When I met Piedmont

I first discovered Piedmont while living in Varese, just north of Milan — close enough for spontaneous escapes. My husband, who’d lived in Piedmont’s capital, Turin, knew all the quiet backroads and secret spots. It quickly became our favorite weekend getaway: peaceful, unspoiled, with landscapes that made you slow down and food that made you stay. We returned in every season, but autumn was the most magical — when the vines turned golden, the air smelled of truffles, and villages came alive with festivals and long tables.

My Favorite Places

• Alba
  A gentle blend of elegance and earthiness, and the food capital of the region. Stroll medieval lanes, sip your espresso in style, and don’t miss the Saturday market.

• Bra
  The birthplace of the Slow Food movement, and it shows. Life here unfolds over long lunches, under painted ceilings and leafy piazzas.

• Barolo
  A name that speaks for itself. Come for the “king of wines”, stay for the stillness of its cobbled streets, tucked into folds of vineyard-covered hills.

Why Piedmont stays with you

What makes Piedmont so alluring is the balance it strikes — between beauty and simplicity, quiet and richness, the old and the new. The food culture here is reverent: DOP cheeses aged with care, hazelnuts turned into melt-in-your-mouth sweets, and the prized white truffle of Alba, celebrated every autumn with almost sacred devotion. Wines are the region’s calling card, with Barolo and Barbaresco at the helm, but there’s Dolcetto and Nebbiolo too, and always a small producer happy to pour you a glass and tell you a story.

But Piedmont isn’t only about the table. It’s about wide-open spaces, golden vineyards, and a quiet that lets you exhale.

Nice2stay in Piedmont

Nice2stay’s collection in Piedmont captures the essence of the region with grace. Farmhouses are a quiet refuge, thoughtfully restored, where old stone walls meet modern comforts. Expect sun-drenched terraces and sweeping views over the hills. These are places to slow down, to breathe, to fall into step with the landscape. Whether nestled near a vineyard or set on a hillside with views that go on for days, each home invites you to reconnect — with nature, with food, with yourself.

Local Tips: Explore and Discover

• Drive the Strada del Barolo (Barolo Wine Route)
  A scenic loop through the villages of Barolo, La Morra, and Alba — wine, views, and pure Italian charm.
   
• Visit the Alba Truffle Fair (autumn/winter)
  The scent alone will stop you in your tracks: buy and taste truffles, and enjoy an unforgettable celebration of local gastronomy.
   
• Dine at a local icon: Restaurant Del Belbo – Da Bardon
  An old-school spot in San Marzano Oliveto with a loyal local following and a cellar to match.
   
• Walk the Barolo Wine Trail
  A 14 km loop through some of Italy’s most iconic vineyards — perfect for a slow walk or bike ride.
   
• Come in Autumn
  The vines blaze gold and red, the mists roll in, and everything feels a little more magical.

Conclusion

Piedmont is not a place you rush through. It’s a place you arrive in slowly, stay longer than planned, and leave with a promise to return. With its grounded beauty, world-class food, and hushed landscapes, it offers something few destinations can.