The best cycling routes in Oasi Xerotermica Di Oulx - Auberge

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.

The striking Susa Civic Tower, located at the entrance to the pedestrian area of the historic center.

The access to Exilles from the mountain via the old road, which branches off from the provincial road about a kilometer upstream, is spectacular. It begins with an inconspicuous little church, followed by a beautiful covered fountain and washhouse (with a separate drinking fountain). The next section of the road follows a sheer drop into the valley below, where you can see watermills originally powered by the water that also supplies the washhouse, which flows in a beautiful waterfall from below the road. Looking up, you can see the Dora Gorge near Exilles and the mountains of the Susa Valley in the background. A beautiful stretch of road, which not only allows you to avoid the traffic and tunnels of the provincial road, but also offers priceless views.

Church dedicated to the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is located in the center of Claviere, slightly off the provincial road. In front is a pedestrian plaza with several benches; to the side is a park with a beautiful fountain (drinking water). All around are bars and restaurants. In the background, the stunning mountains of the Susa Valley. The portal is remarkable, with a beautiful fresco depicting the Nativity.

It is located at the top of the Chiesa hamlet, just inside the town. The roads leading to it are mostly pedestrianized, but accessible by bicycle. The church has a rather intricate façade, with a beautiful portal; the rectory, which overlooks the churchyard at a 90° angle to the church, is also very beautiful. Next to the church is a fountain nestled among the trees. The stone bell tower is also noteworthy. In front, a stunning view of the Susa Valley awaits. To reach the churchyard, you have to do a bit of portage, but it's worth it.