The Piemonte (or Piedmont) Region is where we spent our first rural stop at the yellow farmhouse, just out of Roddino. It’s a large region bordering France and Switzerland and sits at the foot of the Alps. We could see the Alps from our farmhouse which provided a beautiful view each morning. Piemonte is known for its fabulous wines (red and white) with vineyards as far as you can see, interspersed with acres of hazelnuts trees. The capital of this region is Turin.

There’s an abundance of villages within a very short drive of minutes in some cases, a couple with castles and stories of famous long held fiefdoms and families dating back centuries that provide a colourful history of the area.

Here’s a few of our favourite villages.

Bossolasco

This was the prettiest town we visited. There was an “arty” vibe that oozed from the streets and buildings, even though it was fairly deserted on the day we visited. We began our wanderings with espresso, and a little sweet something, in a quaint cafe displaying an impressive butterfly collection amongst local produce for sale.

We loved this cafe so much, we went back for the most delicious lunch in the dining room out the back, served on antique plates amongst the decor of old worldly charm. The most delicious pasta dishes we’d had so far.

A surprising theme was the meter box artwork. Someone has been very busy.

What do they keep in here?

There was, of course, the church at the top of the hill with an interesting star mosaiced into the paving, complete with a silver angel overlooking the town square.

Friendly locals.

At least we know who lives here.

Dogliani

This town had the biggest weekly market which boasted not only fresh produce, but tables of bric-a-brac. Also, the location for the weekly meet-up of farmers and retired gents.

Serralunga

This is one of the most historically intact villages in the area, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Barolo vineyards. It boasts the Castle of Serralunga d’Alba which stands tall over the village. Considered to be one of the best-conserved examples of 14th century noble castles in the Piedmont Region.

The castle was never of military importance which is why it is so preserved. It was used mostly throughout the centuries as a point of control over the production activities in the surrounding districts by the Falletti family.

You can see why the castle was used to purvey the surrounding land, mostly owned by the Falliti family, who (I think) the guide said owned more than 50 neighbouring properties.

Perno

We ventured to this very small village perched high atop a mountain because of a recommendation to a restaurant. The road getting there was a tad scary, but the restaurant was well worth the anxious moments on the tight hairpin bends. Jeff was a very happy diner!

The meal started with charcoal breadsticks, followed by dish after dish of their “amuse bouche” selection.

Followed by duck, steak tartare and mackerel.

And, then this most interesting but amazingly delicious dish – a white chocolate tart with balsamic glaze. Sounds unappealing but the flavours magically worked.

Highly recommend the Piemonte Region of Italy. The food, the wine, the beautiful villages, the people and the views.

Next stop, Vernazza!

Catherine & Jeff xx