The Cottian Alps are in Piedmont at the border region between France and Italy. The name Cottian comes from Marcus Julius Cottius, a king of the tribes inhabiting that mountainous region in the 1st century BC. The highest peak of this mountain range is Monte Viso or Monviso, as it is called in Italy, with 3841 meters. The Cottian Alps connect the Maritime Alps in the South with the Graian Alps in the North bordering Switzerland and France.
We discovered our fascination for Piedmont during the first hike in the mountains of the Monviso. Piedmont is the home of slow food. An area that is still little frequented by tourists and where hiking is a cult. We make individual hiking tours that we walked in the wild part of the Alps. One encounters lush green high pastures, on which the famous Piedmont cattle graze, whose valuable meat is very popular. Between breathtaking panoramas lie crystal-clear glacial lakes, surrounded by an impressively diverse flora. It is the world where the river Po rises, the Mississippi of Italy. Where the Occitan cultural area in the Italian Western Alps is still preserved in language and art. We go on routes of the legendary long-distance hiking trail Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA) and on Via Alpina. And of course, we enjoy the Piedmontese cuisine and the fruity red wines from the Nebiolo grape in the family-run trattorias.

The Valle del Po in the Cottian Alps is still a real insider tip. Tourists are only slowly discovering the Po Valley near the border with France. The road ends in Crissolo, there is no through traffic. A wonderful place for everyone looking for peace and relaxation. And health, because in the clear mountain air you can breathe oxygen and smell the scent of wild herbs.

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