Piedmont is in Italy's northwest and borders Switzerland and France. True to the meaning of its name (foot of the mountain), Piedmont is a land of mountains. It is surrounded on three sides by the Alps, with the highest peaks and largest glaciers in Italy.
Monviso, the Piedmont side of Monte Rosa and the other spectacular mountains in the region, create incredibly beautiful landscapes, and ski resorts abound: Via Lattea and Sestriere welcome winter sports enthusiasts with their state-of-the-art facilities.
The Alps form the background for sweeping, picturesque valleys, e.g. the Val di Susa, Valsesia and Val d'Ossola. The landscapes of the Langhe and Monferrato are hilly, rather, but just as beautiful, a succession of cultivated hills and vineyards that are dotted with small towns and castles.
Expanses of water and rice paddies, long rows of poplars and old farmhouses make up the typical scenery of the plains around Novara and Vercelli. Lake Maggiore is the most sought-after tourist resort, including Stresa and the Borromean Islands, charming as they are with their ancient villas surrounded by beautiful lawns and gardens.
Yet, nature is only one of the many attractions in Piedmont. This region has many other facets: from Turin – the Italian car manufacturing capital – with its history and remarkable cultural heritage, to other cities such as Cherasco, Alba and Ivrea.
Next up are the intriguing Medieval castles - like the imposing fortress at Ivrea - and prized works of architecture - the famous Residences of the Royal House of Savoy and the Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains) certainly deserve to be mentioned. The famous spa resorts of Acqui Terme and Vinadio offer treatments and therapy for a relaxing, reviving holiday. Discoveries and surprises of all kinds are in store for visitors to the region, including a wide range of food and wine to suit every palate.
The region’s provinces are: Turin (regional capital), Alessandria, Asti, Biella, Cuneo, Novara, Verbano Cusio Ossola and Vercelli.
Monviso, the Piedmont side of Monte Rosa and the other spectacular mountains in the region, create incredibly beautiful landscapes, and ski resorts abound: Via Lattea and Sestriere welcome winter sports enthusiasts with their state-of-the-art facilities.
The Alps form the background for sweeping, picturesque valleys, e.g. the Val di Susa, Valsesia and Val d'Ossola. The landscapes of the Langhe and Monferrato are hilly, rather, but just as beautiful, a succession of cultivated hills and vineyards that are dotted with small towns and castles.
Expanses of water and rice paddies, long rows of poplars and old farmhouses make up the typical scenery of the plains around Novara and Vercelli. Lake Maggiore is the most sought-after tourist resort, including Stresa and the Borromean Islands, charming as they are with their ancient villas surrounded by beautiful lawns and gardens.
Yet, nature is only one of the many attractions in Piedmont. This region has many other facets: from Turin – the Italian car manufacturing capital – with its history and remarkable cultural heritage, to other cities such as Cherasco, Alba and Ivrea.
Next up are the intriguing Medieval castles - like the imposing fortress at Ivrea - and prized works of architecture - the famous Residences of the Royal House of Savoy and the Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains) certainly deserve to be mentioned. The famous spa resorts of Acqui Terme and Vinadio offer treatments and therapy for a relaxing, reviving holiday. Discoveries and surprises of all kinds are in store for visitors to the region, including a wide range of food and wine to suit every palate.
The region’s provinces are: Turin (regional capital), Alessandria, Asti, Biella, Cuneo, Novara, Verbano Cusio Ossola and Vercelli.
Annual events in Piedmont:-
Festival di Primavera in Motta/ Sagra di torta verde in Nizza – second weekend of April- Open cellars in Canelli – third weekend of April
- Barbera Festival in Agliano Terme/ Vinum in Alba/ Town fiera in Asti – last weekend of April.
- Asparagus Festival in Vinchio/ Barbera festival Castagnole delle Lanze – first weekend of May
- Barbera e Nizza in Nizza/Barbera festival in Montegrosso – third weekend of May
- Barrel rolling through the streets in Nizza – last weekend of May
- Assedio and open cellars in Canelli – third weekend of June
- Sagra in Moasca – last weekend of June
- Sagra di peperoni in Motta – first weekend of August
- Festa del vino in Vinchio – last weekend of August
- Barolo tasting in La Morra – first weekend of September
- Douja d’Or wine festival in Asti – from second weekend in September for 2 weeks
- Palio in Asti – third Sunday in September
- Cheese Festival in Bra – third weekend of September
Alba White Truffle Fair - Mid October - Late November
Acqui Terme Official Tourism website:
http://www.en.turismoacquiterme.it/
Festival di Primavera in Motta/ Sagra di torta verde in Nizza – second weekend of April