Percorsi Occitani — the path of rebirth of the Maira Valley

The first stage starts from the Ciciu del Villar Nature Reserve, a place populated by bizarre rock conformations reminiscent of mushrooms. The Ciciu are composed of a sturdy gneiss cap, a metamorphic rock, and a stalk of compact pebbles. Their origin dates back to the last ice age, when the Faussimagna… read more

The second stage starts from the Roccabruna Sanctuary and ends in Pagliero di San Damiano Macra. If you do not have enough food with you, I recommend that you take advantage of the local trattorias to have a packed lunch prepared, because you will not encounter food shops along the path.



Immediately immerse… read more

The song of the birds that flutter here and there on the branches of the trees gives you a good morning and after a hearty breakfast, it's time to get back on the road. Pack all your things, backpack and go down to Pagliero, following the same itinerary as the previous day.



Continue along the different… read more

Leave the village of Camoglieres behind you and follow the path of the Cyclamen Path backwards. Flank the cliff and continue on the path surrounded by lush vegetation. Unfortunately, the processionary moth is present in this area: you will notice it by observing thick cobwebs wrapping the tips of the… read more

You leave again following the dense network of mule tracks that was once the only link between the different villages and between the plain and the upper valley. The path is bordered by dry stone walls, a work of mastery from the past that has come down to us. These works were used to contain the soil… read more

Leave the center of Elva behind and continue towards the villages below Monte Chersogno. If walking through the alleys of Borgata Dao the name sounds familiar to you, no wonder: it is a typical surname of the Elvese and yesterday you will surely have seen it written everywhere while walking around the… read more

Say goodbye to Borgata Allemandi and San Michele di Prazzo and head towards Castiglione, a village inhabited by friendly gnomes who delight all passers-by, young or old. From here, in fact, the Remo Einaudi Path passes, animated by these nice presences.



Let yourself be guided by the mule track that runs… read more

The eighth stage starts immediately with a nice climb towards the grange, now abandoned, which have fascinating jagged peaks as a backdrop. Drinking troughs and electric wires make you understand that even today cows return to the mountain pastures from which good milk is obtained for the production… read more

Waking up in Chiappera is something magical: around you reign only the sounds of nature and in the distance the whistles of marmots alarmed by the passage of morning hikers.



Say goodbye to this wonderful hamlet and take the path that leads to the Sorgenti del Maira. If you check the complete tour, you… read more

Good morning! It's time to leave, backpack on your back and head towards Prato Ciorliero, which more than a name seems like a tongue twister. The name of this place is thought to derive from the Occitan term "chouliero", which is a field cultivated with vegetables and in particular with cabbages. This… read more

The first light of dawn colors the peaks surrounding the Gardetta plateau in red. The sun's rays hit you, giving you a little warmth, chasing away the cool of the morning. Walk along the mule track that descends towards Colle del Preit in the most incredible quiet there is. Around you only the echo of… read more

The twelfth stage begins by walking through the streets of the enchanting hamlets of Marmora which over the years have been saved from abandonment and renovated to make them accommodation facilities or private homes.



In Borgata Superiore, take the path that runs alongside the wooden cross and start climbing… read more

The penultimate stage starts from Borgata Palent and develops in the valley of Celle Macra, a little known and popular but truly authentic place.



The path immediately leads you to the chapel of San Magno, a small church not far from Palent's houses. It is dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and pastures… read more

Here you are at the last stage of this incredible journey. Today you will reach your goal, Dronero. Legs on your shoulders and off you go!



Next to the parish church of Celle Macra, the museum of anchovies and continue on the mule track that runs along ancient dry stone walls. The vegetation around you… read more