The Chisone and Germanasca Valleys Consortium of Communes In Mountain Areas Includes the villages located west from Turin, In the Region Piedmont, over a mountain surface equal to 55.824 hectares. It Is bounded by France on the west, by the Susa valley on the north, by the plain of Pinerolo on the east and by the Pellice Valley on the south. It Includes 16 Communes and about 20.000 Inhabitants.



The Chisone, (“clausum”, chiuso - closed), valley area has been Inhabited since the dawning of civilization. Most of the area was donated by the marquise Adelaide to the Santa Maria Abbey of Pinerolo In September 1064. The French, Swiss and Spanish contended for It over the centuries, as they fought In this area In several different historical and military events. The different people and cultures that crossed the area and followed one another clearly left their mark, which can be detected In the different dialects spoken In Porte, Pramollo, S. Germano, Villar Perosa, Pinasca, Inverso Pinasca, Perosa Argentina, Roure, Fenestrelle, Pragelato, Usseaux.


The former “Valle Nigra”, dark valley, starts by the confluence of the Germanasca and Chisone river In Perosa Argentina, and climbs steeply up to 1500 metres thus reaching the valley where Prali Is located. The side deep valleys of Riclaretto and Faetto on the left side of the provincial road, and of Massello, Salza and Rodoretto on the right, branches off along the way. The valley was first mentioned In the above said deed of gift of the marquise/countess Adelaide. It experienced several more or less lucky occupations and rules, during which agreements, conveyances and litigations constantly shifted the bounds of the different Influences. Perhaps only thanks to the "freedom Albertina" dating back to 1848, the valleys had some peace at last. Nowadays It Is Invaded by tourists In flocks and of course this Is the most welcome of invasions. The valleys Includes the municipalities of Pomaretto, Perosa, Salza di Pinerolo, Massello and Prali.


The Itinerary we propose In this pages will make you discover our valleys and Introduce Its traditional trades and products.
The wood, Iron and stone manufacturing Is the traditional handicraft activity of the Chisone and Germanasca Valleys. It was and still Is an expression of the valley culture connected to daily life. Stop by our craftsmen studios and learn how hard working can turn Into a piece of art. Several craftsmen have already been awarded the brand “Eccellenza Artigiana” (Handicrafts Excellence), by the Region Piedmont, which grants the Artistic and Quality Traditional Handicrafts a major role.
The legs along the route will be also characterised by luscious breaks to taste our dishes and understand that culture and tradition can be brought back to life and handed down to posterity thanks to a recipe, whose Ingredients remind of the area, Its Inhabitants and their history.