Usseaux: Hiking, mountain villages and local culture

Usseaux is one of the municipalities in Orsiera Rocciavrè Natural Park. Hiking, murals and local traditions give the town several distinct points of interest. The trails range from a route through the town to high-altitude hamlets and alpine lakes. Historic buildings and regional specialties add to this picture of a stay in Usseaux.

Hiking among meadows, forests and mountain lakes

The “Verso i pascoli di montagna d’Usseaux” route leads through the town, known for its many murals, to remote hamlets at high altitude. Along the way, open meadows with panoramic views shape the landscape. The classic high-altitude hike “03 Laghi dell’Albergian” offers a different focus: it leads to alpine lakes, with summer blossoms and striking peaks along the way. The “05 Sentieri Larici-Cembreta” circular hike passes through larch and Swiss stone pine forests, where animal tracks can also be found.

Those looking for a combination of open high-altitude pastures and waterways can find both on the “09 Balboutet: Alpe Assietta” route. It leads through a green high valley with extensive high-altitude pastures, streams and panoramic views. By contrast, the easy “11 Pian dell’Alpe Pequerel – Il Forte Serre-Marie” circular hike passes through pastures and forests to military forts dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as an avalanche protection structure. This offers a choice of different landscapes and destinations: lakes and peaks, forests and animal tracks, open pastures or historic buildings. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Parking for the “Sentieri Larici-Cembreta” route is available along the Strada Comunale dell’Inverso, near the bridge over the Torrente Chisone. A bus stop on the SP23r is 150 metres from the route’s starting point. Check local access conditions before travelling.

The Strada dell’Assietta also adds a historic note to the mountain landscape. This ancient military road, dating from the 18th century, runs at an altitude of over 2,000 metres for about 40 kilometres and connects the municipality of Usseaux with Sestriere and the Alta Val Susa. Check for seasonal road restrictions before driving.

Murals, buildings and local history

The many murals are among Usseaux’s distinctive features. The town’s parish church, which dates from the 17th century, offers another point of reference. Montagne d’Usseaux, also known as Borgata Giurdan, lies on the Sentiero del Plaisentif long-distance trail. Those interested in military history can also visit the Forte del Colle delle Finestre, which dates from 1891. The Mulino Canton is well preserved and operational; visits are seasonal, so check in advance for current options.

Bread and cheese from local tradition

The local bread Pan fournià is made with a long proving time and baked in a wood-fired oven for at least an hour. Plaisentif is also part of the area’s culinary and cultural identity: the Sentiero del Plaisentif long-distance trail places the cheese of the same name, also called formaggio delle viole, at its heart. Tastings of formaggio delle viole are offered in Usseaux, served with local bread. If you plan to attend a tasting, check with a provider before travelling to see what is currently available.

Discover more destinations: Ciriè, Collegno, Robassomero, Almese, Condove, Salbertrand, Maglione, Poirino.

For the main travel overview: Turin.