Day Trip
One-day itinerary
Italia - Piedmont - Novara/Vercelli
Are you already imagining yourself sitting on a huge bench, immersed in the green hills of Piedmont? Great, let’s get off on the right foot already. 😎
Easy Difficult
Today we take you on a discovery tour of no less than three Big Benches in a one-day itinerary, ideal for those who enjoy light trekking and breathtaking views.
We will start from Barengo, stop in Gattinara and end the day in Prato Sesia. Ready? Here we go!
Itinerary
Our suggested itinerary starts with a visit to the Barengo bench, and then continues to the Prato Sesia bench. We end the day with a beautiful sunset at the Big Bench in Gattinara.
Now that we have anticipated the stages, let us tell you a few more details.
🟩 1. Big Bench Barengo (Big Bench #130)
📍 Position: Barengo (NO)
🚶♂️ Difficult: Easy
🕒 When: in the morning
✨ Special features: views over cultivated fields and a silence that regenerates
We start the day with the first stop in Barengo, a small town in the province of Novara. The Big Bench is located just outside the town centre and can be reached by a short walk through the fields. The route is flat and suitable for everyone, even the youngest.
A perfect destination to start the day calmly and take some panoramic photos!
🟩 2. Big Bench Prato Sesia (Big Bench #127)
📍 Location: Prato Sesia (NO), wooded area above the village
🚗 Distance by car: 25 min from Barengo
🚶♂️ Difficulty: Easy, but on wooded terrain
🕒 When: Lunch break
✨ Special feature: in the woods with a view of the mountains
We continue on to Prato Sesia, a small jewel at the foot of the Alps. The Panchina Gigante is in a quiet and green area. The path winds through trees and shady paths, perfect for cooling off on hot days.
We arrive here for lunchtime, so we can have a picnic in the huge green area adjacent to the bench.
There is also a small play area for the little ones.
🟩 3. Big Bench Gattinara (Big Bench #35)
📍 Location: Gattinara Wine Hills (VC)
🚗 Distance by car: 10 min from Prato Sesia
🚶♀️ Difficulty: Easy (a little bit of unevenness)
🕒 When: Afternoon/sunset
✨ Special feature: surrounded by the vineyards of the famous DOCG red wine
We end our itinerary in Gattinara, home of the wine of the same name. The bench is located in the middle of the vineyards, on a panoramic hillock. The path is more “hilly”, but offers spectacular views, especially in the golden hours.
It is precisely at sunset that we recommend you go to this wonderful Giant Bench.
And to really end the day on a high note, stop for an aperitif at the bar in the very area of the bench.
Tips
🕒 When to go: the route does not go through particularly dense forests. As it is mostly an urban or almost urban route, it is possible to go at any time of the year.
🚶♂️ Who is it for: Being an easy route, it is really for everyone.
🍽️ Where to eat: Our advice is to take a packed lunch in the Prato Sesia area. Afterwards, stop for an aperitif or coffee at the Panchina Gigante in Gattinara.
