Sentiero della lepre

The Sentiero della Lepre — Trail of the Hare — is one of those walks that quietly reminds you why you fell in love with the mountains in the first place. Winding in a loop through the forests surrounding Fenestrelle in the heart of the Val Chisone valley, this easy hiking trail guides walkers through sun-dappled beech woods, open glades and shaded paths where the only sounds are birdsong and rustling leaves. The landscape occasionally opens up to breathtaking views of the Cottian Alps, their peaks sharp against a clear sky. Flora changes beautifully with the seasons: wild blueberries, lush ferns and alpine wildflowers brighten the undergrowth from late spring onwards, while autumn drapes the canopy in warm gold and amber. Roe deer, squirrels and, with a little luck, traces of the trail's namesake hare are common sightings along the way. Taking roughly three hours to complete with no technical difficulty, the route is perfectly suited to families with children and four-legged companions. Summer offers the most comfortable conditions, but the blossoming spring and the colourful autumn are equally rewarding seasons to explore this beloved corner of Piedmont.