Alta Langa Lavanda Tour – walking through hills and lavander fields

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THE JOURNEY – 4 Days

 

Walking Through the Hills Among the Lavender Fields of Paroldo and Sale San Giovanni



The brief but spectacular blooming season of the medicinal herbs cultivated on the highest hills of the Langhe lasts only a few weeks each year. These hills, overlooking the Tanaro Valley and the Ligurian Alps, are among the few places where lavender grows naturally and thrives in the local climate. This is the perfect moment to immerse yourself in a landscape filled with shades of blue and the unmistakable fragrance of lavender, a humble plant long associated with serenity, cleanliness, and simple rural traditions. For four days, we will base ourselves in Paroldo, a charming hilltop village where lavender and aromatic herbs are gradually becoming an important part of local agriculture. The village is also renowned for its excellent sheep's milk cheeses and for the legends of the masche, the mischievous witches of Piedmontese folklore, who are said to still roam these hills. Each day, an easy circular walk will lead us through the surrounding countryside and neighbouring villages, most notably Sale San Giovanni, which has successfully transformed the cultivation of medicinal herbs and lavender into its distinctive identity. A journey through gentle landscapes, authentic villages, local traditions, and the unforgettable colours and scents of the Alta Langa.

Useful Information

  • Small pets only
  • Nature guide
  • Additional charge for small groups - please refer to "notes"
  • Historical and cultural tour
  • Nature tour

Description

Day 1 – From Ceva to Paroldo

Meet in Ceva for a light lunch and an introduction to the programme. We begin our journey by climbing into the Langhe hills and following the scenic ridge of the Perontoni area before reaching the village of Paroldo.

Technical Information: 10.5 km, +580 m / -360 m

 

Day 2 – From Paroldo to Sale San Giovanni

From the charming hamlet of Cavallini, we ascend to the Perontoni ridge, home to the area’s famous lavender and aromatic herb fields, before descending towards Sale San Giovanni. Here we visit the ancient parish church and the Oratory of Saint Sebastian, where remarkable Gothic frescoes can be admired.

Technical Information: 18.2 km, +660 m / -660 m

 

Day 3 – From Paroldo to Torresina

Today’s walk explores the countryside around Paroldo, through meadows and pastureland, before crossing the hills towards Torresina, a tiny village clustered around a historic inn. We follow part of the Deserta Langarum trail network and discover the origins of its unusual name. On our return, we visit the Ecomuseum of the Langhe Sheep in Paroldo.

Technical Information: 15 km, +600 m / -520 m

 

Day 4 – From Paroldo to Ceva

We descend towards the valley for a final visit to the historic centre of Ceva and enjoy a farewell snack together before departure.

Technical Information: 10.5 km, +360 m / -580 m

 

Contact us

What is included

Notes

Food & Local Specialties: The Langhe region is internationally renowned for its outstanding cuisine and exceptional local products. Alongside sheep’s and goat’s milk cheeses, visitors will discover hazelnuts and some of Piedmont's most celebrated wines, produced from Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera, and Moscato grapes. In Alta Langa, traditional country inns still preserve the authentic atmosphere of a timeless rural world.

Region, Society & Environment: Until just a couple of decades ago, the small village of Sale San Giovanni offered few opportunities beyond moving away to Savona, Alba, or Turin. Farming was difficult in this part of the Langhe, where poor soils made it challenging to live from grain cultivation or sheep farming alone. Then a group of young entrepreneurs introduced something innovative: the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic herbs. These crops require little water and no chemical treatments, thriving thanks to the sunshine and sea breezes that reach the Langhe hills. The colourful lavender and herb fields eventually became famous across Italy through social media, transforming Sale San Giovanni into an iconic destination while preserving its quiet and hardworking character.

Difficulty Level: Easy. Walking takes place mainly on country roads and trails, with occasional stretches of quiet paved roads.

Departure: Meeting point at Ceva Railway Station (CN) at approximately 12:00 p.m.

Return: Return to Ceva, with departure scheduled for the early afternoon.

The Itinerary: The journey includes four days of easy walking. Two stages are circular hikes with a light daypack, while two stages involve travelling with your full backpack (luggage transfer service available).

Guide: Roberta Ferraris, certified environmental hiking guide for the Piedmont Region. She is the author of the official guidebook to the Cammino Balteo, published by Terre di Mezzo Editore.

For further information, please contact the guide at +39 334 226 5612.

Before leaving

  • A valid ID card or passport is required
  • Comfortable outdoor clothing and hiking boots (preferably high-ankle)
  • Walking poles (strongly recommended)
  • Backpack (35-45 litres) and rain cover
  • A small umbrella or waterproof poncho
  • Fleece or another warm layer, windproof jacket, and long trousers
  • Water bottle
  • Please do not carry a backpack heavier than 13 kg (men) or 10 kg (women). To check the weight, step onto a scale while wearing the backpack and calculate the difference.

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