The best of Val Chisone

The Fenestrelle Fort is one of the most extraordinary fortified complexes in Europe and represents one of the most important historical symbols of Val Chisone and Piedmont. Built starting in 1728 by order of Victor Amadeus II of Savoy, the fort was created with the aim of defending the western border of the Kingdom of Sardinia after the Treaty of Utrecht.

Also known as the “Piedmontese Great Wall”, the complex develops along the mountainside for over 3 kilometers, with a vertical drop of about 650 meters. The fortification connects several defensive structures, including Fort San Carlo, Fort Tre Denti, and Fort delle Valli, creating a unique military system of its kind.

One of the most famous elements of the fort is the long Covered Staircase, an internal staircase of almost 4,000 steps built to allow the movement of troops sheltered from external attacks. Even today, it represents one of the most impressive military architectural works in the Alps.

Guided tours allow you to discover bastions, walls, walkways, and spectacular views over the valley, offering a journey through military history and 18th-century Savoyard architecture.

Val Chisone is a paradise for trekking lovers and mountain walks. The network of trails crosses some of the most beautiful areas of the Cottian Alps, offering routes suitable for both families and more experienced hikers.

Among the most popular excursions suitable for everyone is the one towards Lake Laux, a charming alpine lake near Usseaux, nestled in the woods and ideal for a relaxing walk in nature.

A walk to Pian dell’Alpe is a must, as it is one of the symbolic places of upper Val Chisone. Here, large alpine meadows, mountain pastures, and panoramic trails allow you to experience the authentic mountains among marmots, grazing lands, and spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

For those looking for high-altitude panoramic itineraries, the Assietta Road is one of the most famous outdoor experiences in Piedmont. This historic military road crosses alpine ridges and breathtaking landscapes, becoming a destination for trekking, hiking, mountain biking, and nature tourism every summer. For more experienced walkers, it is possible to spend a night on the route thanks to the presence of a mountain refuge.

Also Pragelato offers numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty among larch forests, alpine refuges, and ancient mountain hamlets, perfect for discovering the valley’s untouched nature.

Val Chisone is one of the most popular destinations in Piedmont for mountain biking, e-biking, and alpine cycle tourism, thanks to a network of routes that cross mountains, historic military roads, and spectacular panoramas.

The famous Assietta Road is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic dirt itineraries in the Alps. Over 30 kilometers of high-altitude road cross historic fortifications, alpine pastures, and extraordinary viewpoints, attracting MTB, gravel, and e-bike enthusiasts from all over Europe every year.

Among the iconic climbs of alpine cycling, the Colle delle Finestre also stands out, one of the mountain passes most loved by cyclists and the setting for some of the most epic stages of the Giro d’Italia. Its spectacular climb, with long dirt sections and panoramic hairpins, connects Val Chisone to Val di Susa, crossing unique alpine landscapes and offering an unmissable experience for two-wheel lovers.

One of the most recent projects for the enhancement of the territory is the Roads of the Forts, an itinerary that combines history, alpine landscapes, and outdoor activities through the ancient military roads of the Piedmontese Olympic mountains.

The Roads of the Forts allow you to cross some of the most spectacular panoramas of the Cottian Alps, among ridges, historic forts, high-altitude pastures, and unique viewpoints. A perfect experience for those looking for slow tourism, hiking, and bike itineraries immersed in nature.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Val Chisone is the presence of historic villages and ancient alpine hamlets that have preserved their authenticity over time.

Usseaux, listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy, wins over visitors with stone houses, murals, characteristic alleys, and charming alpine views.

Fenestrelle is famous for the Fenestrelle Fort, known as the “Piedmontese Great Wall”: the largest alpine fortress in Europe, immersed in a spectacular mountain landscape.

Among the most suggestive hamlets are Balboutet, famous for its ancient sundials painted on the houses, and Pequerel, a small alpine village surrounded by nature and the silence of the mountains.

Pragelato keeps the alpine tradition alive with ancient huts, Occitan culture, and landscapes that change face in every season.

In winter, Val Chisone becomes one of the main destinations for skiing in Piedmont and for snow holidays in the Italian Alps.

Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Cesana Torinese, and Montgenèvre are part of the famous Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, one of the largest in Europe, with hundreds of kilometers of ski and snowboard slopes immersed in spectacular alpine panoramas.

Pragelato is particularly loved for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and itineraries immersed in snowy woods.

Sansicario completes the offer of the Olympic mountains with panoramic slopes, modern lifts, and activities for families and sports enthusiasts.

Val Chisone is one of the emerging destinations for climbing in Piedmont and climbing in the Cottian Alps, thanks to the presence of natural crags immersed in an authentic, silent, and uncrowded alpine context.

The crags of Fenestrelle and Roure represent the main reference points for sport climbing in Val Chisone. Here you can find sectors with well-equipped routes and a good variety of difficulty levels, making these walls suitable for both those looking for climbing for beginners in Piedmont, and intermediate and expert climbers looking for more technical and vertical routes.

In particular, the Fenestrelle area offers an ideal context for those who want to practice climbing in an alpine environment with a progressive approach, while some walls in the area feature more athletic moves, perfect for those who already have experience on rock.

The Roure area is appreciated for its wilder and more natural environment, ideal for those looking for outdoor climbing away from the busiest areas, with a more authentic and immersive experience in the Piedmontese mountains.

Also Pragelato and the upper Val Chisone offer interesting possibilities to combine climbing, trekking, and outdoor activities, with a more exploratory approach that allows you to experience the mountains to the fullest.