The large region of Piedmont in north-west Italy is dominated by the regional capital, Turin. Although not one of the most visited of the Italian cities, Turin has plenty to offer visitors who are interested in culture, art and history – as well as good food and wine. Outside of Turin, Piedmont is a much more rural area, dominated by small towns and villages and stretching as far north as the foothills of the Alps and Lake Maggiore.
As the regional capital and the largest city in the area, Turin is a perfect place to base yourself if you are planning to spend time in Piedmont. As well as having all the amenities you will need, such as bars and restaurants, there is actually plenty to see in this under-rated destination. The highlight is undoubtedly the large Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of ancient relics, including the world-famous Turin Shroud.
Once home to the Royal House of Savoy, many fine palaces and public buildings are still to be found in Turin and most, such as the Reggia de Venaria Palace and the Carignano Palace are open to the public. There are often guided tours in English during the summer months. If you are unlucky enough to have bad weather, there are other museums to keep the family entertained and dry, such as the National Cinema Museum and the Automobile Museum, both housed in the Mole Antonelliana.
Heading north from Turin you will notice that the roads start to climb as you reach the foothills of the Italian Alps. Piedmont is home to several great skiing resorts, including Sestriere, while even in the summer you can hike to a glacier in the Gran Paradiso Natural Park. The slopes of the Alps are also well known for their vineyards, which produce a range of popular wines. Many of these are tucked away on country roads, but owners are often happy to show you round or at least let you sample their produce.
The shore of Lake Maggiore is home to several resorts that would look more at home by the ocean, but the lake is the perfect place to relax and cool off on a hot summer's day – and the scenery is far more spectacular than any beach could provide! Arona was immensely popular with the rich and famous in the mid-20th century and many of the opulent holiday villas still remain along with a huge 17th century statue of the local saint, Carlo.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Piedmont? Then below is a selection of Apartments in Piedmont and villas in Piedmont that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
