Route of Occitan Piedmont

This 7-stage route takes place in Val Maira, one of the four valleys of Occitan Piedmont. This mountainous valley, devoid of ski resorts, has successfully showcased its cultural heritage. Numerous stone hamlets with slate-roofed houses have been restored. In these valleys, every effort is made to give hikers a warm welcome.

Since 1992, a very well-signposted route has offered a wide choice of stopover lodges where Occitan cuisine is served.

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   Macra - Ruata Valle

   5.19 mi 3,018 ft 1,066 ft

   The village of Macra is ideally situated to start this route. A car park on the outskirts of the village, the Maira stream which is truly at the heart of these seven stages, and small, well-kept hamlets to help you get into the spirit of Occitania. Along the way, you’ll see votive pillars, religious frescoes on the façades of some houses and numerous chapels. At the end of the route, the hamlet of Ruata Valle is entirely dedicated to the Locanda Codirosso.

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2. 2

   Ruata Valle - Elva

   8.55 mi 3,212 ft 2,392 ft

   Cette deuxième journée conduit à Elva, village isolé du Val Maira et difficile d'accès par la route. Sur le parcours occitan du jour, vous traverserez des petits villages avec de magnifiques chapelles. Au Colle Bettone, vous pourrez admirer les falaises qui bordent le Monte Bettone. Au Colle San Giovani, une chapelle toute ronde vous surprendra. À Elva, l'église S. Maria Assunta construite au XVème siècle de style roman, possède des fresques attribuées à Hans Clemer, "le maître d'Elva".

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3. 3
   

   Elva - Ussolo

   10.11 mi 3,333 ft 4,373 ft

   Before setting off on this third stage, take a moment to admire Monte Chersogno in the distance, which rises to over 3,000 metres. You’ll pass through more charming little villages in Chiosso before tackling the pleasant climb up Colle San Michele. After a long descent, you’ll pass through two more hamlets: Cesani and Castiglione. In Ussolo, you’ll be in for another culinary treat at the Locanda La Carlina. The vegetables come from the small vegetable patch adjoining the typically Occitan building.

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4. 4
   

   Ussolo - Chialvetta

   8.68 mi 3,747 ft 3,199 ft

   On this fourth day, you will continue along the left bank of the Maira. At Punta Culour, the highest point on this bank, a magnificent view to the west over the peaks on the border with France awaits you. You will then descend back down to the Maira river at Acceglio to cross over to the other bank. You will climb up the Unerzio valley to reach Chialvetta.

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5. 5

   Chialvetta - Rifugio Gardetta

   6.71 mi 3,944 ft 1,125 ft

   Cette cinquième étape vous conduira au Rifugio della Gardetta (seul refuge de montagne de ce parcours). En chemin, vous traverserez encore de magnifiques petits hameaux Pratorotondo et Viviere. Très rapidement, vous serez entouré par la haute montagne et vous rencontrerez des ouvrages défensifs du Vallo Alpino (Mur Alpin) car la France est très proche (Le Col de Larche est à moins de 8km à vol d'oiseau). Le refuge a une situation privilégiée face au Rocca La Meja, chef-d'oeuvre géologique.

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6. 6
   

   Gardetta Mountain Hut – Marmora

   11.77 mi 1,906 ft 5,551 ft

   On this sixth day, you’ll walk alongside Rocca la Meja, then cross two magnificent passes (Ancoccia and del Mulo). Along the way, you’ll come across many more structures from the Vallo Alpino. The long descent into the valley offers a chance to relax by the shores of Lake Resile. You’ll then need to pass through the many small hamlets that make up Marmora before arriving at the Locanda Ceaglio.

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7. E

   Marmora - Macra

   10.22 mi 2,907 ft 4,285 ft

   Cette dernière étape vous reconduira naturellement à Macra, le point de départ de ce périple. Le chemin sera encore jalonné de petits villages et de chapelles. Une longue mais agréable montée en forêt vous entrainera au Colle dell Encuccetta très prisé par les cyclistes. Vous surplomberez alors le val Maira. Lors de la descente, vous traverserez le hameau de Palent assis sur un flanc de colline. Vous cheminerez encore en forêt jusqu'au bords de la Maira pour rejoindre le parking.

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Reviews and comments

henrigole

06 Sep 2026 at 10:40 7200

Hello,
I believe camping is permitted at altitudes of 1,800–2,000 metres
In the villages along the route, it’s best to contact the Val Maira tourist offices.
https://www.vallemaira.org/fr/contact.
Enjoy your hike.

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marcassin

06 Sep 2026 at 10:09 7200 • Edited: 06 Sep 2026 at 10:10 7200

Hello
I’m interested in this hike.
Is camping permitted in this area?
Kind regards, Azou

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