How do I get to the start in Pian delle Gorre for this cycling itinerary in Italy?

Pian delle Gorre (1,040 metres) can be reached by car from Chiusa Pesio, in the Pesio Valley, provincia di Cuneo. There is a large car park on site, as well as the Pian delle Gorre refuge. It is also possible to start the itinerary further down the valley, from the Certosa di Santa Maria (Charterhouse of Pesio) or from Roccaforte Mondovì, depending on the cyclist’s preference and ability. From France, Nice is the natural gateway via the Tende tunnel, with a possible connection at Cuneo (about 1h30 drive).

Is there any water on this cycle route in Italy?

The only reliable water source at the start is at Pian delle Gorre. Along the way, the Gias degli Arpi (1,435 metres) has a fountain, except during periods of severe summer drought. Beyond this point, as far as the Alta Via del Sale, there are no springs. The Don Barbera refuge offers water on arrival. We strongly advise you to set off with a sufficient supply for the entire route, especially in July and August.

What technical level do you need for this cycling itinerary in Italy?

The route is graded S2 for the section between Colle del Prel and Passo del Duca, the most technical part of the route, which requires precise control of the bike on exposed limestone terrain. The rest of the route (Bosco del Prel mule track) is classified S1 and accessible to all experienced cyclists. Most of the difficulty is physical: the 1,438-metre negative gradient over just 15 kilometres requires good braking control over time.

Is it possible to do this route on an electrically-assisted bicycle?

Yes, and the VAE is perfectly suited to this route, especially for managing the S2 passages around the Passo del Duca. The Don Barbera refuge (2,070 metres), close to the finish on the Alta Via del Sale, has a charging point for electric bikes, provided you bring your own charger. Plan to set off with a full battery from Pian delle Gorre, the only equipped starting point at the bottom of the route.

When is the best time to cycle in Italy?

From June to October. In winter, Pian delle Gorre is accessible only on skis or snowshoes, and the plateau is used for cross-country skiing. In summer, conditions are ideal, although the Gias degli Arpi fountain can run dry during dry spells in July and August. September is the ideal time for a cycling trip in Italy in this region, as conditions are optimal.

What is the Conca delle Carsene and why is it worth a visit?

The Conca delle Carsene is a spectacular karst amphitheatre situated at an altitude of over 2,000 metres in the Marguareis massif. It is home to sinkholes, chasms and caves that have attracted cavers from all over Europe for decades. In July-August 2024, the Groupe spéléologique des Alpes Maritimes of CAI Cuneo made new underground discoveries. For cyclists discovering Italy by bike, it’s a unique geological curiosity and a landscape that you certainly wouldn’t expect to find by bike in the Piedmont Alps!

Can we extend this Italian cycling trip to the sea?

Yes, that’s precisely the strength of this itinerary. Arriving at the Don Barbera refuge on the Alta Via del Sale opens up a number of options for extending your cycling trip in Italy. Heading south-west to Margaria Loxe, you can start the descent to Sanremo (cyclo rando Col de Tende – Sanremo) or Imperia (cyclo rando Col de Tende – Imperia via Colle di Nava ). Heading south-east and towards France, the descent towards La Brigue and the Roya valley takes you back to Menton along the RivierALP trails. Consult the map of RivierALP cycle routes .

What is the Certosa di Santa Maria and can it be visited before departure?

The Charterhouse of Pesio (Certosa di Santa Maria) is one of the historical and architectural jewels of the Pesio valley, founded in 1173 by the monk Ulderico of the Carthusian order of Saint Bruno. After centuries of upheaval (abandoned in the 14th century, return of the monks in the 15th, Napoleonic expulsion in 1802), it was transformed into a hydrotherapy institute welcoming the princes of Savoy, Cavour and Massimo d’Azeglio. Now run by the Missionary Fathers of the Consolata since 1934, it is open to visitors and is an ideal introduction to the history of the valley before setting off on the cycling itinerary.

Does this route connect with other RivierALP stages?

Yes, and that’s one of its great strengths when it comes to putting together a cycling trip in Italy over several days. Several RivierALP itineraries converge at the Don Barbera refuge: from Roccaforte Mondovì and Rastello via the Ellero valley, from Ormea and the Tanaro valley, and from Limone Piemonte via the Alta Via del Sale. Starting from Pian delle Gorre and joining the Alta Via del Sale, you naturally become part of this network of cross-border footpaths linking Piedmont to the sea towards Sanremo, Imperia or France.

What other ideas are there for cycling itineraries in Italy around this route?

RivierALP offers a number of other cycling routes in Italy starting from this area. The cycling road trip from Rastello (Roccaforte Mondovì) to the Haute Route du Sel is the closest geographically and the most technically demanding (S3, 41.5 kilometres). For longer cycling trips in Italy, the cyclo rando from the Col de Tende to Sanremo (99.7 kilometres) or the mountain bike to Imperia via the Colle di Nava (91 kilometres) are ideal multi-day cycling trips between Piedmont, the Alpes Maritimes and the Ligurian Sea.

Discover Italy by bike

Pian delle Gorre and Haute Route du Sel itinerary

From the Marguareis Park to the Alta Via del Sale

Discovering Italy by bike isn’t just about cycling through the vineyards of Tuscany. It’s also aboutcycling through pine forests, exploring karst landscapes at 2,200 metres above sea level and taking in panoramic views of Monte Rosa on one side and the Côte d’Azur on the other. And that’s exactly what this mountain bike route from Pian delle Gorre to theAlta Via del Sale promises. 15 intense, wild and silent kilometres right in the middle of the Marguareis nature park. What better way to explore Northern Italy on RivierALP?

See the gpx route

Pian delle Gorre (Chiusa Pesio) - Haute Route du Sel :the MTB(AE) trail in figures

15 kilometres

Ascent: 318 metres
Negative ascent: 1,438 metres

By bike: Mountain bike(AE)/VAE

Difficulty: Level S2

Surface :

Dirt road at high altitude

Italy by bike via the Haute Route du Sel From Chiusa di Pesio to the Haute Route du Sel: exploring Italy by bike

This route is undoubtedly the most popular entry point for cyclists to RivierALP. But it’s also one of the least well-known for visitors discovering Italy by bike for the first time. In just 15 kilometres, it combines the pine forests of the Marguareis nature park with the lunar landscapes of the Haute Route du Sel. It’s a short route, but one that’s full of excitement!

The route starts at an altitude of over 1,000 metres from the Pesio valley. Handlebars in hand, helmet on, venture into the heart of the Bosco del Prel,one of the most remarkable fir forests in the entire Alpine arc. After the Gias degli Arpi, the Colle dei Prel (1,615 metres) and the Passo del Duca (1,989 metres) mark the transition to a radically different world. This is Conca delle Carsene and its potholes! The arrival at the Don Barbera refuge opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Sanremo, Imperia, La Brigue or the Roya Valley on the French side: which will it be? In any case, this cycle route throughNorthern Italy promises to please.

Itinerary detailsPian delle Gorre - Haute Route du Sel

StartPian delle Gorre

ArrivalHaute Route du Sel

This route is usually completed in a single day. It can also be used as the first stage of a longer cycling trip at RivierALP.

Cultural heritage to see

From the Charterhouse of Pesio to the caves of Conca delle Carsene

This cycling itinerary in Italy will introduce you to an impressive historical and natural heritage. From Pian delle Gorre, be sure to stop off at the Certosa di Santa Maria, the Charterhouse of Pesio. Founded in 1173 by a Carthusian monk, it is now run by the Missionary Fathers of the Consolota. A true oasis of silence and contemplation. The kind of place you wouldn’t expect to find at the start of a cycling itinerary.

Higher up, the Conca delle Carsene is a cultural and geological nugget not to be missed. This remarkable karstic amphitheatre, accessible from the Capanna Scientifica Morgantini, has been attracting speleologists from all over Europe for decades. Good to know: in July 2024, the Alpes Maritimes regional speleological group even made new discoveries here. A fascinating underground world that you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your cycling trip!

From the landscapes of Piedmont to Liguria: discover Italy by bike

One route, 15 kilometres and a thousand landscapes to explore! The plains of Piedmont, the Alpes Maritimes region and the Côte d’Azur have never been so beautiful, with listed pine forests, Alpine passes at 1,989 metres and lunar-like karst plateaus. Few cycling routes in Italy will take you through so many contrasts!

The arrival at the Don Barbera refuge (2,070 metres), right in the middle of the Colle dei Signori, also marks the junction with the Haute Route du Sel and the major RivierALP itineraries. From this strategic point, there are plenty of options for extending your cycling trip. Joining Margaria Loxe, descending towards Sanremo and Imperia via the old military road or switching to the French side towards La Brigue: there’s no shortage of ways to extend the itinerary. The hills of Piedmont and the azure coves of Liguria are yours for the taking. Shall we set off?

Testimonial

“I loved this cycle route through northern Italy. 15 kilometres of pure pleasure. You set off from the Pian delle Gorre refuge in the middle of a fir forest that seems to have come down from another century, climb silently towards the Passo del Duca, and then the landscape changes. The karst, the chasms, the immense panorama of Monte Rosa on one side and the lights of the Côte d’Azur on the other. In 15 kilometres, I had the impression of crossing three different regions. And arriving at the Don Barbera refuge with the option of continuing to Sanremo or descending to France… that’s when you realise what the RivierALP network really is: an immense playground, accessible through little gates like this one!

– Léa, touring hiker, full itinerary completed in September

Everything you need to know about your walk between Pian delle Gorre and the Haute Route du Sel

How do I get to the start in Pian delle Gorre for this cycling itinerary in Italy?
Pian delle Gorre (1,040 metres) can be reached by car from Chiusa Pesio, in the Pesio Valley, provincia di Cuneo. There is a large car park on site, as well as the Pian delle Gorre refuge. It is also possible to start the itinerary further down the valley, from the Certosa di Santa Maria (Charterhouse of Pesio) or from Roccaforte Mondovì, depending on the cyclist’s preference and ability. From France, Nice is the natural gateway via the Tende tunnel, with a possible connection at Cuneo (about 1h30 drive).
Is there any water on this cycle route in Italy?
The only reliable water source at the start is at Pian delle Gorre. Along the way, the Gias degli Arpi (1,435 metres) has a fountain, except during periods of severe summer drought. Beyond this point, as far as the Alta Via del Sale, there are no springs. The Don Barbera refuge offers water on arrival. We strongly advise you to set off with a sufficient supply for the entire route, especially in July and August.
What technical level do you need for this cycling itinerary in Italy?
The route is graded S2 for the section between Colle del Prel and Passo del Duca, the most technical part of the route, which requires precise control of the bike on exposed limestone terrain. The rest of the route (Bosco del Prel mule track) is classified S1 and accessible to all experienced cyclists. Most of the difficulty is physical: the 1,438-metre negative gradient over just 15 kilometres requires good braking control over time.
Is it possible to do this route on an electrically-assisted bicycle?
Yes, and the VAE is perfectly suited to this route, especially for managing the S2 passages around the Passo del Duca. The Don Barbera refuge (2,070 metres), close to the finish on the Alta Via del Sale, has a charging point for electric bikes, provided you bring your own charger. Plan to set off with a full battery from Pian delle Gorre, the only equipped starting point at the bottom of the route.
When is the best time to cycle in Italy?
What is the Conca delle Carsene and why is it worth a visit?
The Conca delle Carsene is a spectacular karst amphitheatre situated at an altitude of over 2,000 metres in the Marguareis massif. It is home to sinkholes, chasms and caves that have attracted cavers from all over Europe for decades. In July-August 2024, the Groupe spéléologique des Alpes Maritimes of CAI Cuneo made new underground discoveries. For cyclists discovering Italy by bike, it’s a unique geological curiosity and a landscape that you certainly wouldn’t expect to find by bike in the Piedmont Alps!
Can we extend this Italian cycling trip to the sea?
Yes, that’s precisely the strength of this itinerary. Arriving at the Don Barbera refuge on the Alta Via del Sale opens up a number of options for extending your cycling trip in Italy. Heading south-west to Margaria Loxe, you can start the descent to Sanremo(cyclo rando Col de Tende – Sanremo) or Imperia (cyclo rando Col de Tende – Imperia via Colle di Nava). Heading south-east and towards France, the descent towards La Brigue and the Roya valley takes you back to Menton along the RivierALP trails. Consult the map of RivierALP cycle routes.
What is the Certosa di Santa Maria and can it be visited before departure?
The Charterhouse of Pesio (Certosa di Santa Maria) is one of the historical and architectural jewels of the Pesio valley, founded in 1173 by the monk Ulderico of the Carthusian order of Saint Bruno. After centuries of upheaval (abandoned in the 14th century, return of the monks in the 15th, Napoleonic expulsion in 1802), it was transformed into a hydrotherapy institute welcoming the princes of Savoy, Cavour and Massimo d’Azeglio. Now run by the Missionary Fathers of the Consolata since 1934, it is open to visitors and is an ideal introduction to the history of the valley before setting off on the cycling itinerary.
Does this route connect with other RivierALP stages?
Yes, and that’s one of its great strengths when it comes to putting together a cycling trip in Italy over several days. Several RivierALP itineraries converge at the Don Barbera refuge: from Roccaforte Mondovì and Rastello via the Ellero valley, from Ormea and the Tanaro valley, and from Limone Piemonte via the Alta Via del Sale. Starting from Pian delle Gorre and joining the Alta Via del Sale, you naturally become part of this network of cross-border footpaths linking Piedmont to the sea towards Sanremo, Imperia or France.
What other ideas are there for cycling itineraries in Italy around this route?
RivierALP offers a number of other cycling routes in Italy starting from this area. The cycling road trip from Rastello (Roccaforte Mondovì) to the Haute Route du Sel is the closest geographically and the most technically demanding (S3, 41.5 kilometres). For longer cycling trips in Italy, the cyclo rando from the Col de Tende to Sanremo (99.7 kilometres) or the mountain bike to Imperia via the Colle di Nava (91 kilometres) are ideal multi-day cycling trips between Piedmont, the Alpes Maritimes and the Ligurian Sea.