The Vigezzo Valley is one of my favorite places, where I return every year to recharge and fully experience nature. A plateau at around 800 meters above sea level, nestled between Italy and Switzerland, where time slows down between woods, tidy villages and mountain silence. And for those like me who love cycling, the Druogno–Re “Pineta” cycle path is one of the most evocative in the area: around 12.7 km almost completely flat, perfect for a relaxed excursion.
It starts from Druogno and winds through dedicated tracks, dirt roads and through small towns. Here the bike becomes the best way to understand the territory: not only sport, but also the slow discovery of a valley that combines nature and culture.
Santa Maria Maggiore: the cultural heart of the valley
The first stop you encounter is Santa Maria Maggiore, the most representative center of the valley. The village is famous for its Alpine elegance and for the Orange Flag title of the Italian Touring Club. Here you can breathe the history of the Vigezzo chimney sweeps, celebrated at the beginning of September and told in the famous Chimney Sweep Museum which houses tools, testimonies and immersive itineraries dedicated to a profession that is a symbol of emigration and toil.
But the town is also art: the Rossetti Valentini School of Fine Arts has contributed to making the valley known as the “Valley of Painters”. Among the alleys and shops there are also iconic events such as the Christmas Markets, the pumpkin festival and, indeed, the international gathering of chimney sweeps, which every year attracts visitors from all over Europe.
Pine forests, sports and nature along the route
After leaving the village, the cycle path enters its most immersive part: the pine forest of Santa Maria Maggiore. Here the landscape opens up onto dense coniferous forests, fresh air even in summer and stretches perfect for families. The route is almost always linear, with very little difference in altitude, and crosses sports and naturalistic areas: from the center of the cross-country ski area to the Praudina sports field. It is an ideal stretch for those who want to experience the mountains without effort, between relaxation and green panoramas.
The Camini Waterfalls: the heart hidden among the rocks of Malesco
One of the most spectacular points of the route is the crossing of the Loana stream, where you come across the suggestive Camini waterfall, also known as the Malesco waterfalls. Here the Loana stream makes a triple leap between the rocks, creating a continuous water play that makes the landscape almost theatrical. In summer this area becomes one of the busiest places in the valley, thanks also to a natural pool perfect for cooling off.
The waterfall can be observed from two different perspectives. From below you can feel the full force of the water crashing between the rocky cliffs, while going up the path you reach the upper side: passing a small passage along the river and following the signs towards the cycle path, you arrive at a panoramic walkway suspended above the waterfall. From here the view is complete and allows you to grasp the entire natural structure of the waterfall.
The area is also a starting point for numerous excursions: beyond the bridge and the information signs there are various paths that connect woods, hamlets and other routes. Shortly afterwards you reach Malesco, a village rich in history and traditions where you cross internal streets and discover a community linked to stone, ancient crafts and the ecomuseum which tells the story of the identity of the valley.
Towards Re and his Sanctuary
The last stretch of the route runs alongside the Melezzo Orientale river, until reaching the village of Re, known for the majestic Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sangue. The building dominates the valley with its grandeur and represents one of the most important pilgrimage places in Piedmont. Its history has its roots in an episode considered miraculous which occurred in 1494, when a Marian fresco began to bleed after an act of desecration.
The decorative dome, the carved confessionals and the wooden choir loft testify to the artistic stratification that transformed the place into a small treasure chest of Alpine baroque art. In fact, at the end of the nineteenth century the idea of a larger sanctuary took shape. The project led to the construction of the current monumental 20th century Basilica, which sits alongside the 17th century building forming a single architectural complex.
An itinerary for everyone in the midst of nature and art
Here our ride ends between stone bridges and mountain scenery, after crossing a valley that alternates nature, faith and culture in just a few kilometres. The Druogno–Re route is ideal for families, cycle tourists and lovers of light excursions. It does not require specific training (but pay attention to the fact that it is not a ring, which is why the distance doubles to return to the start) and offers a complete experience: fresh woods, historic villages, art, traditions and Alpine views.
You might also be interested in:
