Gran Paradiso, Canavese, Alta Val Susa: unmissable views to immerse yourself in autumn among mountains and valleys, foliage just a stone's throw from the city.
When the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to turn copper, red and gold, it's foliage season. And what better way to admire the transformation of autumn than to stroll through the picturesque landscapes of valleys and mountains?
The larch trees glow gold, the beeches turn red and the reflections of the alpine lakes become mirrors of an enchanted landscape. Here's where to experience the magic of foliage, from the wildest mountains to urban parks just a stone's throw from the city.
Foliage in the Lanzo Valleys, Canavese and Gran Paradiso: gold and silence to immerse yourself in
The Canavese, a land of castles and morainic lakes, transforms into a mosaic of colours reflected on the water in autumn. Larch trees and lakes, rolling hills and towering peaks.
- The Pian della Mussa, in Balme, is a large expanse that turns into a golden palette in October.
- In the Gran Paradiso National Park, the Orco and Soana valleys offer an authentic landscape accessible to all, perfect for slow walking.
- The autumn excursions to Lake Ceresole and the high-altitude lakes are extraordinary: here, the silence of the mountains and the reflections of the water amplify the magic of the colours.
Val d'Ala, Val Grande and Val di Viù offer scenic walks through forests ablaze with colour, among authentic villages and cosy mountain huts.
Foliage in Pragelato, in the Chisone and Germanasca valleys: in search of fairy-tale lakes
- In Pragelato, between the villages of La Ruà and Soucheres Basses, larch trees are reflected in the streams, creating picturesque views.
- The Via dei Romani tells ancient stories in a warm and enveloping light. Not far away, the small Lake Laux is a jewel set among colourful woods: a fairytale place, perfect for those seeking tranquillity.
Between the Upper Susa Valley and the Stretta Valley: spectacular landscapes
The foliage in the high mountains is a total experience, intertwining nature and charm.
- The Argentera Valley is a magnificent valley in the municipality of Sauze di Cesana, carved out by glaciation, which turns golden in autumn thanks to the prevalence of larch trees that give off a warm, enveloping light. Its slopes are particularly rocky and impervious on one side, marked by numerous waterfalls, and softer on the other, characterised by an abundance of alpine pastures at the bottom. The valley appears very wide at first, narrowing towards the middle and then opening up again, alternating between more open and panoramic stretches and cooler stretches through the woods.
- Lago Nero: a stunning alpine lake where autumn colours are reflected, surrounded by golden larch trees and rolling hills that turn golden in autumn. Located at 2,020 metres above sea level in a basin surrounded by Cima Fournier and the Monti della Luna, it owes its name to the dark, intense shade that characterises the leaden colour of its waters.
- A little further on, the wild Val Thuras offers views that look like paintings, with unique ferruginous springs that colour the landscape gold, red and yellow.
- In Sauze d'Oulx, the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand offers the atmosphere of a primeval forest, while Lake Laune enchants visitors with its mirror-like surface surrounded by larch trees.
- Moreover, Bardonecchia is a true autumn stage: the woods of Valle Stretta and Valle della Rho are transformed into mosaics of yellow and red, while in Valle di Rochemolles the bellowing of deer accompanies your walks, offering unique emotions. Whether you choose to explore on foot, by bike or on horseback, every route will reward you with breathtaking views and intense emotions.
Susa Valley: nature and legends amid the autumn foliage
The Orsiera Rocciavrè Natural Park is a timeless classic, offering breathtaking views with easy hikes for the whole family and more challenging ones for hiking enthusiasts. Here, in autumn, the woods shine with a thousand shades and the sunsets glow red. The themed trails of the Sentiero dei Gufi (Owl Trail) are also unique and fascinating: among colourful clearings and forests, you can follow in the footsteps of these nocturnal birds of prey at dusk.
Foliage in Turin and surroundings
You don't have to go far to immerse yourself in the magic of autumn foliage. The Parco della Mandria, just a few kilometres from the city centre, offers miles of trails through castles and golden woods. At the Reggia di Venaria Reale, the historic gardens are ablaze with warm colours, creating elegant and poetic scenes.
Turin also dresses up for autumn: the Valentino Park, the tree-lined avenues along the River Po, the hills rising towards Superga and Monte dei Cappuccini offer unforgettable urban views, with colours framing the Savoy city.