Piedmont (Piemonte) voted the number One destination in 2019 by Lonely Planet

I’ve lived in the beautiful Piemonte region for many years now and have slowly seen Italy’s little secret gain international recognition.

In recent years parts of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato regions have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lists, and in fact in 2015 Lonley Planet voted Piemonte the 6th most popular destination to visit in Europe.

Well now for 2019 Lonely Planet has voted Piemonte the number one region to visit, followed by the CatskillsUSA, Northern Peru,The Red Centre Australia,Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, Russia far east, Gujarat India, Manitoba Canada, Normandy France and finally Elqui Valley Chile.

In my opinion the region’s success is due to its diversity. You have Turin the capital of Piemonte itself, steeped in history, museums, theatres, cafes and restaurants.

Barolo produces some of the most famous wines in the world. You can visit this historic town and taste the wines directly from the manufactures.

Lago d’Orta is well worth a visit surrounded by medieval villages and the beautiful Isola San Giulio.

Alba, my home town, is the capital of the White Truffle with thousands of people visiting during October and November to participate in it’s famous Truffle festival

The Monferrato and Roero are also beautiful regions producing world class wine backed by a stunning rolling landscape.

I could go on and on, but finally I need to mention the people themselves here in this region. Extremely friendly and kind, welcoming visitors to the area and so full of patriotism and enthusiasm for the food and wine of the area.

In conclusion I’m very proud of Piemonte’s latest achievement but not at all surprised.

Lonely Planet vote Piemonte the 6th most popular destination to visit in Europe

The Piedmont (Piemonte) region of Italy has been generating a lot of interest lately particularly with it’s inclusion in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Now more accolades follow. The region has now been voted the 6th more interesting location to visit in Europe by the Europe-based editors and authors of Lonely Planet, which is the largest travel guide book publisher in the world.

Lonely Planet mention Turin as a great place to see, particularly the Egyptian Museum and go on to highlight the Unesco-listed landscapes of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato. Further mention is also given to our wonderful towns of Barolo,Barbaresco and La Morra.

Here is a list of the top ten places that Lonely Planet wish to visit:

Akureyri, Iceland
Leipzig, Germany
The Azores, Portugal
Málaga, Spain
Belgrade, Serbia
Piedmont, Italy
Baku, Azerbaijan
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Tromsø, Norway
Porto, Portugal

Piedmont really does have lot to offer in terms of culture,cuisine,wine and beautiful landscapes and in my opinion fully deserves the recognition it now receives.

The Langhe,Roero and Monferrato are now included in UNESCO World Heritage Site Lists

The vineyard landscapes of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato in Piemonte are now included in  UNESCO’s World Heritage List, bringing the total number of Italian sites to 50.

For those of us who live in this beautiful region of Italy, this news is long overdue. It really is a great achievement and victory for the many people who have worked hard over the years to give our region this international recognition.

Indeed UNESCO brings a much awaited recognition to the generations of farmers who over time have contributed to shaping this area of outstanding natural beauty and an incentive with even greater responsibility to continue in the future.

The reason for the inclusion was cited as “an exceptional recognition to the historical tradition of grape growing, winemaking processes, a rural economy and a social context based on the culture of wine”

Some of the UNESCO sites include the DOCG Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards and the towns of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto,Grinzane Cavour,La Morra, Monforte d’Alba, Novello, Serralunga d’Alba, Barbaresco and Neive.

Unesco recognition will bring substantial benefits to the area including at least a 30% increase in tourism over the first five years which in itself will have a positive impact on local business and economy in the area. Figures suggest that tourists arriving in the area will increase from 667,000 in 2011 to over 850,000 and generate more than 280 million euro.

Maurizio Marello the Mayor of Alba declares  ”Today is a new beginning in which we have even greater responsibility to protect, develop and promote Alba, Langhe, Roero and Monferrato.”

The new President of the Piedmont Region Sergio Chiamparino commented “This is a starting point and not the end. UNESCO has recognised the historical, natural and cultural heritage of a land that is the archetypal landscape of European wine.”

These are exciting times for our region…
Langhe

Life in Italy – Setting up a new life in Italy.

We’ve been living and working full time in Italy for many years now and as such I feel we have built up a strong understanding of both the country and it’s people.

We have many clients that contact us with a view of making a permanent move here like Lesley and I have done, and understandably have many questions to ask. How easy is it to speak the language? Is it easy to find work? Is the environment good for children? Do you miss England? What are the most important factors to consider when you make the move here?

My personal opinion is that you must have a true desire to make it work and be realistic in your planning before you come over.

My Mother is Italian and although I’ve lived most of my life in England, I certainly had an advantage with the language. I feel that speaking Italian is the key to settling down here and enjoying life. Here in Piemonte there are several institutions that over free Italian lessons to foreigners and although it’s taught in a group environment I think it’s well worth doing.

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2013 Giro d’Italia Stage 13

The Giro d’Italia 2013 came to Piemonte on 17th May and proved to be an  entertaining day out.

The Giro was passing through some of the most picturesque towns in the Langhe such as Alba, Treiso, Rodello, Barolo and finally Cherasco. I have to admit, as a cyclist myself, I felt sorry for the riders as the weather conditions were particularly bad especially at the start of the day where in fact several riders were wearing full leggings. Luckily by the time they reached the Lange the sun had come out.

The day had started out with the disappointing news that Bradley Wiggins had pulled out due to a chest infection but at least Mark Cavendish was still there, and what a ride he had!

We went down to our local village Ricca and had some lunch and then waited for the riders to pass by. I thought the build up before the riders came through was not up to it’s usual high  standards, this may be a sign of the times and in fact I know some of the team sponsors are pulling out for next year.

Anyhow the breakaway pack came through followed by the Peloton which included Mark Cavendish, he certainly had a lot of work to do a that point, which he eventually accomplished to win the stage. Well done Mark, I’m proud to be British.

I have to admit that all in all it was a tremendous day out and I look forward to doing it again next year. I’ve put up a few pictures that I literally managed to snatch as the riders raced by.

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