Discovering the Hidden Gems of Piedmont: A Journey Through Italy’s Most Beautiful Towns and Villages
Tucked away in the northwest corner of Italy lies the enchanting region of Piedmont, a land of breathtaking beauty, rich history, and world-class cuisine. From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the rolling hills of the Langhe wine country, Piedmont is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey through the most beautiful towns and villages in Piedmont, uncovering their secrets, traditions, and enogastronomic delights.
Why Visit Piedmont?
So why should you visit Piedmont? For starters, the region boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes, from the majestic Alps to the picturesque valleys and hills. But it’s not just about the scenery – Piedmont is also home to some of Italy’s most renowned wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco. And let’s not forget the delicious cuisine, which showcases the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Piedmont is a haven for foodies, with its world-class restaurants serving up traditional dishes such as truffles, hazelnuts, cheese, and wine. Visitors can also explore the local markets and food shops, where they can sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handcrafted chocolates.
In addition to its culinary delights, Piedmont is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The region offers endless opportunities for hiking, trekking, cycling, and skiing, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Our Top 15 Picks for the Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Piedmont
After extensive research and a survey involving over 300,000 users, we’ve narrowed down our list to the top 15 most beautiful towns and villages in Piedmont. From charming hilltop towns to stunning lakefront destinations, these places are sure to captivate your senses.
1. Garessio (Cuneo)
Our journey begins in Garessio, a picturesque village in southern Piedmont, close to the border with Liguria. This medieval town is nestled in the heart of the Val Bormida valley and boasts stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Must-see Attractions:
- Port Rose Tower
- Odda House
- Giugare House
- Piazza San Giovanni and its beautiful Church
Specialties:
- Polenta saracena with porcini sauce
- Panissa (polenta made with ceci)
- Hazelnut and cocoa sweets
Where to Eat: Trattoria Pizzeria Castello – Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 32
How to Get There: 74.3 km from Cuneo (1 hour by car), 122 km from Turin (1.5 hours by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €60,00 per room
2. Barolo (Cuneo)
Next on our list is the famous wine town of Barolo, located in the heart of Piedmont’s Langhe region. This charming hilltop town is known for its stunning views, beautiful architecture, and world-class wines.
Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
- Palazzo Carignano
- Chiesa di San Pietro
Specialties:
- Barolo wine tastings
- Traditional Piedmontese cuisine
- Truffle specialties
Where to Eat: Ristorante La Grotta – Via Roma 12
How to Get There: 140 km from Turin (1.5 hours by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €80,00 per room
3. Orta San Giulio (Novara)
Our next destination is the beautiful town of Orta San Giulio, located on the shores of Lake Orta in the province of Novara. This stunning lakefront town is known for its picturesque canals, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza Castello
- Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta
- Canal del Salto
Specialties:
- Fresh fish from Lake Orta
- Traditional Novarese cuisine
- Local wines
Where to Eat: Ristorante Il Girasole – Via Roma 14
How to Get There: 120 km from Turin (1.5 hours by car), 50 km from Milan (45 minutes by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €60,00 per room
4. Saluzzo (Cuneo)
Next up is the charming town of Saluzzo, located in the heart of Piedmont’s Alba region. This medieval town is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza del Popolo
- Chiesa di San Francesco
- Palazzo Reale
Specialties:
- Traditional Piedmontese cuisine
- Local wines
- Hazelnut specialties
Where to Eat: Ristorante La Corte – Via Roma 10
How to Get There: 120 km from Turin (1.5 hours by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €80,00 per room
5. Ricetto di Candelo (Biella)
Our next destination is the charming town of Ricetto di Candelo, located in the province of Biella. This medieval town is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza del Popolo
- Chiesa di San Giacomo
- Palazzo Comunale
Specialties:
- Traditional Piedmontese cuisine
- Local wines
- Hazelnut specialties
Where to Eat: Ristorante Il Girasole – Via Roma 12
How to Get There: 80 km from Turin (1 hour by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €60,00 per room
6. Chianale (Cuneo)
Next up is the charming town of Chianale, located in the heart of Piedmont’s Alba region. This medieval town is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza del Popolo
- Chiesa di San Michele
- Palazzo Comunale
Specialties:
- Traditional Piedmontese cuisine
- Local wines
- Hazelnut specialties
Where to Eat: Ristorante La Corte – Via Roma 10
How to Get There: 100 km from Turin (1.2 hours by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €80,00 per room
7. Monforte d’Alba (Cuneo)
Our next destination is the charming town of Monforte d’Alba, located in the heart of Piedmont’s Alba region. This medieval town is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
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Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza del Popolo
- Chiesa di San Michele
- Palazzo Comunale
Specialties:
- Traditional Piedmontese cuisine
- Local wines
- Hazelnut specialties
Where to Eat: Ristorante La Grotta – Via Roma 12
How to Get There: 130 km from Turin (1.5 hours by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €80,00 per room
8. Volpedo (Alessandria)
Next up is the charming town of Volpedo, located in the province of Alessandria. This medieval town is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza del Popolo
- Chiesa di San Pietro
- Palazzo Comunale
Specialties:
- Traditional Piedmontese cuisine
- Local wines
- Hazelnut specialties
Where to Eat: Ristorante Il Girasole – Via Roma 12
How to Get There: 90 km from Turin (1 hour by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €60,00 per room
9. Usseaux (Torino)
Our next destination is the charming town of Usseaux, located in the province of Torino. This medieval town is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza del Popolo
- Chiesa di San Michele
- Palazzo Comunale
Specialties:
- Traditional Piedmontese cuisine
- Local wines
- Hazelnut specialties
Where to Eat: Ristorante La Corte – Via Roma 10
How to Get There: 50 km from Turin (45 minutes by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €80,00 per room
10. Ostana (Cuneo)
Next up is the charming town of Ostana, located in the province of Cuneo. This medieval town is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza del Popolo
- Chiesa di San Pietro
- Palazzo Comunale
Specialties:
- Traditional Piedmontese cuisine
- Local wines
- Hazelnut specialties
Where to Eat: Ristorante Il Girasole – Via Roma 12
How to Get There: 70 km from Turin (1 hour by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €60,00 per room
11. Carignano (Asti)
Our next destination is the charming town of Carignano, located in the province of Asti. This medieval town is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza del Popolo
- Chiesa di San Leonardo
- Palazzo Comunale
Specialties:
- Traditional Piedmontese cuisine
- Local wines
- Hazelnut specialties
Where to Eat: Ristorante La Corte – Via Roma 10
How to Get There: 60 km from Turin (1 hour by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €80,00 per room
12. Canelli (Asti)
Next up is the charming town of Canelli, located in the province of Asti. This medieval town is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza del Popolo
- Chiesa di San Nicolò
- Palazzo Comunale
Specialties:
- Traditional Piedmontese cuisine
- Local wines
- Hazelnut specialties
Where to Eat: Ristorante La Corte – Via Roma 10
How to Get There: 50 km from Turin (45 minutes by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €60,00 per room
13. Acqui Terme (Asti)
Our next destination is the charming town of Acqui Terme, located in the province of Asti. This medieval town is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza del Popolo
- Chiesa di San Nicolò
- Palazzo Comunale
Specialties:
- Traditional Piedmontese cuisine
- Local wines
- Hazelnut specialties
Where to Eat: Ristorante La Corte – Via Roma 10
How to Get There: 80 km from Turin (1 hour by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €60,00 per room
14. Savigliano (Cuneo)
Next up is the charming town of Savigliano, located in the province of Cuneo. This medieval town is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza del Popolo
- Chiesa di San Pietro
- Palazzo Comunale
Specialties:
- Traditional Piedmontese cuisine
- Local wines
- Hazelnut specialties
Where to Eat: Ristorante La Corte – Via Roma 10
How to Get There: 120 km from Turin (1.5 hours by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €60,00 per room
15. Aosta Valley (Aosta)
Our final destination is the charming town of Aosta Valley, located in the province of Aosta. This medieval town is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Must-see Attractions:
- Piazza del Popolo
- Chiesa di San Nicolò
- Palazzo Comunale
Specialties:
- Traditional Piedmontese cuisine
- Local wines
- Hazelnut specialties
Where to Eat: Ristorante La Corte – Via Roma 10
How to Get There: 200 km from Turin (2.5 hours by car)
Accommodation: Hotel and B&B starting from €80,00 per room
Getting There
Piedmont is easily accessible by car, train, or plane. The main airport is Turin Airport (TRN), which is connected to major European cities.
When to Go
The best time to visit Piedmont is in the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be hot, while winter can be cold and snowy.
What to Eat
Piedmont is famous for its delicious food, including:
- Truffles
- Hazelnuts
- Cheese (such as Gorgonzola and Taleggio)
- Wine (such as Barolo and Barbaresco)
Don’t forget to try some of the local specialties, such as:
- Agnolotti (a type of pasta)
- Tortelli (a type of ravioli)
- Polenta
What to Do
Piedmont has plenty of things to do, including:
- Hiking and trekking
- Cycling
- Visiting castles and historic sites
- Exploring the local markets and food shops
