Piedmont by bike between landscapes, vineyards and flavours

PGI Piedmont Hazelnuts are the queen of this itinerary, cultivated for the most part on the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato hillsides and also known as Tonda Gentile delle Langhe. The route crosses the uncontaminated landscape of the Uzzone Valley, the main growing area. Cortemilia is the start and finish point - a typical village in traditional Langa stone and its par excellence capital, as well as home to famous cakes made with hazelnuts as the main ingredient and the National Hazelnut Fair every August. This intermediate difficulty 34.7 km route is recommended for more expert cyclists, given the uphill start, central section on the ridge and final descent.

The Roero hills, on the banks of the River Tanaro bordering on the Langhe area, have this 140-km route winding through lush and rather wild nature best suited to mountain bikes and e-bikes. Cycling through historic villages, castles and characteristic geological rock formations hosting a rich biodiversity, discovering excellent local food and wine, with the chance to enjoy tastings on site: the areas home to the highly-prized Alba White Truffle, the vineyards of Roero DOCG and Roero Arneis DOCG wines, plots growing strawberries, apricots, peaches and Madernassa pears. The route is equipped with signposts, recharging stations for e-bikes and maintenance services for bicycles.

A circular route with stop-offs for tastings in the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wine cellars set amidst the woods and villages of the Langhe and Roero areas. Historical wine-growing traditions, respectful interaction between people and the environment and the evolution of growing techniques and vineyard architecture have transformed these hills into a landscape worthy of UNESCO World Heritage status. The itinerary has two routes: a longer and more difficult one characterized by steep gradients intended for expert cyclists, while the other is much less demanding and also passes through Alba, the UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy where the International Alba White Truffle Fair is held every autumn. The route is adequately signposted, with recharging stations for e-bikes and maintenance services for bicycles.

This route - a full-scale Gran Fondo of PDO Cheese - takes cyclists into the most uncontaminated and wild Alta Langa area, dotted with small dairies that help preserve traditional local methods and products. The 136.1 km itinerary starts from the small village of Murazzano, renowned for its cheese, and descends along the valley before climbing up to the ridge set in large, wooded areas also characterized by hazelnut groves. It is suitable for everyone since it does not present any particular difficulties. Stopping off in the dairy farms is a must to taste typical products.

An outing to discover the historic and picturesque villages of the Alta Langa area, characterized by rural architecture and engineering using typical Langa stone and the drywall technique to build houses and terraces. The 105 km route is quite challenging; certain sections pass through the aromatic vineyards of Muscat grapes and the highly-prized hazelnut plantations - two of the food and wine excellences of the area. Don't miss a visit to the Todocco Sanctuary along the way for the splendid panoramic view over the entire valley from the hilltop.