Chianale
|
Latest page update: 26 May 2025
|
By: Dion Protani
|
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Chianale
Chianale has only a very small number of places to stay, as the village is valued for its high-altitude setting, stone architecture and outdoor life rather than a developed hotel scene. Travellers who prefer established hotels with fuller facilities will find a wider and more practical selection in Pontechianale, just down the valley and well placed for walking routes, winter activities and the upper Varaita landscapes.
In Pontechianale, Hotel Le Marmotte offers a traditional alpine stay with welcoming hospitality, comfortable rooms and steady guest satisfaction for its convenient position near the lake (€€). Hotel Chalet Seggiovia provides another reliable option, appreciated for its peaceful setting, well-kept rooms and easy access to nearby trails (€€). For those wanting more space and amenities, Hotel La Terrazza combines straightforward comfort with views over the lake, making it a practical base for exploring the surrounding mountains (€€).
In Pontechianale, Hotel Le Marmotte offers a traditional alpine stay with welcoming hospitality, comfortable rooms and steady guest satisfaction for its convenient position near the lake (€€). Hotel Chalet Seggiovia provides another reliable option, appreciated for its peaceful setting, well-kept rooms and easy access to nearby trails (€€). For those wanting more space and amenities, Hotel La Terrazza combines straightforward comfort with views over the lake, making it a practical base for exploring the surrounding mountains (€€).
Where is
Where is Chianale?
|
The village of Chianale is situated within the Province of Cuneo and has a population of around 180 residents.
It stands at an elevation of 1,614 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Lago di Castello, Saluzzo, Ostana and Castello Racconigi. |
|
Chianale - frazione di Pontechianale
|
Comune: Pontechianale
Province: Cuneo Region: Piedmont Elevation: 1,614 metres Close by: Lago di Castello, Saluzzo, Ostana, Racconigi Castle Recommended hotel: Chalet Seggiovia (4 km) |
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: L'Ultimo Villaggio della Valle (The Last Village in the Valley)
Listing headline: L'Ultimo Villaggio della Valle (The Last Village in the Valley)
What People Ask About Chianale
Is Chianale worth visiting?
What can you do in Chianale?
How do you get to Chianale?
What is Chianale known for?
When is the best time to visit Chianale?
Related links
Discover
Discover Chianale
Chianale is a mountain village in the province of Cuneo, set at 1,800 metres in the upper Varaita Valley close to the French border. Recognised as one of the I Borghi più belli d’Italia, it retains its traditional Alpine character with stone houses, wooden balconies, and narrow lanes crossing the small river that runs through the centre. Its position makes it one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Piedmont.
Highlights include the Church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the 15th century, and the small Museo del Costume, which reflects the valley’s traditions. Chianale lies near the Colle dell’Agnello, one of the highest Alpine passes connecting Italy with France, making it a base for hiking and exploring the surrounding mountains. Road access links it with Pontechianale and the lower Varaita Valley.
Highlights include the Church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the 15th century, and the small Museo del Costume, which reflects the valley’s traditions. Chianale lies near the Colle dell’Agnello, one of the highest Alpine passes connecting Italy with France, making it a base for hiking and exploring the surrounding mountains. Road access links it with Pontechianale and the lower Varaita Valley.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Chianale
- Stone-Built Historic Centre is one of the best-preserved alpine villages in Piedmont, with narrow cobbled lanes, wooden balconies, and traditional stone houses. The architecture reflects Occitan influences and centuries of mountain life. The village is crossed by a small river and linked by a photogenic stone bridge at its centre.
- Church of Sant’Antonio stands at the heart of the village and dates back to the 17th century. It features a stone façade and an interior with wooden furnishings, painted decorations, and an ornate altarpiece. The church remains in use and is central to village festivals and processions throughout the year.
- Ethnographic Museum of Chianale is housed in a traditional alpine building and documents daily life in the upper Varaita Valley. The collection includes tools, clothing, household items, and photographs that reflect local culture and traditions. It is open seasonally and often forms part of guided village tours.
- Lago Blu and High Mountain Trails begin just above Chianale, with marked routes leading into the upper Varaita Valley and towards the French border. The trails pass alpine lakes, shepherd huts, and high-altitude meadows. Popular with hikers in summer, the area also connects with long-distance routes such as the GTA and Via Alpina.
- Colle dell’Agnello Scenic Road starts near Chianale and climbs to one of the highest paved mountain passes in Europe. The road is open seasonally and offers dramatic views of both the Italian and French Alps. It is popular with cyclists, drivers, and photographers exploring the Cottian Alps.
Tours and Activities
Chianale Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Chianale Photo Gallery
Piedmont Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Piedmont
1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. Barolo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. Barolo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Chianale
By Rail: Chianale does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Salużzo, about 55 kilometres away, on the line to Savigliano operated by Trenitalia. From Turin, trains to Savigliano take around 45 minutes, with a connection to Salużzo in about 25 minutes more. From Salużzo, Chianale can be reached in roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes by car or bus through the Varaita Valley.
By Road: Chianale is located at the upper end of the Varaita Valley, close to the French border and the Col Agnel. From Cuneo, the distance is about 65 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Turin, the journey is approximately 120 kilometres and takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Parking is available at the edge of the village, as vehicles are restricted in the historic area.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Chianale is located at the upper end of the Varaita Valley, close to the French border and the Col Agnel. From Cuneo, the distance is about 65 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Turin, the journey is approximately 120 kilometres and takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Parking is available at the edge of the village, as vehicles are restricted in the historic area.
Nearest International Airports:
- Cuneo Levaldigi Airport: About 60 kilometres from Chianale, with a drive of around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The closest airport, offering domestic and limited European services.
- Turin Caselle Airport: Approximately 150 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 2 hours and 20 minutes. A convenient choice for domestic and European connections.
- Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport: Roughly 230 kilometres from Chianale, taking about 3 hours and 20 minutes by car. Offers a wide range of European routes.
Private Transfers
Chianale Private Transfers
A private transfer is the most convenient way to travel to or from Chianale, providing a direct service without the need to rely on infrequent buses or drive the challenging mountain roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a smooth and reliable journey.
From Chianale, the nearest hub is Cuneo, which can be reached in about 1 hour 30 minutes, a distance of 70 km. Turin Caselle Airport is around 2 hours 30 minutes away at 160 km, while Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport can be reached in about 3 hours, covering 220 km. A transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport usually takes 3 hours 15 minutes with a journey of 250 km. For those arriving from or heading into France, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is about 3 hours 15 minutes away, a distance of 230 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Chianale, the nearest hub is Cuneo, which can be reached in about 1 hour 30 minutes, a distance of 70 km. Turin Caselle Airport is around 2 hours 30 minutes away at 160 km, while Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport can be reached in about 3 hours, covering 220 km. A transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport usually takes 3 hours 15 minutes with a journey of 250 km. For those arriving from or heading into France, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is about 3 hours 15 minutes away, a distance of 230 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
