Holiday Home Piedmont: Discover a Mountain World Full of Major Attractions!

In Piedmont, northern Italy, the mountains are never far away. Towering peaks rising from valleys make this region exceptionally impressive, and in cities like Turin and Aosta, you can see snow-covered mountain ranges soaring above the urban skyline. Gran Paradiso National Park is one of the most beloved hiking areas, where one moment you walk along rivers and waterfalls, and the next you enjoy panoramic views over crystal-clear mountain lakes. You’ll also find stunning architectural masterpieces with ease, as well as charming spots like the garden island of Isola Madre, the fountains of Novara, and the Alpine Garden of Valnontey. Want to explore a mountainous world dotted with traces from ancient times? Rent a holiday home in Piedmont!

The Flower-Filled Island of Isola Madre

On the border between Piedmont and Lombardy lies Lake Maggiore, a lake worth visiting especially for the small islands along its western shore. Isola Madre features a botanical garden that covers the entire island, and due to elevation differences, you’ll enjoy lake views from various points. There’s also a villa that impresses with its many sculptures and luxurious interior, reflecting the grandeur of the wealthy Borromeo family who once lived there. If you’re an avid hiker and eager to see more of the area, follow the trails along the lakeside and discover the wooded mountains, caves, rivers, and waterfalls surrounding the lake.

Hike the Second Longest Fortification in the World

At an impressive altitude in western Piedmont lies a unique attraction loved by active hikers. In Val Chisone stands the Fenestrelle Fort, the longest fortress in Europe and, at three kilometers long, the second longest fortification in the world after the Great Wall of China. The fort is built in tiers against a mountain ridge and offers a majestic view of lush green peaks capped with snow. Guided tours are available in different lengths, ranging from 1 to 7 kilometers. The stairs are steep, so prepare for a challenging hike.

Sacra di San Michele and the Dome Tower of Novara

A stunning building perched on a panoramic viewpoint west of Turin is the Sacra di San Michele. This towering abbey blends Romanesque and Gothic architecture and overlooks a valley flanked by mountains that gradually rise into perpetually snow-covered peaks—a truly unique and beautiful view! Another striking architectural highlight lies east of Turin in the city of Novara. Walk beneath the arcades in the city center and be sure to visit the grand basilica with its 120-meter-high dome tower! Imagine how breathtaking that dome looks from the inside! The city also boasts palaces, a children's park with fountains, and a classical little bridge over a water basin. The Sforzesco Castle is also worth a visit, especially for the vibrant fountain plaza and public garden surrounding it.

Gran Paradiso National Park

Want to hike adventurously in Piedmont and enjoy snow-capped mountains alternating with valleys and lakes? Embark on an unforgettable hike through Gran Paradiso National Park, named after the towering Alpine peak Gran Paradiso. If you hike to Lake Lavoie, you’ll cross a mountain ridge offering spectacular views over the mirror-like lake and the Mont Blanc mountain range. But don’t just look into the distance—keep an eye out for wildlife such as ibex and marmots. Prefer a refreshing route? Start in the village of Lillaz and follow an easy trail along the river to the waterfalls.

Tip: Don’t miss the Alpine Garden of Valnontey to admire various forms of mountain vegetation. From here, you can also follow a magnificent hiking trail along the river of the same name. You’ll walk through a gorge-like valley with occasional waterfalls.

Visit the Atmospheric and Ancient City of Aosta

Gran Paradiso National Park offers more than just stunning mountains. It also encompasses ancient cities with unmistakable traces of Roman history. The city of Aosta in the eponymous valley is a true gem of historical importance. Here you’ll find a stone triumphal arch commemorating Emperor Augustus’s conquest of the city, as well as crypts, an arched bridge, and an amphitheater. A walk past all these landmarks is easily combined with a visit to the picturesque old town, where you can enjoy café terraces and admire elegant buildings from the square—framed by snowy peaks in the background.

Don’t forget to explore the surrounding area too, as the Aosta Valley is home to rugged castles like Castello di Fénis. The region also boasts a unique cuisine featuring dishes such as cheese fondue and pasta made from chestnuts.

Monte Bianco: A Spectacular Cable Car Ride to the Balcony of Europe

A cable car ride in Piedmont that's worth it for both the journey and the destination is the Skyway Monte Bianco. From the moment you board the rotating cabin with 360-degree views to the final stop, you ascend no less than 2,000 meters. The 2-kilometer ride first brings you to a panoramic restaurant before reaching the breathtaking final station with views of the snowy Alpine world. Be prepared for a significant drop in temperature compared to the valley—so pack appropriate clothing!

Rent a Holiday Home in Piedmont

In Piedmont, it seems like architectural marvels compete with each other for panoramic views—like the dome tower in Novara that surpasses the Dom Tower in Utrecht, and the San Michele Abbey perched on a mountain plateau. But Piedmont is also a region where you can enjoy easy hikes along rivers, waterfalls, and clear lakes. Discover ancient cities like Aosta and Turin and savor local specialties like cheese fondue. Even here, the mountain peaks are an inseparable part of the cityscape, seen right from your holiday home in Piedmont!