June, September, and October. If you hike the entire route, it will take you about 2 weeks. The trails are well marked, and the hike is manageable if you\u2019re in good physical condition. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Valle<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Here<\/a> you’ll find more information about all the stages, the difficulty level, and possible places to stay along the trail.<\/p>\n\n

E-Mountain Biking in Valle Maira<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

There are several places where you can rent e-mountain bikes and go e-mountain biking (with a guide, if you’d like). <\/p>\n\n

The Occitan language in an isolated region<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n

\u201cUn pas apr\u00e8s l\u2019autre,\u201d step by step in his Valle Maira dialect. Due to its secluded location in the mountains near the French border, a distinct dialect has developed here that is spoken in several places across Europe: Occitan. It is a mix of French, Italian, and Spanish. In addition to this region, this unique language is also spoken in parts of France and Spain. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

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\"Valle<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Valle<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Events<\/strong> in Valle Maira<\/h2>\n\n

Between mid-July and the end of November, there are many local (harvest) celebrations and festivals. In June, Dronero hosts the\u201canchovy festival,\u201d<\/a> which commemorates the anchovy fishermen who brought their catch from Liguria. <\/p>\n\n

Sustainable Destination <\/h2>\n\n

The Valle Maira has managed to preserve itself from the influences of modern times. It is green, unspoiled, and attracts tourists who appreciate this and come to enjoy nature. <\/p>\n\n

Most accommodations are old villages or houses that have been renovated in a sustainable manner while preserving the local architecture. Many use alternative energy sources and <\/p>\n\n

Where to Stay in Valle Maira <\/h2>\n\n

In general, you’ll find small-scale, authentic accommodations in the valley. We highly recommend the three listed below. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Sagna<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Sagna<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Sagna<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Sagna Rotonda <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Sagna Rotonda is a restored hamlet near Marmora that has been transformed into 10 vacation homes. Giovanni and his family extend a warm welcome to you here. A beautifully secluded area in the mountains, perfect for hiking and skiing in the winter. Read more here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Locanda-Mistral_Renato's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Locanda<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Locanda-Mistral_Garden<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Locanda Mistral <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Locanda Mistral is run by Renato (a mountain guide for over 20 years) and Manuela (an excellent chef). Combine the experience of the beautiful natural surroundings with the restaurant\u2019s local dishes. Read more about Locanda Mistral here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Camping<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Camping<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"camping_mistral_summer-flowers<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Mistral Campground<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Camping Mistral<\/a> is just a 15-minute drive from Locanda Mistral. The campground is located in the heart of a Natura 2000 area and is part of the Maritime Alps Park. A beautiful spot for adventurers seeking unspoiled nature. It features 12 tent sites and 6 RV sites. A small, fully sustainable campground with a few spots for tents and RVs. Here, you\u2019re surrounded by nature and can join the staff in helping with and enjoying nature conservation efforts. <\/p>\n\n

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How do you get to Valle Maira? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Valle Maira is located in Piedmont, northeast of Cuneo. From Turin, as well as from France and the Ligurian coast, take the Cuneo exit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also reach Cuneo by train from Genoa, Milan, or Turin. From there, you can take the Benese bus service<\/a>, route 78, to the valley. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nearest airport is Turin. Otherwise, the airports in Milan or Genoa. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

Highlights of Valle Maira on the map<\/h2>\n\n