Provenance: Piedmont
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.
