Crissolo
Welcome to Crissolo, the land of Monviso and the Po River!
If you are a nature lover, you cannot miss a visit to Crissolo, a small and charming town with only 157 inhabitants located in the province of Cuneo, in Piemonte. The beauty of the surrounding landscape is undoubtedly the strength of this location, where you can find Monviso, the highest mountain in the area, and the source of the Po River, one of the most important tributaries in our country.
Physical geography: discovering the territory
Crissolo is located at the head of the Po Valley and is characterized by an altitude ranging from a minimum of 1100 meters above sea level to a maximum of 3841 meters above sea level corresponding to the summit of Monviso, the point of union between the municipalities of Crissolo, Oncino, and Pontechianale. The territory extends over both sides of the valley which, in the lower part, becomes very narrow, almost a gorge. The first widening occurs in correspondence to Villa.
Pian della Regina (1714 m above sea level)
Going up the small Provincial Road 234 towards the east, starting from Serre Uberto, the Po Valley becomes narrow again, until reaching the first flat area, Pian Melzé, also known as Pian della Regina. The toponym takes its name from the fact that it was assigned to the expenses of Queen Claudia of France in the 16th century when the King of France Francis I had his outposts here against the Duchy of Savoy.
Pian del Re (2020 m above sea level)
Continuing along the road, you will reach the last section of 3 km of hairpin bends, sometimes interrupted by landslides, mudslides, snow, excessive tourists, which climbs up to Pian del Re at an altitude of 2020 meters where the water of the Po River gushes out from the rocks. It is said that the name was given in the 16th century in honor of the King of France Francis I.
Pian dar Moine (2620)
In Occitan, Piano del Monaco, Pian dar Moine is another destination for true trekking enthusiasts. From here, you can reach the Val Pellice through the Dar Moine pass. On the right bank, the structures of the slopes of Monviso develop, with the Viso lakes (Lago Fiorenza, Lago Superiore di Viso, Lago Lausetto, and Lago Chiaretto), the Viso pass, and the Lago Grande di Viso, which lies on the border with the municipality of Oncino. On the left bank, several valleys and plateaus branch off, leading to the watershed ridge with the Val Pellice, including Pian dar Moine, Combal del Rio, Vallone Arpetto, Vallone Escognere, and Vallone del Tossiet.
A paradise for tourists
Crissolo is the ideal place for those looking for an escape from the frantic city life and want to relax surrounded by nature. There is no shortage of opportunities for long hikes in the green, enjoying breathtaking views and spotting wild animals such as deer and chamois.
Trekking and climbing
The territory of Crissolo offers numerous hiking trails, the most famous of which is the Via del Sale, an ancient path used in the past to transport salt from Liguria to Piemonte. In addition, there are itineraries for all levels, from novice hikers to the most experienced. Monviso, then, is a popular destination for rock climbers, thanks to the many climbing routes on its wall.
Winter sports
The Po Valley is also a destination for winter sports, with numerous ski slopes and snowshoeing itineraries to discover the suggestive snowy landscapes.
Conclusions
In summary, Crissolo is a destination that really deserves a visit if you love nature and outdoor activities. Monviso and the source of the Po River, the hikes and the possibility to practice sports, the hospitality of its inhabitants, and the typical dishes of Piedmontese cuisine are just some of the reasons why you should plan a trip to Crissolo at least once in your life. We are sure that you will return home with an indelible memory of this splendid location in the heart of the Piedmontese mountains.
