📷 Photo by Łukasz Dańczak on UnsplashPiedmont’s western valleys: forts and the source of the Po
From Turin to a mountaintop abbey, Roman Susa and a giant Alpine fortress, then through the Po plain to Saluzzo and up to the foot of Monviso.
- Distance
- 223 km (139 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 05 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Italy
- Updated
- September 6, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 223 km (139 mi) with 8 stops, from Turin to Pian del Re, source of the Po. About 3 h 05 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Italy · More road trips from Turin
Route description
Leave Turin westwards into the Susa valley and climb the side road to the Sacra di San Michele, perched on its peak. Susa, further up the valley, has a Roman arch of Augustus and the remains of an amphitheatre.
Continue to Oulx and climb to Sestriere, a ski resort at 2,035 m, then descend the SR23 through the Val Chisone to Fenestrelle. The fort’s walls climb the whole mountainside; the longer tours are strenuous. The gravel Colle delle Finestre links Susa and Fenestrelle directly, but it is for cars and bikes only, not motorhomes.
Drop to Pinerolo and cross the farmland south to Staffarda Abbey and Saluzzo, whose medieval upper town and Castiglia castle look towards Monviso.
The final road climbs the Po valley through Paesana and Crissolo to Pian del Re. It is narrow above Crissolo, closed in winter and sometimes limited to shuttles on summer weekends; check before going. Early summer brings flowers and snow still on Monviso.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Turin
Italy - 234 km
Sacra di San Michele
HistorySant’Ambrogio di Torino, ItalyAn abbey on the summit of Monte Pirchiriano above the Susa valley, the symbol of Piedmont. The last stretch up the Scalone dei Morti is on foot.
- 329 km
Susa
Italy - 430 km
Sestriere
Italy - 520 km
Fenestrelle Fort
HistoryFenestrelle, ItalyThe largest Alpine fortress in Europe, its walls climbing the mountainside for three kilometres. Guided tours range from an hour to a full day on the covered staircase.
- 656 km
Staffarda Abbey
HistoryRevello, ItalyA 12th-century Cistercian abbey in the farmland of the Po plain, with cloister, church and farm buildings all intact. Easy parking.
- 713 km
Saluzzo
Italy - 840 km
Pian del Re, source of the Po
NatureCrissolo, ItalyThe spring of Italy’s longest river, in a meadow at 2,020 m under the pyramid of Monviso. The road from Crissolo is narrow, closed in winter and sometimes limited in summer.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Turin → Susa · 63 km · 0 h 52 minOn the way: Sacra di San Michele.Overnight nearby, for example: Campeggio Tizianella (11 km); Magic Forest (12 km).
- Day 2: Susa → Fenestrelle Fort · 51 km · 0 h 42 minOn the way: Sestriere.Overnight nearby, for example: Magic Forest (6 km); Camping Serre Marie (< 1 km).
- Day 3: Fenestrelle Fort → Staffarda Abbey · 56 km · 0 h 47 minOvernight nearby, for example: Agriturismo L'ciabot (10 km); Valle Po (12 km).
- Day 4: Staffarda Abbey → Pian del Re, source of the Po · 53 km · 0 h 44 minOn the way: Saluzzo.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Montano Luigi Bergera (10 km); Campeggio Libac (10 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in January–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Piedmont’s western valleys: forts and the source of the Po?
4-day road trip of about 223 km (139 mi) with 8 stops, from Turin to Pian del Re, source of the Po. About 3 h 05 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Piedmont’s western valleys: forts and the source of the Po?
We suggest 4 days: about 3 h 05 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Piedmont’s western valleys: forts and the source of the Po start and end?
It starts in Turin and ends in Pian del Re, source of the Po.
Which countries does Piedmont’s western valleys: forts and the source of the Po pass through?
Italy.
Where can you camp along Piedmont’s western valleys: forts and the source of the Po?
OpenStreetMap lists 103 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Caio Mario parking area, Grinto Urban Eco Village and Camping Bella Torino.
When is the best time for Piedmont’s western valleys: forts and the source of the Po?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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