Piedmont is a region that offers a variety of cycling routes for all types of riders and cycle travellers.
From the simplest routes, also suitable for families, to challenging Alpine climbs, the opportunities for exploring the Piedmont area are truly many. It is possible to admire the natural and landscape beauties, savor the food and wine specialities, and discover the villages, historical attractions and local culture.
Here are 9 itineraries + 1 in Piedmont that will make you fall in love with this area!
- The Oropa cycle paths
The Oropa cycle paths offer an excellent opportunity to explore a varied landscape, ranging from the agricultural plain to the majestic Piedmont Alps. The Serra cycle route, which goes from Santhià to Oropa, and the Canavesana cycle route, which connects Ivrea to the Sanctuaries of Belmonte and Oropa, are well signposted, fully traced and equipped with excellent reception facilities. These routes are not just for expert cyclists who love traditional bikes, but are accessible to everyone. By dividing the journey into stages or using an ebike, even less experienced cycle tourists can tackle them with ease.
- Asti and its wonderful hills
The area affected by these routes is the Asti area, in particular between Nizza Monferrato, Alba and Roccaverano. The climbs, although not long, are frequent and often characterized by steep gradients reaching 20%. The landscapes are enchanting, with routes that cross lush hills of manicured vineyards. The towns in this area of Piedmont offer delights for the palate and splendid views, repaying the efforts of cyclists!
- Among the Pinerolo mountains
In the evocative mountain area of Pinerolo, west of Turin, the Unione Montana del Pinerolese has created 15 circular cycling routes to offer a safe, relaxing and rewarding experience for cycling and cycle tourism lovers. These itineraries cover a total of 450 kilometres, alternating paths and dirt roads with asphalted secondary roads with little traffic. Among these routes, today we recommend the Anello delle Creste, which starts from Bricherasio, 8 km from Pinerolo and 60 km from Turin, and reaches Colle della Vaccera at 1,502 meters above sea level. The route crosses the pass of the Cottian Alps, connecting Angrogna in the Pellice valley and Pramollo in the Chisone valley.
The itinerary winds through streams and picturesque locations such as Santa Caterina, Piani, Colletta and Sea di Rognosa (1,310 m). It is a route with a strong panoramic vocation, punctuated by seven panoramic points where you can stop to admire the Waldensian valleys and the surrounding plains.
- The salt routes of Cuneo
In the heart of Piedmont, a cycling route develops that offers an exciting adventure and narrates a significant part of the economic and commercial history of the region: the Via del Sale.
The Salt Roads were ancient trade routes used for the transport of sea salt, fundamental for ancient trade. Today, this ancient route system has been rediscovered as a unique opportunity for cycle tourists, offering an unforgettable journey through spectacular landscapes and places rich in history. One of the most fascinating sections of this network passes through Piedmont, allowing cyclists to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Alps and discover the traditions and historical treasures of the region.
Much of this intricate network can be explored by mountain bike, starting from Limone Piemonte. From here, the route winds through the heart of the Marguareis Natural Park, crossing the suggestive Navette forest, and then descends to the shores of the sea. This journey combines the thousand-year history of the trade routes with the natural beauty of the Piedmontese landscapes, offering an unforgettable experience for cycle tourism enthusiasts.
- Turin and the Giro d'Italia
The Collina Torinese, protagonist of the start of the pink race, offers a unique opportunity to explore the hilly area around Turin. This itinerary is characterized by climbs such as that of San Vito and spectacular ascents to the Superga hill, without forgetting the Maddalena hill. During the summer, the shade provided by the trees makes tackling these climbs more pleasant. Once at the top, we recommend a stop in the Parco della Rimembranza and, for those who want to extend the excursion, a visit to the Faro della Vittoria, located at 715 metres, at the highest point in the city of Turin.
- Monviso and surroundings
For road cycling enthusiasts with well-trained legs, the legendary climbs of the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia are unmissable stages. Among hills and valleys that offer breathtaking landscapes and an area rich in culture, traditions and delicious cuisine, the cycling adventure turns into a real exploration.
The Magnificent Seven is a series of “roller coasters” located in an enchanting area on the border between France and Italy, where every pedal stroke involves effort but also offers unparalleled beauty.
- Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta
The Piedmont side of Lake Maggiore, between Stresa and Lake Orta, is one of the most fascinating places in northern Italy. Exploring it by bicycle allows you to fully appreciate its beauty.
Stresa is the ideal starting point for excursions on Lake Maggiore, including a boat visit to Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Madre and Isola Bella. Cyclists can enjoy splendid views by climbing Mottarone and discover Lake Orta, an authentic landscape jewel. Reaching the top of Mottarone, at 1400 metres, is challenging, but the descent towards Orta San Giulio repays the effort. Once you arrive, the beauty of the landscape makes you forget the effort of the climb.
- Among the rice fields of Vercelli
This circuit of approximately 80 km not only crosses the rice fields, but touches the Via Francigena, reaches Santhià and Lake Viverone, and then ends in Vercelli.
The route starts from the picturesque Vercelli train station and winds through charming locations, offering travelers a view of the region's rich historical and cultural heritage. Among the most fascinating stops, Vettignè Castle stands out, a medieval site that overlooks the rice fields in the hamlet of Casanova Elvo. Along the way, you pass through Santhià, where a stop is recommended to admire the majestic Collegiate Church of Sant'Agata with its 12th century bell tower, and Viverone, where you can visit the suggestive Roppolo Castle and its church, an important stop along the Via Francigena. Lake Viverone, the third largest in Piedmont, offers a breathtaking spectacle along its coastline, before heading towards Alice Castello and Tronzano Vercellese. Here, the Naviglio di Ivrea, the Depretis Canal and the Cavour Canal meet, vital for the cultivation of rice. After crossing an area mainly dedicated to rice cultivation, the route ends with the return to Vercelli.
- Along the banks of the Sesia river
The beginning of the route, with just over 30 km to travel in peace, is located along the banks of the Sesia river, in the picturesque town of Romagnano Sesia. From here, we proceed towards Cavallirio, Boca, Maggiora and Borgomanero, where the route intersects with the famous Via del Mare. This area is characterized by hills covered with vineyards and lush forests. The influence of Alessandro Antonelli is reflected not only in the architecture of villas, churches and sanctuaries, but also in the vineyards, where he contributed to the development of the Maggiorina technique, an agricultural practice for growing vines. Continuing, you cross the suggestive Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park, in the surroundings of Comignago, before reaching Castelletto Ticino, where the engaging route of the Via del Ticino begins.
- The UNESCO Grand Tour
The UNESCO Grand Tour Project, promoted by the Terre Reali del Piedmont Tourist Consortium, combines the passion for cycle tourism, the valorisation of Savoy culinary traditions and the promotion of local culture. The cycling itinerary, 400 kilometers long, crosses the parks and natural areas of the plain, from Cuneo to Turin, with the prestigious Savoy Residences as key stopping points.
The route winds mainly through flat terrain, passing through parks and nature reserves, with the iconic Savoy Residences of Racconigi, Stupinigi, Venaria Reale, Moncalieri, Rivoli and Turin marking the way. A slow and fascinating journey, which allows you to admire baroque architecture and rural landscapes, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in the court life of the noble House of Savoy.
The UNESCO Grand Tour by bicycle offers a ring of over 600 kilometers to travel in peaceful stages, crossing architectural treasures such as the Royal Palaces and the Sacred Mountains, together with Creative Cities, and surrounded by the greenery of woods and parks in landscapes of extraordinary beauty.