The best cycling routes in the Piedmont

The Assietta Loop offers a demanding touring bicycle experience through the Italian Alps, covering 35.3 miles (56.8 km) with a significant 5602 feet (1707 metres) of elevation gain. This difficult route, often called the "Ride of the Two Thousand" for its consistently high elevation, takes around 5 hours and 35 minutes to complete. You will cycle along a historic military ridge road, enjoying high alpine landscapes and views of the Pelvoux massif and Mont Chaberton.

To make the most of your ride, plan your visit for Wednesdays and Saturdays during July and August. On these specific days, sections of the Strada dell'Assietta are closed to motorized vehicles, providing a more peaceful and enjoyable experience. Be prepared for rough gravel terrain and ensure you have a very good level of fitness for the sustained climbs.

This route is set within the Parco Naturale del Gran Bosco di Salbertrand, offering more than just a physical challenge. As you pedal, you will encounter ancient military fortifications, particularly around Testa dell'Assietta, adding a unique historical layer to the natural beauty. The trail provides a true gravel adventure for those seeking a memorable ride in a high-altitude setting.

Embark on the Crown of Delights Bicycle Route, a challenging touring cycling adventure spanning 62.4 miles (100.4 km) with an elevation gain of 1557 feet (475 metres). This difficult route will take you approximately 6 hours and 31 minutes to complete, offering a unique blend of urban landscapes and peaceful natural environments. You will cycle through parks, alongside the Po River, and past agricultural areas, often feeling far removed from city traffic. A major highlight is admiring the majestic Royal Savoy Residences, including the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge and Rivoli Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will also catch views of the Superga Hill and its Basilica.

This ring route provides great flexibility, allowing you to start and finish your ride at any point that suits you. The trail is well-connected to public transport, with several train stations located along the way. This makes it easy to plan shorter rides or to return by train if you prefer not to complete the entire loop. Consider starting early to make the most of the daylight and to avoid busier times on the route.

The Crown of Delights Bicycle Route is notable for its historical significance, connecting a series of former royal residences that once belonged to the House of Savoy. These grand palaces and hunting lodges offer a glimpse into the region's rich past and architectural heritage. The route provides a distinct way to explore the historical and natural beauty surrounding Turin, making it a memorable experience for any touring cyclist.

The Nivolet Pass Trail offers a challenging touring bicycle ascent through Gran Paradiso National Park. As you climb, you will experience a dramatic shift in scenery, moving from forested areas to rugged, high-alpine landscapes. This difficult route covers 22.4 miles (36.1 km) with a significant elevation gain of 4223 feet (1287 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 4 minutes to complete. You will pass impressive glacial lakes like Lago Serru and Lago Agnel, surrounded by towering peaks and waterfalls.

Planning your ride requires attention to the season, as this high-altitude route is generally only open during the warmer months due to snow. Always check local conditions before you set out, as it is an isolated mountain climb. If you plan your visit for a summer Sunday, you can enjoy an even more peaceful experience, as the road from Lago di Serrù to the summit is closed to motorized traffic on those days.

This route is recognized as one of Europe's notable alpine climbs, particularly suited for experienced cyclists seeking a demanding ride. The final 5 kilometers are especially memorable, featuring 14 hairpin turns that offer expansive views of the surrounding mountain environment. It is a journey that showcases the raw beauty of the Gran Paradiso National Park.

Embark on the Gardetta Loop, a difficult touring bicycle route that takes you through majestic high-altitude alpine scenery. You will cover 27.1 miles (43.5 km) and gain a significant 4857 feet (1480 metres) in elevation, with an estimated duration of 4 hours and 14 minutes. As you ride, you'll encounter panoramic views of the surrounding Alps, including the striking dolomitic silhouette of Rocca la Meja and the imposing Mount Oronaye, especially as you traverse the vast pastures of the Gardetta Plateau.

Planning your visit requires preparation for a physically demanding ride. The route features a varied mix of asphalt, gravel, and old military roads, so be ready for steep climbs and descents. You might even need to push your touring bicycle in certain sections, and good riding skills are essential for the technically medium difficult downhill single-track parts. Ensure you are well-equipped for this challenging high-alpine environment.

The Gardetta Plateau is more than just a scenic backdrop; it is a natural amphitheater recognized for its unique geological heritage. This makes the route particularly notable in the region, offering not just a physical challenge but also an opportunity to experience a landscape shaped by ancient geological forces. The trail provides a distinct perspective on the Alps, setting it apart from other rides.

Embark on a pleasant touring bicycle ride around Cuneo, following the rivers through the Parco Fluviale Gesso e Stura. This moderate route covers 18.5 miles (29.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 764 feet (233 metres), taking approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete. You will pedal through diverse landscapes, with green vegetation lining the banks of the River Gesso, and enjoy views of the majestic Alpine range, including Mount Bisalta.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail features an easy and well-beaten surface suitable for touring bicycles, e-bikes, and gravel bikes. For your convenience, bicycle hire is available at the Casa del Fiume, which also serves as an environmental education center. This accessible route provides a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed outing.

This route is part of an extensive green network, offering a refreshing escape around the city of Cuneo. As you ride, you will pass by serene countryside adorned with typical Piedmontese farmsteads and can enjoy the view of the Mellana Golf Club. The trail winds through woods and fields, providing a peaceful experience away from urban bustle and connecting you with the local environment.

Embark on a difficult touring bicycle ascent to Colle del Nivolet from Noasca, a challenging ride covering 33.4 miles (53.8 km) with a significant 5938 feet (1810 metres) of elevation gain. This route takes you through the stunning Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso, offering varied rock formations, cliffs, and pastures. You will pass numerous alpine lakes like Lago Serru and Lago Agnel, with the final hairpin bends providing exceptional views over these high-altitude waters. Expect to spend around 4 hours and 29 minutes on this demanding climb.

Starting your journey from Noasca, be aware of a steep tunnel section; you can bypass this by taking a very steep alternative route to the left, which was reconditioned in 2019. The road generally features good quality tarmac, though some narrow stretches appear higher up. For an even more serene experience, plan your ride for Sundays during summer, when the road from Diga di Serru upwards is closed to motor vehicles, allowing you to enjoy the upper reaches car-free.

This high alpine pass, reaching 2,612 metres to 2,614 metres, is nestled deep within Italy's oldest national park. It is famously known as a "Road to Nowhere" because the paved road effectively ends shortly after the summit, leading to significantly lighter traffic. The Colle del Nivolet also holds a unique place in cinematic history, serving as the setting for an iconic scene in the 1960s film "The Italian Job."

This difficult 25.7-mile touring cycling loop from Verbania climbs 3871 feet, offering impressive views and a visit to Pian di Sole.