The best cycling routes in Oasi Xerotermica Di Oulx - Amazas

Shortly after the start, it is worth taking a look at the magnificent fresco decorating the facade of this church dating back to 1500: it is Saint Christopher, the protector of travellers. In fact, this church overlooks the ancient Via Francigena, the old road that connected Italy to France, aligned on the pilgrimage route heading towards the South of the peninsula, towards the embarkations for the Holy Land.

In the diary of his pilgrimage on the Way of St. James, which was published later, the German entertainer Hape (Hans-Peter) Kerkeling also writes about the meditative experience of praying the Rosary together, which he experienced himself in the “grandiose village church, which has the makings of a cathedral” of Castildelgado (Castile). Under the date June 21, 2001, he notes: “I simply must see the only tourist attraction in town! (…) She is all the more pleased that I want to see the jewel of Castildelgado and accompanies me inside. Our tour quickly ends in front of the altar, and so the woman asks me to take a seat in one of the wonderfully cool pews. Gradually, other people enter the church. The older lady begins to pray the rosary. The monotonous chanting has a calming effect, and the constantly repeating lament gives strength, security, and peace! So, after I can recite the words along with her, I join in the mantra…” (Hape Kerkeling in “I’m Off Then: My Journey on the Camino de Santiago”)

A fortress worth seeing, unfortunately very busy.

It's the first thing you notice, even from afar, when you arrive at Monginevro

Right on the edge of the SP24, a beautiful masonry structure houses two reinforced concrete basins/washhouses, with large delivery pipes. The entire complex is practically abandoned, but very fascinating. Inside, you can still clearly see the delivery pipe system and a control panel—it's likely a tank for collecting drinking water, which was used both directly in the basins and sent to homes. From the materials and style, the structure appears to date back to the interwar period. It's in a truly infamous location, in the basin between the two opposing slopes between Salbertrand and the turnoff for Fenils, after a bend, so you have to be very careful. As you climb up, narrowing down, you can even stop to get a good look and take a few photos; as you descend, it's best to avoid it—unless, due to some extraordinary astral conjunction, the road is clear of traffic.

Along the stretch of Via Roma that descends from the town onto the SP24 (going down), on one side we find a beautiful covered fountain with drinkable water; on the opposite side, an ancient house (currently [August 2025] undergoing restoration) with a wonderful carved stone portal and a beautiful wooden door.

This fountain dates back to 1524 and is still in use—obviously, with some restoration work, which also resulted in the "1524" inscription on its side. It's located on the central Via Roma, which runs through Salbertrand from east to west, and features several other interesting fountains. It's definitely recommended to visit here instead of the SP24, not only to avoid traffic but also to enjoy the town.

In Oulme, a hamlet above Salbertrand along the SP24, there's a beautiful little chapel dedicated to the Annunciation, with a fresco on the side. Opposite is a fountain-washhouse covered by an old shed (drinking water). Next to the shed is a picnic table. You can get there by following the old road from Salbertrand (going up) or by entering Oulme following the signs (going down). The old road between Salbertrand and Oulme allows you to avoid a stretch of the SP24.