Piedmont, or Piemonte—literally “the foot of the mountain”—is a region that was never on our radar. As the birthplace of the Slow Food and Slow Travel movements, this region doesn’t just invite you to visit; it demands that you slow down. As part of our three-week summer trip to Italy, we spent over a week exploring Piedmont and taking day trips to the Aosta Valley. Enjoy our Piedmont travel guide!
💡Our “Real over Perfect” Philosophy: Travel isn’t always about the perfect sun-drenched postcard. Our trip took place in August during the intense heat of Ferragosto. We navigated 35°C humidity, found some activities closed for holidays and experienced the “ghost town” vibe of an empty Turin. In this guide, we share the unfiltered reality of exploring Northern Italy in peak summer.
Tuscany vs. Piedmont: Which is Right for You?
Because the vineyard-hills of Piedmont often draw comparisons to Tuscany, many travelers struggle to choose between the two. Having spent time in both, we found that while they share a love for wine and history, their souls are entirely different.
Tuscany is the birthplace of Renaissance— a more artistic, iconic and sunny region. Piedmont is aristocratic, alpine and deeply connected to its French-Savoyard roots.
For us, Piedmont now stands on the same level as Tuscany as the perfect place to fully live the essence of slow travel and slow food. What we truly loved about Piedmont was its diversity—it offered something for everyone, whether you’re into city tours, hiking, culinary adventures or simply road-tripping.
To help you decide which region might be right for your next trip, check out our quick comparison:
| TUSCANY | PIEDMONT | |
| LANDSCAPE | Rolling cypress-lined hills & Mediterranean coast. | Dramatic Alps, rugged hills & fertile plains. |
| VIBE | Romantic, rustic and “La Dolce Vita.” | Elegant, refined and aristocratic. |
| CLIMATE | Mediterranean (hot/dry summers). | Continental/Alpine (humid summers, foggy winters). |
| FOOD | “Peasant cooking”—simple, olive oil-based. | Rich, buttery, and French-influenced. |
| FAMOUS FOR | Florence, Chianti, and Renaissance Art. | Turin, Barolo, and the White Truffle of Alba. |
| CROWD LEVEL | High (can feel like a “tourist museum”) | Low (feels like an “under the radar” discovery). |
| SLOW FACTOR | Scenic drives through Val d’Orcia. | The heart of the Slow Food movement. |
How to Plan Your Piedmont & Aosta Valley Trip
Piedmont is the second-largest region in Italy, and when you combine it with the area of the Aosta Valley, you are looking at a massive, geographically diverse area. From the industrial hub of Turin to the 4,000-meter peaks of the Alps and the vineyards of the south, it is impossible to see everything from a single base. To avoid spending your entire holiday behind the wheel, you have to be strategic.
Getting Around By Car
We flew into Milan Linate and rented a car, as our trip was part of a larger Italian road trip starting in Liguria.
While Italy’s high-speed trains are great for cities, the Langhe wine region and the high Aosta valleys are nearly impossible to navigate with public transport. To find the quiet hiking trails and hidden agriturismos, a car is essential.
When to Go: The August “Ferragosto” Reality
Most guides tell you to visit in October for the Truffle Season. We visited in August and here is the unfiltered truth about summer in the north:
It was frequently over 35°C. In the plains around Turin, the humidity is intense. We survived by timing our mountain trips for the hottest hours of the day.
While coastal Italy was overflowing, Turin was a “ghost town.” We had the royal squares almost entirely to ourselves.
Be warned—many family-run shops and factories (including the Ferrero factory store) close for the time around August 15th.
Where We Stayed: Our “Split-Stay” Strategy
To explore Piedmont thoroughly, we recommend splitting your stay to cover both the gastronomic countryside, the metropole region together with the mountains. We found this approach ideal for balancing activities. While we missed the lakeside area (the eastern north of Piedmont), our split-stay approach was highly effective for covering the best parts of the region.
Base 1: 4 Days in Langhe-Roero
Where we stayed: Cascina Pajanot in Borgomale.
The Vibe: A small, family-run Agriturismo surrounded by hazelnut groves.
Why it worked: It put us within 30 minutes of the “Big Three” wine towns: Alba, Barolo and La Morra. It was our base for hiking and slow morning breakfasts with a view.
This small agriturismo has only a few rooms, making it feel very personal. Our host, Georgia and her family made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived.
Set against a backdrop of endless hazelnut fields and rolling vineyards, the location is stunning. We spent our afternoons by the pool, soaking in the panoramic views of the hills.
On our last night, Georgia’s mother cooked us a traditional full-course menu. Eating authentic Gnocchi, Tajarin and Plin made from family recipes right in the middle of the vineyards was the most authentic meal of our trip.
If you want to know more about the incredible traditional dinner we had here (and what ‘Agnolotti del Plin’ actually is), see our Slow Food Piedmont Guide.
Base 2: 5 Days in Turin
Where we stayed: Hotel Cascina Fossata in Turin.
The Vibe: A refurbished farmhouse slightly outside the city center.
Why it worked: We chose this spot for its free parking and easy highway access, making our day trips into the Aosta Valley peaks much faster. Within max. 1-1.5 hours you can find yourself in higher altitudes to cool down.
The staff here were incredibly professional and kind. A special shout-out to Andrea, who went above and beyond by tipping us off about the Juventus match. He even helped us secure the €10 tickets that made our daughter’s entire holiday!
Highlights of our Piedmont & Aosta Valley Trip
Part 1: Langhe-Roero Region
Our first impression of the Langhe was one of the absolute highlights of our trip. As we drove from Garlenda toward Borgomale, the coastal heat faded, replaced by fresh air and a landscape of rolling vineyard hills and hazelnut fields. We arrived just as the soft evening sun began to glow, and the roads were silent save for the occasional motorbike.
As the sun set, a young deer with a bright red coat and impressive antlers crossed the quiet street. It stood perfectly still, observing us as we passed. It was a silent, wild welcome that immediately set the pace for our stay.
In the following days, we noticed that as soon as the sun disappeared, a thick haziness began to roll across the hills. This is the famous “Nebbia” (fog), caused by cold Alpine air hitting the warm air of the Po Valley. This fog is so central to the region that it gave its name to the Nebbiolo grape—the primary grape behind the legendary Barolo and Barbaresco wines.
Barolo: The Noble Heart of the Langhe
While many villages in this region belong to the ‘I borghi più belli d’Italia‘ (The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy) list, Barolo carries a unique weight. Known globally for producing the “King of Italian Wines,” the village’s noble history is tied to the Falletti family, who transformed the local wine into the long-aging variety prized today.
We loved walking around this village, observing the beautiful old buildings and the Castello Falletti, which is now home to the WiMu (Wine Museum). This central landmark, along with the traditional architecture, makes Barolo a perfect place to feel the history of Piedmontese winemaking.
The Route: We started near the Enoteca Vite Colte winery. The path goes through stunning hazelnut fields and vineyards.
Timing: The total walking time was about 2-2.5 hours at a slow, photography-friendly pace. It’s a perfect, low-effort way to see the region’s diverse fields without needing professional hiking gear.
The Experience: It’s a sensory overload—the smell of the vines and the sight of the heavy Nebbiolo grapes ripening in the August sun. However, the intense midday heat was no joke. We survived by stopping at the public stone fountains in Barolo village to drench our hats and arms in ice-cold water—a local “survival” tip that felt incredibly refreshing.
Alba: The “Hundred Towers” City
Alba is the commercial heart of the region and is known as the “Capital of the Langhe” with a history dating back to Roman times (Alba Pompeia). While it’s famous for the White Truffle Festival in autumn, visiting in summer allowed us to see the “daily” side of the city.
This city is fantastic for shopping for high-quality local products. There are many specialized food shops selling exceptional truffles, local wines and hazelnut products, making it a joy to discover new gastronomic treasures. The city is very pedestrian-friendly, with large thoroughfares perfect for leisurely strolling.
La Morra: The Balcony of the Langhe
After our walk through the vineyards, we headed up to La Morra, which sits at one of the highest points in the region. If Barolo is the heart of the wine country, La Morra is its eyes.
The town features a massive, open terrace known as the Belvedere. From here, the entire UNESCO-listed landscape is beneath you. It is a stunning view on the vineyards, hazelnut groves and tiny medieval villages stretching toward the horizon. It was one of our favorite spots to watch the late afternoon shadows stretch across the valley.
A Taste of the Langhe
You cannot visit this region without a few essential culinary stops:
- The “King” and “Queen”: Of course, we tried the best wines in the world: Barolo and the elegant Barbaresco.
- The Hazelnut Obsession: This is the home of the Nocciola di Piemonte IGP. Seeing the endless hazelnut fields explained why the local Nutella tastes so much better here!
- The Signature Dish: Don’t leave without trying Agnolotti del Plin—tiny, pinched pasta pockets that became our daughter’s daily obsession.
🍷 Hungry for more? Check out our “Slow Food Piedmont” guide for our full food recommendations and a deep dive into the regional Slow Food mindset!
Our 10-Minute Village Hopping Tour
Can’t wait to see the rolling hills of Piedmont for yourself? We’ve put together a visual journey through the four most iconic villages in the region.
Part 2: Turin + Day Trips to the Mountains
After four days in the vineyard hills, we drove towards our base in Turin. This move allowed us to trade the rural quiet for royal architecture while still being within striking distance of the highest mountains in Europe.
Turin: Italy’s Aristocratic Heart
Turin was Italy’s first capital, and it feels like it. It is a city of grand piazzas, miles of elegant porticos (a lifesaver for shade in the August heat!) and a refined, almost Parisian atmosphere.
Visiting during the peak of summer meant many locals had fled to the coast. This was a “Real over Perfect” win for us: we had the royal squares and museums almost entirely to ourselves.
We stayed at Hotel Cascina Fossata. If you have a rental car, do not stay in the city center. This refurbished farmhouse offered free parking and was right next to the highway—perfect for escaping to the Alps in the morning.
🏰 Want to explore Turin? Check out our detailed 5-Day Turin Guide for our favorite museums, activities and the best experiences...
Day Trips from Turin Into the Alps
One of Turin’s advantages is its proximity to the mountains. Within max. 90 minutes, you can leave the urban heat behind and refresh by standing in front of some of the most iconic peaks in the world.
1. Usseaux: The Mural Village of the Western Alps
On our way from the Langhe toward Turin, we detoured into the Val Chisone to visit Usseaux. Also listed as one of the Borghi più belli d’Italia, this village is a “Slow Travel” dream.
The village is famous for its murals—hand-painted scenes of rural life, nature, and fairy tales that adorn the stone houses.
Walking through the narrow stone alleys, passing communal bread ovens and flowing water fountains, felt like stepping back 200 years. It is quiet, artistic and deeply peaceful.
2. Matterhorn or Monte Cervino
Having previously visited Matterhorn on the Swiss side, viewing Monte Cervino (Matterhorn) massif from the Italian Aosta Valley offered a completely new and impressive perspective.
The winding, slowly rising altitude road were among our favorite scenic drives in this vacation. The road to the Matterhorn passed through the Valtournenche valley. As we drove upwards, we experienced a natural air conditioning, with temperatures dropping from over 38 degrees to comfortable 20 degrees by the time we reached Breuil Cervinia at noon.
We enjoyed a short, rewarding walk along the Marmore River, where the water is icy-blue. The path lasted about 1 hour round trip. We crossed the river via a tiny wooden bridge and continued to a small waterfall before turning back to enjoy drinks at a nearby restaurant terrace. And to our surprise, we could even spot some marmots here and there watching us.
3. Monte Rosa and The Lys Valley
Our final alpine drive took us through the toward the massive Monte Rosa massif. We passed charming, small Walser villages like Fontainemore, Gressoney Saint Jean and Tache.
Here, the traditional architecture is very distinct. It looks less typically Italian and more Swiss, a remnant of the ancient Walser communities who migrated here from Switzerland centuries ago. The German names visible on some signs also reflect this unique cultural heritage.
We took on our most challenging short hike of the trip near the village of Tschaval. Starting at the edge of the village, the path follows the Lys River before beginning a steep ascent.
While the full trail takes about 3-hours, we opted for a 1-hour “Slow Travel” version. Unlike the Matterhorn, which often hid behind clouds, Monte Rosa stood clear against the blue sky. Looking up at the glaciers of Monte Rosa, is a humbling experience. It’s the perfect place to realize the true meaning of “Piedmont”—literally living at the foot of the mountains.
Experience the Alps in 4K
If you want to hear the rushing waters of the Lys River, we’ve captured the highlights of our journey in this video. From Monte Cervino to the hidden stone alleys of Fontainemore, here is a 4K video tour of our day trips to Aosta Valley.
Piedmont & Aosta Valley GOOGLE MAPS PINS to download
To help you visualize our journey and plan your own, below we have listed some of our most favorite places and added Google Maps link highlighting all the places we visited in the Piedmont & Aosta Valley.
FAQ: Piedmont & Aosta Valley
8 days is the “sweet spot.” It allows for a 4-day split between the wine country (Langhe) and the city/mountains (Turin/Aosta). If you have 10 days, we recommend adding a stop at Lake Orta or Lake Maggiore.
The characteristic fog, or nebbia, is caused by the temperature difference between the Alps and the Po Valley. It’s essential for the ripening of the Nebbiolo grape, which is why your Barolo wine tastes so distinct!
Absolutely. Places like Breuil-Cervinia and Ussaux are within a 90-minute drive. It’s the perfect way to combine city culture with alpine nature.
In the Langhe, yes—especially for famous labels. However, if you prefer a slower pace, many villages like Barolo have an Enoteca Regionale where you can walk in and taste a wide variety of local wines without a formal appointment.
The main valley roads are wide and easy. However, the roads leading up to the peaks (like the Lys Valley) are winding and steep. They are well-maintained, but take your time and enjoy the scenery!
