2.CHIANALE
We remain in the mountains with Chianale, an ancient village with slate houses, 1800 above the sea level. This small village holds a record: it’sprecisely here that the forest of Alevè, the oldest mountain pine forest in Europe. Not only nature here, but also culture, thanks to the unique situation created over the centuries that has seen Catholic Italians and Calvinist Provencals live side by side: this village was one of the very few places where, in the 17th century, freedom of worship was allowed for all. The village is made even more picturesque by the blue alpine stream, the Varaita, which gives its name to the entire valley at the bottom of which Chianale is located. The gastronomic specialties are not lacking here either: polenta, ravioli del plin, game. If you want an authentic experience, this is where you have to go.