Proximity tourism is the key to 2020 holidays. An interesting destination could be "the other" Piedmont
Piedmont is a popular destination for many, with unique destinations between mountains, lakes, nature, perched villages and historical monuments. In addition to the undeniable richness of food and wine, known all over the world.
Today we want to tell you about a part of the region a little less traveled: the mountains of the Maira valley, a territory full of charm that faces west, on the border with France.
Defined by many as the Unknown Valley, it is perfect for that type of tourism defined slow.
How to get there, what to do, what to see, what to eat
The Maira Valley it is about 45 km long; easily reachable from Turin and Milan, taking the Provincial Road 422 from Cuneo towards Dronero.
It gives unique emotions and unexpected paths, with different levels of difficulty in mountain excursions and regenerating overnight stays in the refuges.
It is ideal for those who want to think of a real holiday of relaxation, good food and sunbathing in a cool and windy climate.
We start from an interesting excursion to Villar San Costanzo, a few kilometers north of Dronero, between nature reserves and Romanesque architecture.
The stone Ciciu del Vilar (the stone puppets), about 600 meters high. In geomorphology they are called Earth pyramids, 12 thousand years old: columns of very compact earth surmounted by a stone boulder, are located at the entrance of the Maira Valley, in the Villar nature reserve. They closely resemble the chimneys of the Cappadocia fairies.
In the same place, to visit: San Costanzo al Monte and Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Located in a privileged position, in the middle of the woods, on the slopes of Monte San Bernardo.
For info and visits to the Sanctuary of San Costanzo al Monte, tel +39 0171 917080.
TO Droneroamong other things, we go for medieval architecture and its Ponte Vecchio, a fifteenth-century structure, renamed Ponte del Diavolo.
On the old woman Via degli Acciugai, where once men left for the Ligurian coast (between September and May) to buy anchovies: the return by train and the sale by street vendors, on wooden carts, where the kegs full of salted anchovies were loaded.
TO Macra cells, the Mountain Community has set up multimedia stations to remember this tradition and the hard work of the anchovies.
There Maira Valley cuisine it is simple, made of few ingredients, but it is a sincere cuisine, very often contaminated by the Provencal flavors of nearby France. Flavors that were brought back here by women who migrated for the season (from the olive harvest to the mimosa) or for nannies.
Potatoes, chestnuts, mushrooms, legumes. Many soups (pumpkin, vegetables and nettles), gnocchi, prepared with Prazzo potatoes, Ravioles (typical of Occitan cuisine), anchovies and Bagna Cauda with them.
Let Macra and Celle move towards Marmora. For a long regenerating break at the Relais Alpino Brieis, a popular hotel that is located in Borgata Brieis in Marmora.
An inn with every comfort, perfect after long walks, excursions on foot or by MTB. The small spa, with Finnish sauna and a beautiful wooden tub with hydromassage. A restaurant offering typical local dishes, in the kitchen the young chef Francesco Marullo.
Elva
In a lateral valley of the Maira Valley stands Elva, at 1637 meters above sea level. It was a possession of the Marquisate of Saluzzo. Between the end of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century the Elvese specialized in a curious profession, i pelassier or hair traders, who bought in Northern Italy, and then made wigs that were sold all over the world.
Where to sleep in Elva
Le Colonne Resort, inn with spa and restaurant offering typical cuisine, is located in Borgata Serre, the capital of Elva.
Elva refuge
La Sousto from Col – Colle San Giovanni (Colle delle Cavalline), tel +39 346 782 4680.
Overnight only by reservation. Kitchen service from Thursday to Sunday, better to book.
What to buy in Elva
Honey
Elva honey by Floriano Turco, mountain honey, nomadic organic beekeeping; we are more than 2000 meters above sea level, in Elva Floriano Turco has the honey extraction laboratory in a renovated high mountain hut.
Location San Giovanni. Receives by appointment only, tel +39 338 2030388.
Typical cheese
Toma di Elva, also called Case of Elva or Toumo de Caso (house toma in the Occitan language). It is produced by the Elvese Dairy, Serre Capoluogo township, Elva; La Meira Dairy, Borgata Meira.
Dairy Sarvanot (in Stroppo – Borgata Cucchiales, 20) for Toma di Elva and Berulet, raw sheep's milk cheese. The dairy does not sell directly; it is possible to buy the products on Friday morning in the Valle shops (Ape Maira in Stroppo, La Gabelo in Prazzo)
Mountain huts for overnight stays
Stroppia refuge
To be seen: The Stroppia waterfalls, the highest in Italy (only in spring, because in summer the natural basin from which the waterfalls originate dries up).
Rifugio Gardetta, Plateau Monte Rocca.
Locanda Mistral Borgata Ponte Maira, Acceglio (Cuneo).
Organize an excursion in the mountains, in contact with nature, and overnight in Acceglio at Locanda Mistral. The owner, Renato Botte, is also an expert mountain guide and can accompany you on various excursions.
In the kitchen Manuela, Renato Botte's wife, who will make you taste the cuisine and traditional dishes of the Maira Valley, rigorously made with local products.
They propose an interesting Weekend package (three days and two nights) until October 18th.
It is part of Green Pearls Unique Places, a platform specializing in sustainable tourism.
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