In summer the province of Alessandria in Piedmont beckons with lavender in bloom and summer vibes.
An attraction for slow travellers and photographers
Across the province of Alessandria in the Piedmont region Summer begins with a whisper of purple as entire hillsides are covered with lavender in bloom. Up to the end of July the countryside here transforms into a violet wonderland and attracts slow travellers, photographers, and lovers of beauty. Local farms cultivate the lavenderturning blossoms into essential oils, natural cosmetics, and organic beauty products that carry the scent of the hills.
ph credits: Carlo Lenti ALEXALA Tourist Board Alessandria Monferrato
Lavender-growing towns, villages and hamlets
Castelletto d’Erro in the Alto Monferrato Acquese region is a charming hilltop village, with just 150 residents and is the perfect starting point for a lavender tour. Not far away far Spigno, home to the Agronatura Cooperative, grows lavender using organic and biodynamic methods, and here visitors can learn all about officinal herbs in a serene countryside setting. Moving towards the Monferrato Casalese area, a scenic drive awaits with a panoramic road that leads through picturesque countryside, charming villages, and of course, endless waves of lavender fields. Another must-see for lavender lovers, Quargnento is just a short drive from Alessandria, and is home to the La Lavanda di Lu estate. Here a little kiosk sells everything from essential oils to scented sachets which make perfect souvenirs with the aroma of summer
ph credits: Carlo Lenti ALEXALA Tourist Board Alessandria Monferrato
Stays in wooden cabins in lavender fields
Close to the border with Savona, Merana is a little hamlet that seems frozen in time. Here, the Agriturismo Verdita offers a unique stay in “star boxes” which are cozy wooden cabins set right in the lavender fields. In the Val Borbera valley the little hamlet of Vendersi has over 70 scarecrows, each with a name and a story and there is a fragrant lavender field crowning the village that sells handmade soaps and local products. In Alessandria’s suburb of Valmadonna, don’t miss the Chicche di Lavanda lavender fields which are open for free visits on Sundays and are a perfect way to end a fragrant lavender adventure through the province of Alessandria.
ph credits: Carlo Lenti ALEXALA Tourist Board Alessandria Monferrato
