Val di Viù – Piedmont: forests, mountain pastures and peaks that touch the sky.
The Val di Viù, the easternmost of the Lanzo Valleys, is located in the province of Turin and extends to the border with the Aosta Valley. Less known than other Alpine valleys, it retains an intimate and natural atmosphere, with small villages, dense forests, mountain lakes and paths that climb to peaks over 3,000 meters. ⛰️ High peaks and airy views:
Among the most iconic mountains in the valley are Uja di Mondrone and Monte Lera, popular destinations for hikers and mountaineers. The landscapes open onto wide valleys, glacial moraines and panoramic ridges that allow you to admire the western Alps in all its breadth.
👉 Tip: Going up from Fucine di Viù, reach the Tazzetti Refuge: an ideal stop for multi-day hikes or regenerating stops at high altitude. 🏞️ Lakes and high-altitude environments:
Numerous alpine lakes dot the upper valley: Lake Viana, Lake Arnas and Lake Dietro la Torre offer quiet and unspoilt spaces, perfect for day trips. The active alpine pastures bear witness to an agricultural tradition that still endures.
👉 Tip: In summer, some shepherds offer cheese tastings directly in the mountain pastures: a genuine way to get to know the valley up close. 🏘️ Villages and Alpine memory:
The villages at the bottom of the valley, such as Viù, Col San Giovanni and Lemie, retain their traditional appearance with slate roofs, cobbled streets and stone architecture. Among oratories, fountains and votive chapels, you can breathe an alpine history made up of work, faith and adaptation to the environment.
👉 Tip: Stroll through the center of Viù and visit the historic Villa Franchetti, now a cultural center and a place for temporary exhibitions. 🌲 Trails and protected nature:
The Val di Viù is part of the Graian Alps Natural Park, where chamois, eagles, ibex and marmots live. The hiking network is wide and varied, with routes suitable for both experienced walkers and families.
👉 Tip: The Ash Tree Trail is perfect for a family hike, through cool forests and mountain streams. 🥖 Rustic flavors and slow seasons:
The cuisine of the valley is based on local ingredients and peasant recipes: polenta, mountain pasture tome, black bread, chestnuts and dry desserts linked to religious festivals. The products can be purchased in seasonal markets or directly from the producers.
👉 Tip: In autumn, try the typical dishes during the patron saint festival of Lemie, between popular music and shared tables.
Val di Viù is a cozy and authentic valley, where the mountains do not make a spectacle but offer space, silence and a deep sense of continuity.