The Val Chisone (Chisone Valley)The Val Chisone (Chisone Valley) and the Germanasca Valley are perhaps the least known regions of Piedmont. To be honest I knew little about the area until recently. 
I had visited the ski resorts of Usseaux and Sestriere and the market town of Pinerolo but I now know that there is a whole lot more to discover... Where is the Val Chisone and the Germanesca Valley? This is a common enough question and a good place to start. Basically they are to the west of Turin, on the border of France, and just south of Usseaux and the Val di Susa view a map of the area here. A Bit of History Well actually there is a lot of history but I will only cover it briefly. The area has always been of strategic importance, being located on the border between Piedmont and France - the nearby Fenestrelle Fortress is testament to this. Perhaps the most interesting historical aspect of the valley is the fact that this is one of the few regions of Italy where a large part of the population are not Catholic. These valleys are home to the Waldensians. Waldensians are a people who broke away from the Catholic Church in the 12th century under the leadership of Peter Waldo. Their history has been one of persecution and only in 1848 were they granted full religious freedom. The Waldensians are now joined to the Methodists in Italy but the people here have maintained an identity of their own and a proud and determined spirit. What to SeeSestriere and Usseaux These towns are the main ski resorts in the area but even during summer Usseaux is well worth visiting. Usseaux is delightful, with narrow winding streets lined with attractive slate roofed houses in the traditional style of the area. The Great Wall of Piedmont (the Fortress of Fenestrelle) I find it quite amazing that this place is so little known. This is the greatest defensive structure ever built in Europe and second only to the Great Wall of China in terms of length. The castle was originally built by the French but was renamed and rebuilt by Ignazio Bertola working for the Savoy King Vittorio Amedeo. It truly is an amazing place. The walk along the walls takes seven hours and involves a climb of nearly 4000 steps. You can find out more from the
official fort site
Tredici Laghi A beautiful walk in the summer amongst the flowers and meadows - the name refers to the thirteen small lakes to be found here. Pinerolo This is a bigger town, around 20, 000 inhabitants, with a good market each Wednesday and Saturday. The cathedral, originally built in the 11th century and reconstructed in the 15th is certainly worth a visit. Pinerolo is a pleasant place to spend a day browsing the market, touring the cathedral and some of the quaint shops but it isnt worth more time than that. San Germano Chisone and surrounds Make a point of visiting this little town to better understand the history and character of the Waldensian people there is also a temple and museum that opens only on request try asking in the temple or if desperate phone the pastor Luciano Deodato on tel 0121/58614. The nearby hamlet of Combina will give you a good idea of the traditional houses in the area just ask any local in San Germano Chisone for directions. The hill town of Turina is also a pleasant little place and the centre of the town has a very decent restaurant serving traditional food from this region. To get here take the SS 23 road - a little after Fossat you will find Turina. Where to Stay No doubt about it the Bella Baita is the place - the photos on this page are either of the Bella Baita or nearby. Bella Baita is run by a marvelous couple, Fabrizio and Marla, both of whom are chefs. The whole place is very special and Fabrizio and Marla will ensure that you experience the authentic lifestyle of these valleys. Their love for this area is very evident and very infectious. Another good option if you prefer self catering holidays is this lovely house tucked away in the delightful village of Usseaux.
You can get booking information, some great photos and a map here.
Looking for something in particular? Try our site search engine. Return from Val Chisone to the Piedmont Page
|
.
