2026 Province of Cuneo Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

#hellohalloween Far from the well-trodden paths of Barolo and Barbaresco lies a different Piedmont—one of silent hilltop villages and breathtaking, empty vistas. My solo trip to Sale San Giovanni was a pilgrimage to this quieter world, a chance to find profound peace in a tiny community perched among some of Italy's most beautiful rolling hills. My Perfect Solo Itinerary: A Morning of Solitude and Sky 10:00 AM - An Ascent into the Clouds The drive to Sale San Giovanni is an event in itself. Winding up through the Langhe's iconic hills, draped in neat vineyards and hazelnut groves, I arrived in the village's small main square. The silence was immediate and absolute. The air was clean and crisp, and the only company was a few parked cars and the sound of the wind. 10:30 AM - A Walk Through Living History Sale San Giovanni is not a museum; it's a living, breathing village, albeit a very quiet one. I started at the Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista, a simple and elegant structure. With no one else around, I could stand in the small piazza and simply absorb the 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Monferrato and Langhe hills, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. I then just wandered. I walked the narrow lanes, vicoli, between stone houses, noticing the faded frescoes on some walls and the beautifully maintained gardens. The freedom to walk at a snail's pace, to stop and stare at a particular view for ten minutes, was the ultimate solo luxury. 11:30 AM - A Moment with a View I'd packed a simple picnic—a piece of local castelmagno cheese, a pear, and some bread. I found a low wall on the edge of the village with an uninterrupted view of the vast, green tapestry below. Eating my lunch there, in that profound silence, was a moment of pure, simple happiness. It felt like I had the entire Langhe to myself. Solo Traveler Tips I Discovered: · You Will Need a Car: This is non-negotiable. Public transport to these hilltop villages is extremely limited. The freedom a car provides is essential. · Embrace the Silence: This is not a place for bustling activity. The charm is in the atmosphere, the views, and the feeling of having stepped back in time. · Visit the "Infernot": The nearby area is famous for its infernot—small, underground cellars carved directly into the tuff stone for storing wine. See if you can find one to view (they are often private, but sometimes signposted). · Combine with a Wine Tasting: You are in the heart of great wine country. Plan a visit to a small, family-run winery in the afternoon to complete your Langhe experience.

#hellohalloween High in the rolling hills of the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wine and truffles, lies a surprising and captivating destination for contemporary art. My solo trip to the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo in Guarene wasn't a typical museum visit; it was a journey through a landscape where cutting-edge art dialogues with an ancient terroir. It’s a perfect, thought-provoking escape for the independent traveler. My Perfect Solo Itinerary: An Afternoon of Art, Architecture, and Panorama 2:00 PM - A Grand Arrival The approach is spectacular. I drove through the winding roads of the Piedmontese wine country until the 18th-century Palazzo Re Rebaudengo appeared, a stately presence overlooking the vineyards. The contrast between the historic palace and the contemporary art it houses sets the stage for a unique experience. 2:30 PM - The Park: A Walk Through a Living Collection The heart of the experience for a solo visitor is the open-air art park. With a map in hand, I set off to explore the sprawling grounds. The freedom to wander alone was key. I encountered large-scale sculptures and installations by renowned international artists, each piece thoughtfully placed to interact with the landscape—a sleek, modern form against a backdrop of neat vine rows, a cryptic structure nestled in a grove of trees. There was no one to rush me. I could spend fifteen minutes contemplating a single piece, walking around it, and seeing how it changed with the shifting light and perspective. The silence, broken only by the wind and birds, made the art feel more personal and powerful. 4:00 PM - The Palace and the View After the park, I explored the exhibitions inside the beautifully restored palace. The curated shows here are always ambitious and challenging. Stepping out onto the palace's terrace was the final reward: a breathtaking panoramic view over the Langhe hills. Sipping an espresso at the café while taking in that vista was a perfect, solitary moment of reflection. Solo Traveler Tips I Discovered: · Check the Exhibition Schedule: The foundation hosts rotating exhibitions. Check their website to see what's on display, both in the park and inside the palace, before you make the trip. · Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a fair amount of walking on grass and gravel paths through the park. · Embrace the Contrast: The joy of this place is the dialogue between the very old (the palace, the vineyards) and the very new (the art). Let yourself appreciate that unique fusion. · Combine with Wine Tasting: You are in the heart of Barolo and Barbaresco country. Make a day of it by booking a wine tasting at a nearby cantina afterward.

#mytraveldiary Villa Garassino in Treiso, Piemonte, is a wonderful mix of comfort, good food, and stunning vineyard views. Set right in the heart of the Langhe hills, this place feels peaceful and welcoming from the moment you arrive. The villa is surrounded by rows of vines, and the scenery is especially beautiful at sunset when the hills glow with warm colors. Inside, the atmosphere is modern yet cozy, with a restaurant that serves dishes highlighting local flavors. Of course, wine is a big part of the experience, and you can taste some excellent labels produced right here. The staff are friendly and make you feel at home, whether you come for a meal, a tasting, or a longer stay. Villa Garassino is Piemonte at its most relaxing.

Cantina Corino Giovanni in La Morra, Piemonte, is the kind of winery that makes you feel right at home while also giving you an unforgettable wine experience. Tucked among rolling vineyards, this family run cantina is known for its warm hospitality and passion for winemaking. Tastings are relaxed and personal, with explanations that make you appreciate each glass even more, especially the Barolo which truly shines here. The atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious, so even if you are not a wine expert you will feel comfortable and enjoy the moment. The setting is stunning too, with views across the Langhe hills that make the visit even more special. Cantina Corino Giovanni is a perfect stop to taste tradition and enjoy the beauty of Piemonte.

Tucked between the majestic Alps and the rolling hills of Piedmont, Cuneo is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. With elegant arcades, slow food, and postcard mountain views, this charming town invites you to slow down and savor la dolce vita — far from the tourist crowds. 📍 Where Is Cuneo? Cuneo is located in northwestern Italy, in the Piedmont region, near the French border. It’s about 1.5 hours by train or car from Turin, and a perfect base for exploring the Alps, vineyards, or even the Ligurian coast. 🏛️ What Is Cuneo Known For? This historic town is famous for: • Its grand Piazza Galimberti • 8 km of arcaded streets perfect for shopping and strolling • Alpine views from every corner • The birthplace of Cuneesi al Rhum — decadent chocolate-rum pastries • Local wines and Slow Food traditions It’s a mix of alpine air, Baroque charm, and true Piedmontese hospitality. 🏞️ What to See and Do 🏰 Piazza Galimberti Cuneo’s heart — a huge neoclassical square surrounded by historic buildings, ideal for an espresso stop or a local market stroll. 🚶 Via Roma Walk under endless arcades filled with boutiques, gelaterias, and bookshops. A dream for flâneurs! ⛰️ Alpine Day Trips Explore nearby valleys like Valle Maira or Valle Stura — hiking, cycling, and scenic drives await. In winter, ski resorts are less than an hour away. 🎨 Civic Museum of Cuneo Located in an old monastery, this museum blends history, art, and archaeology beautifully. 🍫 Pasticceria Arione Visit this historic pastry shop to try the original Cuneesi al Rhum — a rich, boozy chocolate delight that’s become a local icon. 🍷 Where to Eat and Drink Piedmont is a paradise for foodies, and Cuneo delivers: • Ristorante Lovera – Refined local cuisine in an elegant setting • Osteria Senza Fretta – “No Hurry” dining with fresh, seasonal plates • La Ginestra – Vegan/vegetarian-friendly spot with creative flair • Try local specialties like tajarin, vitello tonnato, and wines like Dolcetto or Barbera ⏰ Practical Tips for Visiting • 🚌 Local buses connect you to nearby villages and mountain trails • 🥾 Bring comfy shoes — cobblestones and mountain paths! • 🧥 Weather can shift fast due to the Alps — dress in layers • 📅 Visit in autumn for truffle season and golden foliage • 🏨 Boutique hotels and agriturismos nearby offer charming stays ✨ Why Visit Cuneo? Because it's Italy at its most authentic. No crowds, no rush — just great food, fresh air, stunning views, and a town that still lives at a human pace. If you love culture, nature, and discovering places that feel truly local, Cuneo is your kind of destination.

🪻 Where are the most beautiful lavender fields in the world? Lavender is the representative of purple romance. Have you ever thought about going on a purple lavender date with your loved one? Before dating, please know: It turns out that lavender is a close relative of mint; In addition to purple, the flowers also come in blue, white, and even pink! It doesn't matter if you don't understand. Because the most urgent thing now is to find someone who is willing to accompany you on this romantic date~ ----- The most beautiful lavender fields in the world ----- 1⃣️ 🇬🇧 West Sussex, United Kingdom – Lordington Lavender Enjoy sunsets, lavender fields and live music in the summer countryside of the English countryside. 📅 Flowering period: July is the peak blooming season 🚗 Transportation: Take a 90-minute train from London Victoria Station to Chichester, and then take bus No. 54 to arrive. It takes about 2 hours to drive there. 2⃣️ 🇫🇷 Provence, France – Sénanque Abbey A famous lavender resort, monks grow lavender, and the monastery and purple flower fields complement each other beautifully. 📅 Flowering period: Starts in mid-June, peaks in early July, harvested in August ✈️ Transportation: You can take a flight to Marseille-Provence Airport, or arrive in Paris first and then go to Provence 3⃣️ 🇺🇸 Selah Ridge Lavender Farm, Washington, USA Located in the Yakima Valley in Washington State, USA, this area is also rich in wine and agricultural products. 📅 Flowering period: Starts at the end of June and reaches peak bloom in mid-July 🚍 Transportation: Take the airport shuttle bus from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) to Yakima, or rent a car and drive yourself. 4⃣️ 🇺🇸 Arizona, United States – Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm The Northern Arizona Lavender Farm has 5,000 lavender plants that were planted to repel elk, successfully creating a beautiful flower field. The farm has a restored old farmhouse kitchen and uses Royal Velvet and Provence varieties of lavender for cooking. 📅 Flowering period: mid-June to September 🚗 Transportation: It takes about 2 hours to drive from Phoenix. The scenery along the way is beautiful. It is recommended to drive slowly and enjoy the journey! 5⃣️ 🇮🇹 Turin, Italy – Fioritura della Lavanda Italy's "Little Provence", the Piedmont region has large lavender fields. The best viewing point is the village of Sale San Giovanni, which has nearly 100 acres of lavender fields. You can smell the sweet fragrance of flowers while walking through it. 📅 Flowering period: mid-June to mid-July 🚆 How to get there: You can take a train or bus from Milan to the Piedmont region. Once you arrive, you can walk to enjoy the flower fields along the way. The entire journey is about 4 miles (about 2.5 hours of walking). Flowers are here ✔️ People have ✔️ It's time to buy a plane ticket ✈️ 🪻Flowers in full bloom 🪻It's so romantic when the lavender fields are in bloom 💕

#getgoing2025 The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, located in Brussels, Belgium, are a remarkable complex of monumental pavilions, glass cupolas, and wide arcades that traverse the site like covered streets. Designed by architect Alphonse Balat for King Leopold II in 1873, these greenhouses are an integral part of the Royal Palace of Laeken. The complex resembles a glass city set in an undulating landscape, featuring monumental pavilions, glass cupolas, and wide arcades that cross the site like covered streets. The greenhouses house an impressive collection of exotic and tropical plants, some of which date back to King Leopold II’s original collections. This tradition has been carried on for a century. Each spring, the Royal Greenhouses are opened to the public for nearly three weeks, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore these architectural and botanical treasures. The 2024 opening was from April 26 to May 20. For the most current information on visiting hours and ticket purchases, please refer to the official website of the Belgian Monarchy. Visiting the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken provides a unique opportunity to experience a blend of architectural innovation and botanical splendor, reflecting Belgium’s rich cultural heritage.

📍 Casa di Langa, Località Talloria 1, Province of Cuneo, Piedmont, 12050, Italy. Tucked away in the serene hills of Piedmont, Casa di Langa is the ultimate escape for those seeking tranquility and top-notch service. Imagine waking up to the gentle Italian countryside, where every morning greets you with a breakfast spread that's nothing short of superb. 🍳🥐 But it's not just the food that'll have you swooning; it's the whole vibe. The rooms are a dream – think clean, cozy, and complete with all the amenities you could wish for. Whether you're sipping a local Barolo on your private terrace or indulging in the spa, this spot is a slice of heaven. 🛏️🍷 And when you're ready to venture out, you're in the heart of Piedmont – land of fine wines and rolling landscapes. It's the kind of place that whispers, "Relax, you're exactly where you need to be." And trust me, you'll want to stay forever. 🌄🍇 #Piedmont #PiedmontHotel #PiedmontTravel