It’s not by chance that the Cuneo province is defined as the green capital of the Piedmont region. It is situated on a plateau which opens out in a triangle form towards the green valley’s leading into France. It’s historical centre is full of narrow streets with numerous shops, restaurants, inns and hand-craft shops which are spread out like a chess set along the main roads leading down to the main city square. This welcoming and elegant Piedmont province was founded just before 1200 and is home to extraordinary naturalistic, artistic, historical and cultural treasures that contribute towards the fascination tourists have for the big European cities.

 

Our journey to discover Cuneo starts at Sampeyre. Sampeyre nestles in the Varaita valley at the foot of Monviso and boasts a ski resort, il Monvisoneve, which offers a dream like stay of sport, comfort and well-being. One of the most interesting attractions is the Aleve, an antique wood, that extends to the Casteldelfino and Pontechianale regions. Amongst the magical footpaths and majestic pine trees it’s possible to glimpse the romantic lakes fed by lively streams, sprouting crystal clear fresh water, formed when the ice-caps melt. It’s the home to numerous animal species such as large and small owls and splendid butterflies, and plants such as the mountain elder and the rhododendron, that can be admired in their wild state. These enchanting areas are the stage of a traditional Occitana festival, La Baio, performed using antique traditions and pagan costumes, on which history and mythology have been founded, making it possible to relive the fascination of a time gone by.

 

Moving along the Varaita valley our next stop is at Casteldelfino, a jewel of rare beauty, that conquers the hearts of travellers with fascinating and uncontaminated wild life which surrounds it. Even today it’s possible to hear Occitana spoken in Casteldelfino and you can feel the happy and typical conviviality of the small towns where any occasion is good to spend in the countryside, perhaps in front of a delicious banquet. Every year “Casteldelfino in fiore” is celebrated in the town. It’s an event that brings the town to life when colours and intoxicating perfumes from flowers of many varieties can be admired in the gardens and extemporary installations. Furthermore, not to be missed is the famous mid-August holiday concert which highlights the Summertime.

 

A little further south is Dogliani which greets us with its culinary and hand-craft traditions. In a land of wine and flavours, Dogliani placidly greets us nestled in the hills of the Langhe amongst the farming landscapes in which the vineyards are the masters. This small town is brought to life by numerous cultural events, festivals and historical evocations that en-richen the itinerary of tourists who desire to live to the full the local traditions. The oldest part of the city is the Castle with its characteristic alleyways which are haven to shops of pottery, sculpture, carpentry, painters, clay artists, marble and glass craftsman, and stools where it’s possible to buy candles, soaps and many other products made with original ingredients. One of the most awaited events in Dogliani is held at Christmas when the town transforms into a big true life Christmas Nativity scene with more than 300 extras dressed in costumes celebrating the sacred night, recreating the atmosphere in Bethlehem long ago.

 

The last tap of our journey is to the mountain village of Albaretto della Torre. From its summit you can enjoy the splendour of the Langhe. It is dominated by a tower dating back to the 13th century which is still intact and well preserved. Albaretto is perfect to visit on foot or with green transport such as bicycles and rickshaws. Albaretto is in a privileged position near Alba and Barolo and less than an hour’s drive to Turin, making it the ideal point to find accommodation for the whole holiday. The area is rich in farm holidays offering economical and comfortable solutions for everyone, as well as, and above all the family.

 

Curiosity: Dogliani is the birth place of many important personalities of which Michele Ferrero, the well-known entrepreneur of the famous confectionery business, Luigi Einaudi, the second President of the Italian Republic, and the famous editor Guilio Einaudi.