
Picturesque Valle Maira – Two Accommodations in Piedmont
Hidden in the Alps of Italy, in the Piedmont region on the border with France, lies the Valle Maira. A valley with history, open nature, dense forests and impressive mountain peaks that reach far into the sky. A network of hiking trails (both for day and multi-day hikes) leads through the villages in the valley, past crystal-clear lakes such as Lago Visaisa or Lago Nero. In winter, old gullies open up for ski tours and snowshoe hikes. And because there are no ski lifts in the entire region, you have the mountains all to yourself. Almost nowhere else is there an area with such little light pollution and human influence. Here you can still experience real nature in isolation; climb mountains and experience them on foot, with snowshoes, touring skis in winter or even on horseback.
Good Travel accommodations can also be found in the mountain region as places of retreat and departure. Nestled in the mountain landscape are the Locanda Mistral and the Sagna Rotonda: two Good Travel accommodations that have been committed to sustainable and fair slow tourism for years.
Locanda Mistral – Good Travel in the Maira Valley
The view from the rooms of the Locanda Mistral falls on the 3.000-meter-high Sautron mountain, as well as the Monte Ciarbonet and a babbling stream. The occasional ringing of a bell informs you that the neighboring farmer's cows can be seen grazing.
The family-run business has been inviting guests to the heart of the mountains for around 25 years. The former farmhouse was converted into agro-tourism in the 90s. The initial 4-room business has now grown to 14 rooms. In addition, there is also an organic vegetable garden, many open spaces that invite you to linger and a photovoltaic system.Sustainable Energy Plant.




Ristorante Mistral – Occitan and regional cuisine
For twenty years, head chef Manuela has dedicated herself to selecting, processing and interpreting regional, seasonal products and merging them in the Locanda Mistral restaurant. Organic vegetables from the garden and close cooperation with local traders form the basis for the dishes. Cheese and butter from the Stroppo and Elva dairies, honey from Acceglio, flour from the Cavanna mill in Dronero. Liqueurs from Palent and Stroppo as well as strictly certified Piedmontese meat. All of this together makes the finest, traditional regional cuisine. Manuela's mother also helps make the homemade pasta herself.




In addition to the focus on good, local food and sustainability throughout the entire business and valley, the Locanda is particularly characterized by mountain hiking and the unique nature.
While Manuela runs the kitchen, Renato inspires guests to enjoy the mountains. Driven by his love of nature, Renato has been guiding guests through the history, mountains and culture of the Valle Maira for over 20 years. In conversation with Renato, he tells us about his favourite hiking trails, such as the Percorsi Occitani circular hiking trail, and about unique businesses such as the hair collectors for wig production or anchovy producers (Accugai)And also tells about his friend and neighbor Giovanni with another unique accommodation, the Sagna Rotonda.

Sagna Rotonda – an old village in new splendor
Not far from the Locanda Mistral there is another accommodation gem. Neighbour Giovanni has Sagna Rotonda also committed to sustainable tourism and adding his own personal twist.
Sagna Rotonda is made up of an old, original village that has been renovated without building any new structures. For decades, the small hamlet of Sagna Rotonda was left to itself until Teresina and Giovanni discovered it in the early 2000s and bought all the buildings from the almost 20 different owners. Over the course of a few, but very hard-working, years, the two of them restored the mini-village to its original condition and converted it into an "Albergo Diffuso", which is becoming increasingly popular in Italy and elsewhere.


Sustainability, hospitality and garden vegetables
Sustainability was and is practiced at Sagna Rotonda. Local craftsmen were hired for the renovation, almost exclusively existing materials such as stone and wood were reused, or missing materials were obtained from the surrounding area. Sagna Rotonda is powered by electricity from a photovoltaic system. There is a charging station for cars and e-bikes, a recycling program and guests are only supplied with biodegradable products. There is also a small shop with local products.
A highlight is the hotel's own organic garden. Guests of Sagna Rotonda can pick whatever they want and then cook it at home. You can also order snackspackages for excursions and hikes or to pick up meals. Hospitality in action is the motto.
We (Giovanni and Teresina) have been visiting the Maira Valley since we were young and have always been passionate about trekking... Above all, we value hospitality and sharing information about the region by always being present, unlike most holiday homes where guests are simply given an access code without ever meeting the property manager.

Giovanni and Teresina are also very active members of the association for the promotion of ecologically sustainable tourism in the Valle Maira. Since 2019, Giovanni Neyrone has been the president of the Valle Maira Tourism Association. Here, among other things, they are committed to protecting the valley and are striving to close the mountain roads to motorized traffic. Because: the valley is an excellent destination for anyone who wants to spend an active holiday in the middle of nature, but away from mass tourism.
The Sagna Rotonda has no need to hide, as it is already isolated on a high mountain pasture at 1.700 metres. Every Friday, the Sagna Rotonda prepares homemade pizza, which is baked in an old wood-fired oven and offered to guests. In the height of summer, you can eat outside, admire the sunset and drink a local, artisanal beer. Salut!



Together for the future of Valle Maira
The Locanda Mistral and Sagna Rotonda are located next to each other in the Maira Valley and would actually be “competitors”. But here the idea is completely different.
Giovanni likes to send his guests to eat at the Ristorante Mistral – Renato recommends the Sagna Rotonda to guests who want to immerse themselves even more deeply in nature or want to cook themselves. The mutual support, beyond business boundaries and down into the valley, characterizes the uniqueness and hospitality of the Locanda Mistral and the Sagna Rotonda. A common heart that beats for the future of the Maira Valley.


The valley, which has been characterised by rural exodus for centuries, is now completely depopulated. This raises questions for the future, but also holds potential. Far away from the large tourist crowds, you will find a newly discovered paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Surrounded by silence with flowing streams and treetops swaying in the wind, far away from the noise of the streets. It is an insider tip - for now!
The Locanda Mistral is open for the last week of autumn, after which the team prepares for the winter season and the snow. Lonely slopes and a crackling fire await in the Saletta. The Sagna Rotonda, in its isolation and high location, opens its doors with the return of spring.
You can now reserve accommodation for your next holiday in the beautiful Valle Maira.
You can find more information about the two accommodations here
If you are still looking for a place for your winter sports seeks …
Photos: Locanda Mistral, Sagna Rotonda
Jacob Wolski
Jakob works as a freelance author and cooperation strategist for Good Travel. Inspired by his studies in anthropology, Jakob is particularly interested in the social and cultural aspects of sustainable travel and wants to encourage destinations and companies to rethink their approach to sustainable tourism in the long term. When Jakob is not working for Good Travel, he is on the theater stage or working on social interaction games.
COMMENT