Piedmont

Part of Italy

Want to cycle in Italy, but prefer to stay away from the mass tourism in Tuscany or the crowds of the Dolomites? Choose a cycling holiday in Piedmont. This region in the northwest of Italy is a dream for cyclists, gravel riders and bike travelers. You’ll find beautiful historic cities, relatively quiet country roads, famous and challenging climbs, and a cycling-friendly infrastructure. Piedmont is the perfect destination for those who enjoy sporty cycling in an environment where culture and gastronomy effortlessly combine.

Piemonte, located in the northwest of Italy, is a region that borders France and Switzerland and is surrounded by the impressive Alps. In the south, this region borders the Italian region of Liguria. Piemonte – 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 anyone who loves steep climbs and breathtaking views. Think of the legendary Colle delle Finestre, an ascent that is both physically and mentally challenging, but absolutely worth it. The roads in Piedmont are well maintained and generally not busy.

Further south, you’ll find the Langhe and Monferrato, a gently rolling area that has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll cycle through endless vineyards and picturesque villages. In this area, gravel bikers will find their heart’s delight in numerous winding gravel paths that take you through the picturesque landscape. Prefer to take the mountain bike? Then you’ll find challenging trails in areas like Valle Varaita and the Val di Susa.

Piemonte, literally “at the foot of the mountains”, lives up to its name. In the north lie the Alps with passes that reach above 2,000 meters. In the south you’ll find hills full of vineyards, castles, and villages that are among the most beautiful in Italy. And in between are fertile plains with bike paths along rivers and through natural areas.

Cycling in Piedmont means alternating between days when you climb to the snow line and trips through truffle forests, hazelnut trees, and medieval abbeys. The roads are usually quiet, the asphalt is good, and the region has not yet been discovered by mass cycling tourism – so you have plenty of space and tranquility to ride.

Where Piedmont borders France, lies the beautiful, imposing Alpine mountain range. Here you’ll 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’ll find the soft, rolling hills of the Langhe and Monferrato, which give the region its unique charm. These World Heritage sites are covered with sprawling vineyards that stretch across the horizon, interspersed with picturesque villages, castles, and old farmhouses. Thanks to the many gravel roads, you can explore all directions on a gravel bike, but cyclists can also enjoy quiet and well-maintained roads here.

For adventurous mountain bikers, the mountain forests of Piedmont are a perfect place to explore. In areas like the Valle Varaita and the Val di Susa, you’ll find rugged trails and off-road paths that wind through the forests. Here you’ll find real nature! These forests offer numerous mountain biking trails, with challenging sections and rocky terrain, but there are also routes for beginners.

Spring (March to May): The spring in Piedmont is a wonderful time to cycle, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Nature comes to life, 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 riverbanks of the Po. In the mountains, it can still be cold early in the spring and there can be snow on the mountain peaks. The region is relatively quiet in spring.

Summer (June to August): The summer in Piedmont can be hot, with temperatures that can reach above 30°C, especially in the lowlands. In the mountains, it often remains cooler. Summer is the peak season for wine and culinary festivals, which can make it a bit busier in popular areas like Langhe.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is one of the best periods to cycle in Piedmont. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. The region gets its beautiful autumn colors, which look enchanting. The vineyards, famous for their Barolo and Barbaresco wines, are in full harvest during this period. As for tourism, it is relatively quiet during the autumn months; an ideal time to enjoy the region in all its tranquility.

Winter (December to February): The winter in Piedmont is mild in the lower regions, with temperatures between 5°C and 10°C, while it can be cold in the mountains with snow and ice. The routes in the lower regions usually remain passable, but it is important to be prepared for winter conditions in the mountains. The winter landscape, with snow-capped mountain peaks, can be fantastic to explore on a mountain bike, but you might prefer to bring out the skies during this period.

You must not miss these climbs in PIEMONTE

Colle delle Finestre

Length: 19 kilometers
Altitude meters: 1700 meters
Average rate of increase: 9,1%.
Description: You have to have done this iconic climb at least once. The Colle delle Finestre is known, among other things, from the Giro d’Italia. The slope is steep, but constant. After 44 hairpin bends you’re at the top, where a beautiful view awaits you.

Colle del Nivolet

Length: 46 kilometers
Altitude meters: 2125 meters
Average rate of increase: 4,6%.
Description: Looking for a really long climb and the most beautiful views of the region? Climb the Colle del Nivolet. If you’ve trained up at least, because this climb is rightly called ‘steep’ thanks to its length. But fortunately, the scenery provides a diversion. The higher you go, the more beautiful it gets, with enchanting mountain lakes and rugged mountain slopes.

Colle del Agnello

Length: 22 kilometers
Altitude meters: 1,500 meters
Average rate of increase: 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 kilometers are relentlessly steep, with gradients exceeding 14%. You cycle through alpine pastures, past mountain lakes, and finally to a barren, windy summit at 2,744 meters. A challenge of epic proportions, but definitely a climb to add to your bucket list.

Colle di Sestriere

Length: 11 kilometers (from Cesana Torinese)
Altitude meters: about 700 meters
Average rate of increase: 6,3%
Description: This climb to the famous winter sports resort of Sestriere is relatively short but steep. The road is wide and well paved, ideal for finding a tight climbing rhythm. Along the way you have views of the surrounding mountain ranges and once above, the village awaits with cafes and a bike-friendly atmosphere. The Colle di Sestriere is also an ideal warm-up or final stage for a combination ride with the Colle delle Finestre.

Travel tips

• Traffic information: Generally speaking, the roads in Piedmont are well maintained and relatively quiet and safe when it comes to traffic. During the high season (summer), popular passes can become somewhat busier with other cyclists, motorcyclists, and cars. However, road users are expected to be considerate of cyclists around larger cities, such as Turin. It is also busier around larger cities, such as Turin. The fastest route to, for example, the hotspot of Cuneo is via Switzerland. Please take into account the toll tunnel under the Great St. Bernard Pass.
• Culinary: Piedmont is the wine region of Italy, with famous wines such as Barolo, Barbaresco and Moscato d’Asti. The ideal region where you can treat yourself to a good glass of wine after your bike ride! Local specialties such as vitello tonnato (calves’ meat with tuna sauce), bagna càuda (warm anchovy sauce served with vegetables) and fresh tajarin pasta with ragù are real must-tries during your visit to this region. Do you like sweets? Piedmont is also home to world-famous hazelnut products, such as Nutella!

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