How difficult is this trek in the Italian Alps?

This trek in the Italian Alps is designed for hikers in good physical condition with some experience of mountain walking . The route crosses the Marguareis Natural Park, with several stages at altitude, crossings of Alpine passes and sometimes technical or stony paths . The walking days can be sustained, with a significant difference in altitude and several hours of hiking per day. However, this is not a mountaineering trek: no specific technical equipment is required in summer , apart from good hiking gear. Nights in mountain huts also mean that you can travel lighter and make the most of the experience of roaming in the Italian Alps. or the more ambitious, this itinerary is ideal if you like sporty treks , big mountain landscapes and immersive nature trips.

How do I get to the start of the trek from France?

The start of this trek in the Italian Alps is in the Pesio Valley , in Piedmont, near Cuneo . From France, access is relatively easy , particularly by car from Nice or the Côte d’Azur, with around three to four hours’ drive to the Chartreuse de Pesio , the starting point for the hike . It is also possible to reach Turin or Cuneo by train, then continue by bus or taxi to the Pesio Valley.

Where is the starting point for this walk in Piedmont?

The starting point for this hike in Piedmont is the Carthusian monastery of Santa Maria de Pesio , in the Upper Pesio Valley, in the heart of the Italian Alps . Nestling at an altitude of almost 1,000 metres , this ancient monastery marks the entrance to the Marguareis Nature Park .

Can we organise a group departure for this tour of Italy?

Yes, this trek in the Italian Alps lends itself very well to a group outing. Thanks to the huts along the route and the well-marked paths in the Marguareis Natural Park , this trek is ideal for a trip with friends, family or a group of hikers.

What are the main passes on the trek?

Among the main passes to discover on this trek through the Italian Alps, there are several emblematic ones overlooking the Marguareis massif. In particular, the route crosses Porta Sestrera , the Col du Pas and the Col des Seigneurs , a famous pass on the Alta Via del Sale that once linked Piedmont to Liguria.

When is the best time to do this trek?

The best time to do this trek in the Italian Alps is generally from June to September , when the high passes are clear and the mountain huts are open. In early summer , the alpine meadows of the Marguareis Natural Park are particularly green and flowery, while September often offers more stable weather and magnificent light on the limestone reliefs of the massif. Outside this period, some passages may remain snow-covered , and many mountain huts close . Before setting off, it is therefore advisable to check mountain conditions and the opening times of accommodation.

Hiking in northern Italy

Certosa di pesio to Don Barbera refuge itinerary

A 100% nature trip from Piedmont to Liguria

Departing from the Chartreuse de Pesio, this RivierALP trek brings a breath of freedom to one of the wildest destinations in the Italian Alps! Over several days on foot, you’ll make your way along high-altitude paths through the Marguareis Nature Park, passing mountain refuges and Alpine passes as you take in the scenery of Piedmont and Liguria. High-altitude lakes, limestone reliefs, ancient salt routes and vast unspoilt spaces give this itinerary a unique atmosphere, far removed from the major tourist routes of the Dolomites or Cinque Terre. An ideal adventure to discover the Italian Alps at their most spectacular!

Getting organised

From Certosa di Pesio to the Don Barbera refuge :hiking in figures

18 km

Duration: 2 days

Walking itinerary

Difficulty :

Experienced hiker

Elevation gain :

⬆ 1 751 D+

⬇ 541 D-

Hiking and trekking in the Italian Alps Between the historical heritage and mythical trails of Piedmont

This trek to discover the Italian Alps begins at the famous Charterhouse of Santa Maria de Pesio, an ancient monastery located in the heart of Piedmont, in the Upper Pesio Valley. Renowned for its tranquillity and historical heritage, this Carthusian monastery founded in the 12th century marks the entrance to the Marguareis Natural Park, one of the most beautiful hiking areas in northern Italy. From the first few kilometres on foot, the mountain paths plunge you into theunique atmosphere of the Piedmont valleys.

The route then joins theAlta Via del Sale, the legendary Salt Route that once linked Piedmont to Liguria. For centuries, traders, shepherds and travellers used these high altitude tracks to move salt between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alpine valleys. Today, this historic route has become one of Italy’s most beautiful trekking and hiking itineraries, famous for its wild landscapes and trails suspended between the mountains and the Mediterranean. You’ re guaranteed to fall in love!

The Valle Pesio also bears the memory ofcontemporary Italian history. During the Second World War, this mountainous region was a hotbed of resistance against Fascism and the Nazi occupation. A number of places crossed during the trek are a reminder of this heritage today, particularly around Chiusa Pesio and the old paths used by partisan groups in the Marguareis mountains.

ItineraryFrom Certosa di pesio to the Don Barbera refuge

Randonnée pédestre : Caertosa di pesio - Refuge CAI Garelli

Randonnée pédestre : Refuge CAI Garelli - Refuge Don Barbera

DépartCertosa di pesio

Stage 1Certosa di pesio → Refuge CAI Garelli

Stage 2CAI Garelli Refuge → Don Barbera Refuge

ArrivéeRefuge Don Barbera

Nature and landscapes in the Italian Alps

Magical landscapes in the heart of the Marguareis Nature Park

As you hike, the Marguareis Natural Park reveals some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Italian Alps, paving the way for a host of outdoor activities. From the fir forests and shady paths of the Valle Pesio to the vast high-altitude pastures, the trek passes through a multitude of natural settings. The higher up the itinerary, the more impressive the panoramas: alpine passes, rocky ridges and the massif’s iconic peaks offer spectacular views of the mountains of Piedmont and Liguria.

Along the way, you’ll also come across small mountain lakes with crystal-clear waters, nestling in the typical limestone relief of the Marguareis. This massif is renowned for its wild karstic landscapes, vast mineral areas and unspoilt biodiversity. Don’t be surprised: a few marmots may accompany you on the trails!

Experience trekking in the Italian Alps

This route through the Marguareis Nature Park is a real itinerant trekking experience. For several days on foot, you will progress from hut to hut through the mountains of Piedmont and Liguria, following the rhythm of alpine trails and stages at high altitude. Climbing passes, crossing pastures and spending the night in a refuge are all part of the real atmosphere of the great treks in the Italian Alps!

The itinerary requires a good level of fitness, but the effort is rewarded by the views of the peaks, valleys and lakes of the Marguareis massif. And, of course, the refuges are an integral part of the experience! The Garelli refuge is particularly famous for its modern architecture and large bay window overlooking the high mountain valley. Further afield, the Refuge Don Barbera marks an emblematic stage on the Alta Via del Sale, at the crossroads of the ancient paths linking Piedmont, Liguria and the Roya valley.

The atmosphere in these mountain huts perched in the heart of the Italian Alps is warm and friendly. Hikers, mountain bikers and travellers passing through come here to share a mountain meal and recharge their batteries before setting off again for the Alpine passes.

Testimonial

“I wasn’t expecting such a strong start. From the Chartreuse de Pesio onwards, you already have the impression of being somewhere else. Very quickly, in the Vallon du Sabbione, the scenery changes completely: torrents, forest, then mountain pastures where you really start to gain height.

The climb to Colle del Sabbione remains the most memorable moment for me. And the bivouac at Vacca lake… it’s simple, you feel really far away from everything. The next day, as you cross over to the French side, the atmosphere changes again, with the vast meadows of the Mercantour and the ancient military works that dot the landscape.”

– Lise, trekking enthusiast

Everything you need to know about your hike from Certosa di Pesio to the Don Barbera refuge

How difficult is this trek in the Italian Alps?
This trek in the Italian Alps is designed for hikers in good physical condition with some experience of mountain walking. The route crosses the Marguareis Natural Park, with several stages at altitude, crossings of Alpine passes and sometimes technical or stony paths. The walking days can be sustained, with a significant difference in altitude and several hours of hiking per day.
However, this is not a mountaineering trek: no specific technical equipment is required in summer, apart from good hiking gear. Nights in mountain huts also mean that you can travel lighter and make the most of the experience of roaming in the Italian Alps. or the more ambitious, this itinerary is ideal if you like sporty treks, big mountain landscapes and immersive nature trips.
How do I get to the start of the trek from France?
Where is the starting point for this walk in Piedmont?
Can we organise a group departure for this tour of Italy?
What are the main passes on the trek?
When is the best time to do this trek?
The best time to do this trek in the Italian Alps is generally from June to September, when the high passes are clear and the mountain huts are open. In early summer, the alpine meadows of the Marguareis Natural Park are particularly green and flowery, while September often offers more stable weather and magnificent light on the limestone reliefs of the massif. Outside this period, some passages may remain snow-covered, and many mountain huts close. Before setting off, it is therefore advisable to check mountain conditions and the opening times of accommodation.