Grand Tour UNESCO Arco 4 | From Racconigi to Avigliana

The route of the fourth stage of the Grand Tour among UNESCO sites starts from Racconigi, crosses the Maira River and follows its course along the banks and countryside passing through Cavallerleone to reach the historic center of Savigliano. After crossing the Maira River again and following Cavalotta road, you reach the rural complex and the Maresco palace. The route follows the Varaita River, crosses it on the bridge of the road leading to Saluzzo, then turns south until the town of Lagnasco. Through long rows of fruit trees, it passes through the town of Verzuolo to reach the village and Castle of Manta, a FAI property.

From here you reach Saluzzo, near the UNESCO MAB Reserve of Monviso and the Po River. The route follows the river banks with a crossing on the bridge to Revello. It continues on partly dirt roads to the rural complex with the Abbey of Staffarda and Cavour, with the Rocca, which stands out clearly in the landscape between Pinerolo and Saluzzo. On the cycle path at the foot of the Rocca, you pass by the ancient Abbey of Santa Maria and cross the historic center of Cavour, continuing for a few kilometers passing through the town of Campiglione.

The route now takes the cycle path on the bed of the disused railway that ran between Barge and the village of Bricherasio, up to Val Pellice and San Secondo di Pinerolo with the Castle of Miradolo and the magnificent park. Immediately after, it crosses the Chisone and enters Pinerolo (rail connection with Turin and cycle path connection to Turin, passing through the park and the Stupinigi hunting lodge for 43 km). Leaving Pinerolo along the roads at the foot of the hills of Frossasco, passing the church of San Giacomo, it continues to Piossasco, rising slightly towards the castle, the church of San Vito, and the beautiful Villa Lajolo with its historic park. Crossing the historic center, along the dirt road in the flat part of the town and through the fields, you arrive in Sangano (possible 31-km cycle connection with Turin along the Sangone, passing through Stupinigi). Here you cross the Sangone before entering Trana and reaching the lakes of Avigliana, avoiding the busy main road, before climbing to the historic center.

Some sections of the route along the small lake of Avigliana can be difficult to ride in winter and during rainy periods.

Train stations along the route: Racconigi, Savigliano, Saluzzo, Pinerolo, Avigliana

On MTB and gravel for experts, on e-bike for everyone.

Don't forget the camera to capture the magnificent scenery between Monviso and the Turin plain. Magnificent spring blossoms in the orchards between Savigliano and Saluzzo.