How do I get to Terme di Valdieri from France or Italy?

By car From Cuneo: about 45 minutes by car via Valle Gesso From Turin: around 1h30 From Nice: about 3h30 via the Col de Tende (or Ventimiglia) By train / bus From Cuneo: line 82 (Cuneo – Borgo San Dalmazzo – Terme di Valdieri) From Turin: by train (Trenitalia) to Cuneo, then by bus (line 82) to Terme di Valdieri From Nice: by train to Cuneo or Borgo San Dalmazzo (via Trenitalia), then by bus (line 82) to Terme di Valdieri

What can you discover at Castérino, the finish point of the walk?

Perched at 1,550 metres at the foot of the Mercantour National Park , Castérino is the gateway to the Vallée des Merveilles and its 40,000 rock engravings . Larch forests, frontier views and cosy mountain huts make this hamlet a well-earned welcome after five days’ walking. It’s also an excellent base camp for extending your stay by a day and exploring the open-air archaeological site , accessible only on foot or via a guided tour.

Is Terme di Valdieri a classic spa?

Terme di Valdieri is not considered a classic spa, but a thermal spa . The thermal baths of Italy, and particularly those of Valdieri, are home to natural thermal waters , loaded with minerals and used for centuries for their therapeutic virtues. This is a far cry from a simple artificially-heated pool. Here, the thermal springs reach between 50° and 70° thanks to the natural caves that are able to heat the spaces in the form of steam. The thermal experience is therefore more beneficial to your health than a traditional spa*. *Depending on the treatments prescribed by your doctor, as part of a rehabilitation programme for example.

What other hiking trails are there in Piedmont?

If you’d like to extend your adventure beyond the Valle Gesso, the route from Limone Piemonte to Menton is an obvious choice. A true flagship route of the RivierALP network, this 124-kilometre hike connects the Piedmontese ridges of Limone Piemonte to the Mediterranean coast in eight stages , passing through the Vallée des Merveilles, Saorge and the Sentier des Douaniers. A hike in Menton overlooking the sea : it’s hard to imagine a better way to round off a grand tour of the Southern Alps.

What hotels are available in Terme di Valdieri?

There are several hotels and/or refuges where you can extend your stay in Terme di Valdieri. The Hotel Royal is without doubt the most emblematic of them all. Built in 1857 at the request of Victor Emmanuel II, it has preserved its period architecture and royal resort atmosphere. The Albergo Turismo is a simpler, family-friendly option, while the Casa Savoia and the Rifugio Valasco are perfect for hikers who want to be as close as possible to the trails. Note that hotels and refuges in and around Terme di Valdieri are often fully booked in July and August. Make sure you book early!

What are the properties of Valdieri's thermal waters?

Valdieri thermal waters are sodium chloride sulphate waters , with an alkaline pH of 9.4 . This particular composition gives them recognised properties for rheumatic , respiratory , dermatological and gynaecological conditions . Baths in the thermal pool and sessions in the natural steam caves are the site’s most emblematic treatments for improving visitors’ health . They are prescribed in particular for cases of rehabilitation.

Is it possible to enjoy thermal baths and springs without medical care?

Yes, that’s right. While the thermal baths offer treatments supervised by a doctor (inhalations, balneotherapy, algotherapy), they also welcome visitors who are simply looking to relax. The open-air thermal pool is accessible to all , without prescription . It’s also an excellent way to enjoy the natural warm waters with a view of the peaks of the Alpes-Maritimes Park , before or after a hike.

Are there any open-air thermal pools in Valdieri?

Yes, and it’s this open-air aspect that is one of the great assets of the site. The heated thermal pool at Valdieri gives you a direct view of the Alpine peaks . In other words, it’s a spa experience that’s hard to beat. As well as Valdieri, there are other remarkable spas in the region, such as Vinadio, less than an hour’s drive away.

What are the highlights of the route between the thermal baths and the French border?

Several stages leave a lasting impression on hikers. The Col du Chiapous , at an altitude of 2,526 metres , is the first major challenge on the route: from the summit, the Argentera foothills stand out in all their splendour, offering an Alpine panorama well worth the effort required to reach it. The Chiotas lake , held back by a spectacular 130-metre-high arch dam, is one of the most unusual parts of the hike, and probably one of the highlights. Further on, the hamlet of Trinità di Entracque, with its remarkable church of the Holy Trinity and its historic refuge, marks the transition from Italy to France: a stopover full of character halfway through this great Alpine crossing .

What makes Terme di Valdieri unique in Italy?

At an altitude of 1,370 metres , Terme di Valdieri is quite simply the highest thermal spa in Italy. Its outdoor swimming pool , regenerating thermal mud treatments and massages in the heart of the natural caves make it a 100% relaxing break, ideal before setting off on the RivierALP trails. A rare combination of historic thermal heritage and direct access to Piedmont’s high mountains .

Can this route be combined with other stages in the RivierALP network?

Exactly. The crossing between Terme di Valdieri and Castérino is a natural part of the RivierALP hiking network . You can extend it or combine it with other stages on the Piedmont or Ligurian side to create a tailor-made itinerary, from a short spa break to a major crossing from the Alps to the sea.

Is Terme di Valdieri a good destination for a wellness trip?

In fact, it’s one of Italy’s most unique destinations for this type of trip. It combines hot water baths and thermal relaxation with an exceptional natural environment , a royal historical heritage and direct access to long-distance hiking trails. It’s not a seaside resort, but that’s precisely what makes it so special: a rejuvenating break , far from the hustle and bustle, in one of the most beautiful settings in the Southern Alps .

Which RivierALP hikes to try?

The RivierALP network is brimming with routes not to be missed . For high-mountain enthusiasts, the trek to the Don Barbera refuge – an unmissable stop on the Haute Route du Sel – is an essential part of the journey, accessible in particular from Roccaforte Mondovì . For those wishing to reach the Italian Riviera, the San Remo route takes you down to the famous Ligurian town, before continuing on to Oneglia, the historic district of Imperia. From the Alps to the sea , the RivierALP network offers a continuous series of unique trails in Europe.

A spa break between Italy and France

Terme di Valdieri to Castérino itinerary

From the Gesso Valley to the Mercantour National Park

The call of idleness on the one hand, adventure on the other… And what if you didn’t have to choose? In the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes Natural Park, the Valdieri spa and its hot springs are the ideal starting point for conquering Italy and its peaks. But not before you’ve had a chance to recharge your batteries! It’s here, in the Valle Gesso, that one of the most unique stages of the RivierALP begins. The one that links the Valdieri thermal baths to the charming village of Castérino. You’ll see that it was worth swapping the thermal baths for the mountain pastures. Isn’t it said that it’s the road that makes the real journey?

Getting organised

Terme di Valdieri in Castérino :hiking in figures

Distance: 65.8 kilometres
Duration: 5 days

Walking itinerary

Difficulty: Experienced hiker

Ascent: 3848 m
Negative ascent: 3796 m

From Italian thermal baths to French summits When thermal wellness meets mountain walking

“Men sana in corpore sano”.

That’s the motto of this exceptional holiday. And it begins in style at the Valdieri Royal Spa. Nestling in the Gesso valley, at an altitude of over 1370 metres, this spa boasts the highest thermal baths in Italy. Heated swimming pool with panoramic views of the Alpine peaks, purifying steam treatments in the heart of natural grottoes and regenerating thermal mud treatments: the perfect way to reconnect body and mind at an affordable price.

Once you’ve put your bathrobe away, the adventure takes over. In five days’ walking, the itinerary will take you up to the high Alpine passes, past vault dams and through high altitude pastures before crossing the Franco-Italian border. The finish line? Castérino, a hamlet nestling at over 1,500 metres at the foot of the Mercantour National Park. The mythical gateway to the Vallée des Merveilles and its 40,000 rock engravings, this little unspoilt paradise is the ideal conclusion to this rejuvenating journey. As you can see, the spa is just the beginning of your (beautiful) escape.

ItineraryTerme di Valdieri to Castérino in 5 stages

StartTerme di Valdieri

Stage 1Terme di Valdieri → Refuge CAI Genova Figari

Stage 2Refuge CAI Genova Figari → San Giacomo Di Entracque

Step 3San Giacomo Di Entracque → Trinità Di Entracque

Step 4Trinità Di Entracque → Bivouac CAI Speranza

Step 5Bivouac CAI Speranza → Casterino

ArrivalCasterino

Cultural heritage to see

Between historic thermal baths and a former royal hunting lodge

Founded in the 18th century by King Charles Emmanuel III under the name Regio Baraccone, the Valdieri thermal baths became the spa resort of the royal house of Savoy in the 19th century. Nearby, Piana del Valasco, a former royal hunting lodge, is a reminder of why the Alpes-Maritimes on the Italian side are known as the “King’s Mountains”. Along the way, the military ruins of Ricovere Fenestrelle add a touch ofcontemporary history to this (already) extraordinary itinerary!

A few kilometres from the route, the village of Entracque is well worth a visit for its Centro Uomini e Lupi, a museum dedicated to the natural return of the wolf to the massif, complete with a semi-liberty observation area. The village is also home to the Centrale Luigi Einaudi, one of Europe’s largest hydroelectric pumping stations, whose guided tours take visitors deep into the mountains to discover the underground tunnels that connect the high-altitude dams. A discreet but spectacular industrial heritage, witness to the golden age of Piedmontese hydroelectricity.

Further up the itinerary, the old mule tracks laid out for the Savoy court and dotted with ” case di caccia ” (some of which have been converted into refuges) reveal another facet of local Alpine culture. At the entrance to the Gesso valley, the hamlet of San Giacomo di Entracque has preserved its Romanesque chapel and votive frescoes, while a little further on, the Santuario di Sant’Anna di Vinadio (Europe’s highest sanctuary at over 2,000 metres) is a memorable diversions for those wishing to extend their immersion in the sacred heritage of the high valleys of Piedmont.

Terme di Valdieri, Italy's highest spa resort

Nestling at the crossroads of the Lourousa, Valasco and Valletta massifs, the Valdieri thermal spa occupies a prime position in Northern Italy. Three peaks means three times as many sensations and as many good reasons to explore the surrounding area. It’s hardly surprising that Terme di Valdieri has become a strategic starting point for hiking enthusiasts… and a benchmark spa resort. At the same time, who can resist its spa with its purifying steam treatments and its open-air swimming pool overlooking the Alpine peaks?

Close to Terme di Valdieri, the Valderia botanical garden is the ideal transition between a spa holiday and a walk in the fresh air. Originally a simple English-style garden designed to welcome guests from the nearby thermal baths, it is now home to over 500 species of plants from the Alpes-Maritimes. In other words, you’re in for a lovely walk lasting around an hour. 1 kilometre, 60 metres difference in altitude – there’s plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs after your thermal baths.

Testimonial

“I left the Valdieri thermal baths after two days at the spa with the feeling that I was in tip-top shape, and that’s exactly what I need to tackle the stages of this hike. What struck me most was the constant contrast: the royal thermal baths, the Chiotas dam, the military ruins of Fenestrelle, and then the picturesque village of Castérino. Five days between Italy and France, and the impression of having travelled through several centuries of history at the same time. I recommend it 100%.

– Sylvain, touring hiker

Everything you need to know about your itinerary from Terme di Valdieri

How do I get to Terme di Valdieri from France or Italy?
By car
From Cuneo: about 45 minutes by car via Valle Gesso
From Turin: around 1h30
From Nice: about 3h30 via the Col de Tende (or Ventimiglia)
By train / bus
From Cuneo: line 82 (Cuneo – Borgo San Dalmazzo – Terme di Valdieri)
From Turin: by train (Trenitalia) to Cuneo, then by bus (line 82) to Terme di Valdieri
From Nice: by train to Cuneo or Borgo San Dalmazzo (via Trenitalia), then by bus (line 82) to Terme di Valdieri
What can you discover at Castérino, the finish point of the walk?
Perched at 1,550 metres at the foot of the Mercantour National Park, Castérino is the gateway to the Vallée des Merveilles and its 40,000 rock engravings. Larch forests, frontier views and cosy mountain huts make this hamlet a well-earned welcome after five days’ walking. It’s also an excellent base camp for extending your stay by a day and exploring the open-air archaeological site, accessible only on foot or via a guided tour.
Is Terme di Valdieri a classic spa?
Terme di Valdieri is not considered a classic spa, but a thermal spa. The thermal baths of Italy, and particularly those of Valdieri, are home to natural thermal waters, loaded with minerals and used for centuries for their therapeutic virtues. This is a far cry from a simple artificially-heated pool. Here, the thermal springs reach between 50° and 70° thanks to the natural caves that are able to heat the spaces in the form of steam. The thermal experience is therefore more beneficial to your health than a traditional spa*.
*Depending on the treatments prescribed by your doctor, as part of a rehabilitation programme for example.
What other hiking trails are there in Piedmont?
If you’d like to extend your adventure beyond the Valle Gesso, the route from Limone Piemonte to Menton is an obvious choice. A true flagship route of the RivierALP network, this 124-kilometre hike connects the Piedmontese ridges of Limone Piemonte to the Mediterranean coast in eight stages, passing through the Vallée des Merveilles, Saorge and the Sentier des Douaniers. A hike in Menton overlooking the sea: it’s hard to imagine a better way to round off a grand tour of the Southern Alps.
What hotels are available in Terme di Valdieri?
There are several hotels and/or refuges where you can extend your stay in Terme di Valdieri. The Hotel Royal is without doubt the most emblematic of them all. Built in 1857 at the request of Victor Emmanuel II, it has preserved its period architecture and royal resort atmosphere. TheAlbergo Turismo is a simpler, family-friendly option, while the Casa Savoia and the Rifugio Valasco are perfect for hikers who want to be as close as possible to the trails.
Note that hotels and refuges in and around Terme di Valdieri are often fully booked in July and August. Make sure you book early!
What are the properties of Valdieri's thermal waters?
Valdieri thermal waters are sodium chloride sulphate waters, with an alkaline pH of 9.4. This particular composition gives them recognised properties for rheumatic, respiratory, dermatological and gynaecologicalconditions. Baths in the thermal pool and sessions in the natural steam caves are the site’s most emblematic treatments for improving visitors’ health. They are prescribed in particular for cases of rehabilitation.
Is it possible to enjoy thermal baths and springs without medical care?
Are there any open-air thermal pools in Valdieri?
What are the highlights of the route between the thermal baths and the French border?
Several stages leave a lasting impression on hikers. The Col du Chiapous, at an altitude of 2,526 metres, is the first major challenge on the route: from the summit, the Argentera foothills stand out in all their splendour, offering an Alpine panorama well worth the effort required to reach it. The Chiotas lake, held back by a spectacular 130-metre-high arch dam, is one of the most unusual parts of the hike, and probably one of the highlights. Further on, the hamlet of Trinità di Entracque, with its remarkable church of the Holy Trinity and its historic refuge, marks the transition from Italy to France: a stopover full of character halfway through this great Alpine crossing.
What makes Terme di Valdieri unique in Italy?
Can this route be combined with other stages in the RivierALP network?
Is Terme di Valdieri a good destination for a wellness trip?
In fact, it’s one of Italy’s most unique destinations for this type of trip. It combines hot water baths and thermal relaxation with an exceptional natural environment, a royal historical heritage and direct access to long-distance hiking trails. It’s not a seaside resort, but that’s precisely what makes it so special: a rejuvenating break, far from the hustle and bustle, in one of the most beautiful settings in the Southern Alps.
Which RivierALP hikes to try?
The RivierALP network is brimmingwith routes not to be missed. For high-mountain enthusiasts, the trek to the Don Barbera refuge – an unmissable stop on the Haute Route du Sel – is an essential part of the journey, accessible in particular from Roccaforte Mondovì. For those wishing to reach the Italian Riviera, the San Remo route takes you down to the famous Ligurian town, before continuing on to Oneglia, the historic district of Imperia. From the Alps to the sea, the RivierALP network offers a continuous series of unique trails in Europe.