The Italy leg of the 2008 Tour de France will go to Prato Nevoso in the Piedmont region on July 20, followed by a rest day in the city of Cuneo. In the southern part of Italy's Piedmont region (see Piedmont Map), Cuneo sits at the foot of the Maritime Alps at the confluence of two rivers.
Cuneo is an unusual wedge-shaped town with different architecture than in other parts of Italy. Its arcaded main street is lined with shops and cafes giving it an elegant appearance. Cuneo's historic center dates from the 12th century when it was a fortified town. Cuneo, well served by public transportation, makes a good base for excursions into the mountains, valleys, and nearby small towns.
Find out more about Cuneo in my Cuneo Travel Guide and read about skiing in Prato Nevoso and other nearby villages in Skiing in Southern Piedmont.
Val Chisone is another beautiful and less touristed area in the Piedmont Alps well worth a visit. Enjoy our Val Chisone Pictures and read about Skiing in Valle di Susa and Val Chisone.
Nice review of lovely old Cuneo. I always like learning more about this part of the world. Makes me think it’s time for another visit over there.
See my Google Map in terrain view with all the stages in the Tour de France 2008. Also Cuneo in Italy.
http://www.hotels-in-france.nl/index.php/Le-Tour-2008.html
Our favorite hotel in the Val Maira–part of the province of Cuneo–is Le Marmotte in Frere, near Acceglio. Alessandro and his lovely wife, AnnaLisa, are wonderful hosts in this spectacular venue! Additionally, Alessandro is a superb chef. In the winter, cross-country skiing is very popular. At other times, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and merely lazing about or visiting local museums and churches can fill the time quite nicely!