Cuneo ; Three Days in Piedmont, at the Foot of Monte Viso

This October, the road leads to Cuneo in Italy for three days of discovery. Between heritage, gastronomy and a gentle way of life, this Piedmont getaway holds lovely surprises.

Cuneo and its Surroundings ; Three Days of Discovery

Capital of Piedmont’s largest province, Cuneo nestles between two rivers, the Stura and the Gesso. Its name is said to come from the wedge shape drawn by their confluence. The city reveals long arcaded streets, such as Via Roma, and the vast Piazza Galimberti. Food lovers also taste Cuneesi al rum, filled chocolates that became Cuneo’s speciality. Around the city, the Occitan valleys keep a language and traditions very much alive.

Day 1 – From Lausanne to Melle

For this second week of October, the road leads to Piedmont and its little-known landscapes. One month after discovering Vicenza (in French), this new trip explores another side of Italy. After several hours of driving from Lausanne, arrival in Melle and check-in at Bed & Breakfast Candentia, a charming place nestled in the heart of the valley.

The evening continues at the restaurant I Chimi, a spot that celebrates local cuisine and seasonal produce. Among the highlights of the meal, the ravioles, the region’s emblematic speciality, win over with their generosity. A lovely gourmet introduction before a well-deserved night’s rest.

Day 2 around Cuneo

Morning in Val Varaita and Discovering Valverbe near Cuneo

After breakfast, the first visit of the day takes place at Valverbe in Melle. Specialising in growing, drying and processing organic medicinal plants, this family business is a reference in the region. The visit reveals the different production stages and the gardens where some of the plants used in the infusions grow.

Between production workshops and growing areas, the immersion highlights genuine local know-how. For tea and herbal infusion lovers, the discovery proves particularly interesting. A tasting at the end rounds off this gourmet visit in the heart of Val Varaita.

Afternoon at the Foot of Monte Viso

After Valverbe, the next stop is Azienda Agricola Roggero to discover one of the region’s emblematic products: Tumin dal Mel. This family farm carries on traditional know-how around this cheese, listed in the register of typical Piedmont products.

The visit sheds light on livestock farming, cheesemaking and the production of other dairy specialities, such as yoghurts. Between pastures and ageing cellars, the immersion offers a fine glimpse of the local food heritage.

Tumin dal Mel is a fresh cow’s milk cheese, born in the small village of Melle. Its soft texture and delicate taste are enjoyed plain or with honey and jam. Long made within families, it is now the pride of the valley’s farms. Its production still follows gestures passed down from generation to generation.

The discovery then continues at Agriturismo Roggero for lunch. On the menu, ravioles, cheeses and local specialities make up a generous meal facing the landscapes of the Monte Viso area.

Olfactory Experience at Lagnasco Castle

After lunch, the discovery of the Monte Viso area continues at Lagnasco Castle. Its historic gardens offer a particularly pleasant setting for an original experience around scents and plants.

The estate actually brings together three castles, the historic property of the Tapparelli family. Their rooms hold remarkable Renaissance frescoes, true treasures of the Cuneo region. Around the buildings, the Garden of Essences gathers aromatic plants and fragrant flowers. This preserved setting lends itself perfectly to workshops devoted to scents.

During an olfactory masterclass, everyone creates their own blend from powders and floral essences from the garden. The goal is to create an entirely natural scented sachet. Between discovering fragrances and a creative workshop, this activity offers a playful and sensory break in a remarkably charming place.

The European Academy of Essences in Savigliano

The day continues with a visit to the European Academy of Essences. This museum offers an immersion in the world of perfume, from its history to its production methods. It occupies a historic palace in the town of Savigliano. Through interactive rooms, the visit blends art, know-how and sensory experiences.

The visit ends with a perfume-making workshop. Using different essences, everyone composes their own fragrance and steps into a perfumer’s shoes for a few moments. An original experience that sharpens the sense of smell while uncovering a little-known world. In the evening, back to I Chimi restaurant for dinner and a final taste of local specialities.

Day 3 – Hiking in Valle Po, near Cuneo

Hiking at the Foot of Monte Viso

For this last day around Cuneo, the road leads to Valle Po and Pian Muné. After an hour’s drive, time for a hike through the mountain landscapes surrounding Monte Viso, the region’s emblematic peak.

Rising to 3,841 metres, Monte Viso dominates the whole region with its pyramid-shaped silhouette. The Piedmontese like to call it the “King of Stone”. At its foot, the Po springs from Pian del Re, before crossing the whole of northern Italy. The massif is also part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, shared between Italy and France. The area around Cuneo is therefore an ideal playground for nature lovers.

This loop of about ten kilometres reveals the vast high plateaus and panoramas that make Valle Po famous. Under a clear sky, views of Monte Viso and the surrounding mountains accompany the walk throughout. Of moderate difficulty, this hike remains accessible with proper gear, especially good walking shoes.

Back at Pian Muné, time for lunch at the mountain hut. After several hours of walking, this comforting meal is particularly welcome. In a friendly atmosphere, local specialities are enjoyed facing the surrounding peaks. The setting invites a longer break to enjoy the panoramas that make Valle Po so charming.

As the day draws to a close, back to Melle for a final evening in the region. Between a friendly dinner and a peaceful atmosphere, this last stop is a chance to enjoy the charm of the place one more time before heading home. A lovely way to end this stay in the heart of Piedmont.

Planning a Stay in Cuneo

From Lausanne, Cuneo is about five hours away by car, via the Great St Bernard Tunnel and Turin. A car is essential to explore the valleys, farms and mountain trails. Autumn offers magnificent colours and coincides with chestnut season. In October, Cuneo also hosts a major national fair dedicated to chestnuts. High-altitude hikes are mostly done from June to October, depending on snow cover.

On this discovery of Italian Piedmont, each stop brought its share of lovely surprises. Between characterful villages, local gastronomy, mountain landscapes and fascinating encounters, this region charms with its authenticity and gentle way of life. A destination well worth the detour.

Cuneo

Article written in collaboration with the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Switzerland.
A big thank you to all the tourism players who contributed to this wonderful trip.

Practical info[]

Académie européenne des essencesVia Sant'Andrea 53, 12038 Savigliano

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Agriturismo RoggeroVIA PROVINCIALE 34, 12020 Melle

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Château de LagnascoVia Castelli 1, 12030 Lagnasco

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I ChimiVia Vecchia 39, 12020 Frassino

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Rifugio Pian Munè12034 Paesana

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ValverbeVia Borgata Prato 9, 12020 Melle

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All addresses in Savigliano in the address book ›