Want to cycle in Italy, but prefer to stay away from mass tourism in Tuscany or the hustle and bustle of the Dolomites? Then opt for a cycling holiday in Piedmont. This region in the north-west of Italy is a dream for cyclists, gravel riders and bicycle travellers. You will find beautiful historic towns, relatively quiet country roads, famous and challenging cols and a bicycle-friendly infrastructure. Piedmont is the destination for those who love sporty cycling in an environment where culture and gastronomy effortlessly converge.
Piedmont, located in north-west Italy, is a region bordering France and Switzerland and surrounded by the impressive Alps. To the south, it borders the Italian region of Liguria. Piedmont - whose name literally means "at the foot of the mountains" - is a perfect cycling destination for all cycling disciplines.
The imposing Alps are a challenge for those who love steep climbs and breathtaking views. Consider the legendary Colle delle Finestre, a climb that is both physically and mentally challenging, but absolutely worthwhile. Piedmont's roads are well-maintained and generally not crowded.
Further south you will find the Langhe and Monferrato, a gently rolling region recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Here you cycle through endless vineyards and picturesque villages. In this area, gravel bikers can indulge in numerous winding gravel paths that take you through the picturesque landscape. Do you prefer mountain biking? Then you will find challenging trails in areas such as Valle Varaita and the Val di Susa.
Piedmont, literally "at the foot of the mountains", lives up to its name. To the north are the Alps with cols that reach above 2,000 metres. In the south, you will find hills full of vineyards, castles and villages that are among the most beautiful in Italy. And in between are fertile plains with cycle paths along rivers and through nature reserves.
Cycling in Piedmont means alternating between days where you climb up to the snowline and tours past truffle forests, hazelnut trees and medieval abbeys. The roads are generally quiet, the tarmac is good, and the region has not yet been discovered by mass cycling tourism - so you have plenty of space and peace to ride.
Where Piedmont borders France is the beautiful, imposing Alpine mountains. Here you will find some of the toughest and most iconic climbs for cyclists, such as the Colle delle Finestre, Colle d'Agnello and the Colle del Nivolet
More centrally, you will find the gentle, rolling hills of the Langhe and Monferrato, which give the region its unique charm. These World Heritage Sites are covered with vast vineyards stretching over the horizon, interspersed with picturesque villages, castles and old farms. Thanks to the many gravel roads, gravel biking is possible in all directions here, but cyclists can also enjoy quiet and well-maintained roads.
For adventurous mountain bikers, Piedmont's mountain forests are a perfect place to explore. In areas such as the Valle Varaita and the Val di Susa you will find rugged trails and off-road paths winding through the forests. Here you can still find real nature! These forests offer numerous mountain bike routes, with challenging sections and rocky surfaces, but there are also routes for novice mountain bikers.
Spring (March to May):
Spring in Piedmont is a wonderful time for cycling, with mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Nature comes alive, with blooming flowers and green vineyards. This is the ideal season for longer rides, especially through the rolling hills of Langhe and Monferrato, and along the river banks of the Po. In the mountains, it can still be cold early in Spring and there may be snow on the mountain peaks. The region is relatively quiet in spring.
Summer (June to August):
Summer in Piedmont can be hot, with temperatures reaching above 30°C, especially in the lowlands. In the mountains, it often stays cooler. Summer is high season for wine and culinary festivals, so it can be a little busier in popular areas such as Langhe.
Autumn (September to November):
Autumn is one of the best periods for cycling in Piedmont. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. The region gets its beautiful autumn colours, which looks enchanting. The vineyards, famous for their Barolo and Barbaresco wines, are in full harvest during this period. In terms of tourism, the autumn months are relatively quiet; an ideal time to enjoy the region at leisure.
Winter (December to February):
Winter in Piedmont is mild in the lower parts, with temperatures between 5°C and 10°C, while in the mountains it can be cold with snow and ice. The routes in the lower areas usually remain passable, but it is important to be prepared for winter conditions in the mountains. The winter landscape, with snow-covered mountain peaks, can be fantastic to explore by mountain bike, but you might prefer to take out your skis at this time of year.
Length: 19 kilometres
Altimeters: 1700 metres
Average gradient: 9,1%.
Description: You must have done this iconic climb once. The Colle delle Finestre is known from the Giro d'Italia, among others. The gradient is steep but constant. After 44 hairpin bends, you'll find yourself at the top, where stunning views await you.
Length: 46 kilometres
Altimeters: 2125 metres
Average gradient: 4,6%.
Description: Looking for a really long climb and the best views in the region? Then climb the Colle del Nivolet. If you've trained at least, because this this climb can rightly be called "tough" thanks to its length. But fortunately, the scenery provides distraction. The higher you get, the more beautiful it becomes, with enchanting mountain lakes and rugged mountain ranges.
Length: 22 kilometres
Altimeters: 1,500 metres
Average gradient: 6,5%
Description: The Colle dell'Agnello is one of the highest paved passes in Europe and forms the border between Italy and France. This climb is long, rugged and impressive. The final kilometres are relentlessly steep, with gradients above 14%. You cycle through alpine meadows, past mountain lakes and finally to a barren, windy summit at 2,744 metres. A challenge of stature, but definitely a climb for your bucket list.
Length: 11 kilometres (from Cesana Torinese)
Altimeters: approx. 700 metres
Average gradient: 6,3%
Description: This climb to the well-known ski resort of Sestriere is relatively short, but solid. The road is wide and well-paved, ideal for finding a tight climbing rhythm. Along the way, there are views of the surrounding mountain ranges and, once at the top, the village with cafés and a bike-friendly atmosphere awaits. The Colle di Sestriere is also an ideal warm-up or finish for a combination ride with the Colle delle Finestre.
Of course, Piedmont has some unmissable cycling routes. We have posted some of them on our Komoot page (see below).
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