Valle Maira

Valle Maira is an Alpine valley in Piedmont, in the province of Cuneo, known for its unspoilt character and lower tourist footfall compared with neighbouring valleys. It stretches along the Maira torrent, past stone villages and hamlets that were partly abandoned during the twentieth-century rural exodus, some of which have since been carefully restored. The valley is particularly popular for walking, with a network of trails linking the various side valleys up to the ridges bordering France, offering views over still-wild high-mountain landscapes. Traditional architecture, featuring stone-slab roofs and dry-stone buildings, strongly defines the local identity. Occitan culture and language, historically rooted in the valley, are reflected in local specialities such as Plaisentif cheese ravioli and polenta. The climate is typically Alpine, with mild summers ideal for hiking and pronounced winters suited to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The valley mainly attracts visitors seeking peace, nature and authenticity, away from the larger, more commercial ski resorts.