PIEMONTISSIMO READING
Slow Travel Piemonte
Eco-Friendly Stays and Community Projects in Italy's Hidden Gem
Tucked in the northwest corner of Italy, Piemonte is a region known for its world-class wines, truffles, and charming hilltop towns. But beyond the postcard landscapes and celebrated cuisine lies a quieter movement gaining traction: eco tourism and slow travel. For visitors seeking a more mindful, sustainable, and locally rooted experience, Piemonte offers a wealth of eco-friendly stays and inspiring community projects that embody the true spirit of responsible travel.
What is Slow Travel?
Slow travel is more than a trend; it is a philosophy. Rather than rushing through a checklist of tourist attractions, slow travellers immerse themselves in the rhythm of local life. It means taking time to connect with nature, support small businesses, and engage with the stories behind the places visited. Piemonte, with its peaceful valleys, organic farms, and revitalised rural communities, is the perfect setting for this more thoughtful way of exploring.
Eco-Friendly Accommodation in Piemonte
In recent years, a growing number of agriturismi and guesthouses in Piemonte have adopted eco conscious practices, from solar powered heating to farm-to-table dining. Here are a few standout examples:
1. Bed & Breakfast Bricco Aivè (Costigliole d’Asti)
In the tranquil rolling hills of Monferrato, nestled among Barbera and Moscato vineyards, Bricco Aivè is an adults‑only restored brick house offering two spacious apartments with sweeping vineyard views. It is powered entirely by renewable energy (photovoltaic solar panels and a green‑energy supplier), features waste separation and composting and offers vegetarian and vegan breakfasts served in‑room or by the pool. The property includes a seasonal salt‑water pool, gardens and terrace areas. Guests are encouraged to cycle or hike (but charger for electric cars is available) in the surrounding hills and can book guided tasting itineraries and local experiences on site.
2. Agriturismo Valli Unite (Alessandria)
This pioneering organic cooperative in the Colli Tortonesi is more than just a place to stay. Valli Unite is a working farm run by a collective that produces organic wine, meat, and vegetables. Guests can sleep in rustic rooms, participate in farm activities, and dine on seasonal dishes made from ingredients grown metres from their plates. Sustainability is central to everything they do, from composting and water conservation to social outreach.
3. Casa Bart (Biella)
Perched in the green hills of Biella, Casa Bart is an eco-retreat powered by renewable energy. The hosts have restored this former alpine house using traditional techniques and natural materials. With just a handful of rooms and a deep commitment to sustainable tourism, it is ideal for those seeking tranquillity, nature walks, and creative workshops in a low-impact environment.
4. Cascina Rodiani (Lake Como border, near Novara)
Although just outside Piemonte’s official borders, this eco-certified accommodation is worth mentioning. The 18th-century farmhouse operates entirely off renewable energy, collects rainwater, and serves organic meals sourced from its own garden. It reflects a growing trend of historic properties being transformed into sustainability-minded stays.
Community Projects and Regeneration Initiatives
Eco-tourism in Piemonte is not just about where you stay; it’s also about the people and projects shaping the region’s future. Across the valleys and villages, communities are coming together to revive local traditions, protect biodiversity, and welcome responsible travellers.
1. Lo Gran Dilun Festival (Ronco Canavese, Soana Valley)
This annual festival in the alpine village of Ronco Canavese is a celebration of mountain culture, crafts, and community life. Organised by locals, the event draws attention to the importance of sustaining these remote areas, which are often threatened by depopulation. Travellers are invited to participate in workshops, traditional music sessions, and guided nature walks that highlight the cultural and ecological heritage of the Gran Paradiso National Park.
2. Alta Langa Revival Projects
In the less-visited southern hills of Piemonte, initiatives are underway to revive once-abandoned villages. Locals, young families, and new arrivals are restoring old stone homes, planting vineyards, and creating artist residencies. Travellers who stay in the area directly support this quiet renaissance and often have the opportunity to join community events, food festivals, and open studio days.
3. Cooperativa Della Rava e Della Fava (Asti)
This community cooperative in Asti runs a popular organic grocery and café, supports local farmers, and organises educational workshops. By connecting producers and consumers, they are building a more resilient and environmentally conscious food network. Travellers can drop in for a meal or shop for authentic Piedmontese products that support ethical supply chains.
Nature-Based Experiences and Ethical Adventures
One of the joys of slow travel in Piemonte is the chance to engage directly with the natural world in a responsible way. Whether it’s foraging for wild herbs, hiking through ancient forests, or learning about local flora and fauna, there’s no shortage of meaningful experiences.
1. Truffle Hunting with a Twist
Instead of commercial tours, some eco-conscious guides offer small group or private truffle hunts that focus on forest preservation and animal welfare. These experiences often include discussions about sustainable land management and the fragile ecosystem surrounding the prized tartufo bianco.
2. Bee-Keeping and Honey Workshops
In areas like the Monferrato hills, eco-farms invite visitors to learn about bees, biodiversity, and pollination. These workshops are hands-on, family-friendly, and leave guests with a new appreciation for the humble honeybee.
3. Walking Pilgrimages and Historical Trails
The Via Francigena and other historic walking routes cross through Piemonte’s varied landscapes. Slow travellers can take a self-guided trek or join an organised group walk, spending nights in monasteries or rural B&Bs along the way. These trails promote low-impact tourism and often benefit small towns that would otherwise be overlooked.
Tips for Travelling Sustainably in Piemonte
Travel off-season to reduce strain on infrastructure and experience a more authentic rhythm of life.
Stay longer in fewer places to deepen your connection with each destination.
Support local artisans and food producers by shopping at markets and cooperative shops.
Use public transport or cycle where possible, especially for exploring wine country and valley trails.
Respect the land and people by learning a few Italian phrases and being mindful of local customs.
Conclusion: A Better Way to Discover Piemonte
Slow travel is not only better for the environment, it’s also more enriching for the traveller. Piemonte, with its strong agricultural heritage, tight-knit communities, and breathtaking landscapes, is an ideal destination for those seeking depth over speed. By choosing eco-friendly accommodation, engaging with local projects, and embracing a slower pace, visitors can help preserve this special region for generations to come.
Whether you’re sipping organic Barbera in a family-run vineyard or hiking to a mountain village festival, Piemonte offers the chance to travel not just farther, but better.
