Val Pellice e Pinerolese

Le valli del gianduiotto

Turinese and Piedmontese chocolate owe much to the Pellice Valley and area of Pinerolo. The most important firms in the sector still operate here: like Caffarel , which has its head offices in Luserna San Giovanni, or Streglio and Domori in None, a small town located between Pinerolo and Turin.

Chocolate has been a driving force in the history of these territories since the 18th century, when many Waldensian chefs excelled in the chocolate arts. These include Paul Caffarel and Michele Prochet, the inventor of the Gianduiotto.

The Waldensians, who fled to this territory following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685), have had considerable influence on the cultural development of this area, which today is still rich in museums, associations, and libraries.

This is also a fascinating area for its traditions of fine wines and foods. These valleys are full of woods where mushrooms and chestnuts flourish. The slopes are scattered with ancient hamlets where it is possible to delight the palate with simple rural fare: From herb omelettes to leek tarts, from cornmeal to sauerkraut.

The pleasure of fine foods is enhanced by the surrounding nature. There are plenty of itineraries for excursions on foot or by mountain bike. Don’t forget to visit the most important towns: from Torre Pellice to Luserna, from Bibiana to Bricherasio.

Pinerolo – the most Francophile of all Italian cities – today offers visitors the opportunity to stroll through the most important historic landmarks, which emerge silently from the low porticos, the narrow alleys, the façades of the surviving medieval palaces and the churches, with sweeping views of the Cozie Alps or the plains as far as Turin and the Langhe.

Continue on your trip to discover Val Pellice and Pinerolo

Photo: panoramic view of the Pellice Valley