The Stura River separates the Alpi Marittime from the Alpi Cozie and creates this valley, the highest point of which is at 1996 m at the Colle della Maddalena (Col de Larche in French), linking the Cuneese territory, the Val d’Ubaye and Barcelonnette.  Near the summit, there is a marker honouring Fausto Coppi. It was here on this hill that the Campionissimo started his famous escape that caused him to win the Cuneo-Pinerolo leg of the 1949 Giro d’Italia.

Valle Stura is a green corridor decorated here and there with historical and architectural jewels. For example, the Forte Albertino, built between 1834 and 1847, is considered one of the most important examples of military architecture in the Alps. Today it is a famous museum and reference point. The Santuario di Sant’Anna di Vinadio, built in the 12th century, is the highest church in Europe that can be reached by car, at an altitude of 2035 metres. The Borgata di Paraloup, the location of the first partisan band called “Giustizia e Libertà”, has been converted into a place of culture and hospitality. 

Lou Viage, valley hiking trails that go from 600 metres a.s.l. at Borgo San Dalmazzo to almost 3000 metres at Monte Enciastraia, unite these prestigious cultural spots with interesting naturalistic signs of the same level, such as the Riserva Naturale delle Grotte di Aisone. Nineteen different legs: visitors can experience the most authentic side of Valle Stura along the ancient mule tracks and less travelled paths across many secondary valleys that set this territory apart. Each of these can become excellent starting points for more or less demanding excursions or walks. 

For example, starting from Riofreddo, hikers can reach Lago Malinvern, the lakes of Paur or Aver, or the Bagni di Vinadio. From there, the trail winds up towards Lago Superiore dell’Ischiator or Lago di Laroussa. Visitors can also see the extraordinary lakes of Roburent or the characteristic Alpine villages of Neraissa, San Bernolfo and Ferriere, the latter being the site of the unusual but captivating “Smuggler’s Museum” - the Museo del Contrabbandiere. 

The area’s variegated network of museums - which includes the Ecomuseo della Pastorizia (Shepherding Museum) in Pietraporzio, Palazzo Borelli in Demonte, the Museo della Guerra e della Resistenza (War Museum) in Valloriate and the Museo della Pietra (Stone Museum) in Moiola, just to name a few - makes Valle Stura into a particularly attractive destination. Its liveliness is also reflected in the typical cuisine thanks to delicacies like the lamb dish Agnello Sambucano, a Slow Food Presidium; cruset, local gnocchetti that look like orecchiette pasta; and Oula al fourn, a traditional vegetable soup flavoured with pork ribs and baked in the oven for at least 9-10 hours.