At Km 0.95, upon reaching the bridge over the Roggia Camera, you enter the Po Park. At the fork, you’ll find the VenTo bike path.

At Km 5.20, you’ll find the abandoned house of the former Po River ferrymen—Cà dal Portunàt.

At Km 7.00, you’ll come across the Old San Giovanni Mill.

At km 8.60, there is a picnic area; 100 m in the direction of the river, there is an old boat landing on the Po.

At km 12.50, you will find the Chapel of San Giovanni.

At km 12.80, the Old San Giovanni Rice Mill (open to visitors by appointment).

Difficult: easy.

Accessibility: year-round

Terrain type: 5% paved, 95% unpaved

The water supplied by springs is water that filters through permeable layers of soil and accumulates on an impermeable clay layer encountered underground, thus forming an underground aquifer (or groundwater zone).
These permeable layers alternate with an equal number of clay layers, so that they form various aquifers which stagnate if they lie on horizontal layers or flow if they rest on sloping layers, naturally gushing forth when the sloping aquifer comes to the surface, giving rise to a “spring.”
When the water does not emerge naturally, it can be brought to the surface using drilled wells equipped with electric pumps.

This area, rich in biodiversity, is home to the only significant colony of purple herons in Piedmont, as well as various reedbed birds.
The water demand for the area is currently 38 Italian modules (1 module = 100 liters/sec).

Difficult: easy.

Accessibility: year-round

Terrain type: 10% asphalt, 90% dirt road

The routes listed below are loop trails and can be viewed on Google Maps. You can add them to your My Maps.

MONCRIVILLA XC – MONCRIVILLA BLUE TRAIL – MONCRIVILLA RED TRAIL – MONCRIVILLA GRAVEL (WHITE STONES) – MONCRIVILLA BLACK TRAIL 

MoncriVillaTrails recommends using the “basic routes” to create your own favorite loops. You can go for a bike ride or a walk of a couple of kilometers, or link several sections together, alternating “blue” sections with “red” ones (keeping in mind that there are also other roads and trails not included in the loops, but which you can easily explore in any direction) to stay out all day.

This route is easy and suitable for everyone, winding its way along very gentle slopes through rice paddies and heathland. It offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the unspoilt beauty of the open countryside, providing the utmost in charm and comfort during the mild days of spring or the golden hues of autumn. To enjoy every kilometre in total relaxation, we recommend bringing a good supply of water and some snacks, so you can enjoy a day of pure cycling in complete independence and safety, amidst the tranquillity of nature and the charm of small historic towns.

The route mainly follows quiet back roads and farm tracks that wind through the rice fields of the Vercelli area and the moors of Baraggia. The route alternates between tarmac sections and stretches of hard-packed earth and embankments, making it ideal for exploring the reclaimed land and the region’s sole PDO rice-growing area.

Type of bike: gravel or touring bike. Semi-knobby tyres

Type of terrain: tarmac, hard-packed dirt tracks and riverbanks

At Km 0.45, at No. 16 Corso Dante – Antica Ghiacciaia.

At Km 7.15, you’ll find the INFO sign near the Madonna delle Vigne Church.

At Km 7.50, in the background to your right, Bosco della Partecipanza.

At Km 9.00, Principato di Lucedio.

At Km 20.20: Old San Giovanni Mill.

At Km 20.55: access path to Antica Riseria San Giovanni (open to visitors by reservation).

At Km 20.95: Church of San Sebastiano.

Difficult: easy.

Accessibility: year-round

Terrain type: 55% asphalt, 45% dirt road

Leg B04 – From Roppolo to Vercelli

GPX TRACK AT THE TOP

The major attraction of the day is the Roppolo castle, where you can enjoy a nice view on the morenic amphiteatre of Ivrea and on the Viverone Lake, which totally deserves a little deviation from the original path. 

After Cavaglià, with a brief deviation, we can visit the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora del Babilone, and reach Santhià along quite countryside roads. 

The itinerary runs across the plain of Vercelli, carachterized by many rice fields. It occurs frequently to meet different kinds of bird, attracted by the presence of water sources.

Resting points and water sources in Roppolo And Cavaglià, and Santhià. After this point the great part of the leg runs across countryside roads, and water is not available outside the villages. 

Leg B05 – From Vercelli to Mortara

GPX TRACK AT THE BOTTOM

The first part of the stage follows the banks of the River Sesia, winding through poplar groves and rice paddies. From Palestro, a quiet country road leads to Robbio. There are notable points of historical and architectural interest in Vercelli and Robbio.

Crossing the Lomellina countryside, the route takes us along wide dirt tracks in the first part and grassy sheep tracks in the Madonna del Campo area.

Outside built-up areas, it is not possible to replenish water supplies.

ASSOCIAZIONE AMICI DELLA VIA FRANCIGENA

Vicolo Alciati, 4 Vercelli.

Official website: www.amicidellaviafrancigena.vercelli.it

Leaving Turin via the Vittorio Emanuele Bridge (km 0). Continue along the VenTo Cycle Route, which connects Turin to Venice (680 km) along the River Po; the route is currently under construction.

Pass the San Mauro Torinese dam (km 9) and head north along the green River Po Park to Chivasso (km 30) – Cavour Canal.

Follow the canal to Verolengo (km 38). These lands are often waterlogged, which is necessary for the rice paddies: you’ll discover a wide variety of waterfowl, particularly herons. Cross the Dora Baltea (km 44) to the ancient Bosco delle Sorti della Partecipanza di Trino, and Ronsecco (km 75)

Continue on to Lignana (km 81), Larizzate (km 85) and on to Vercelli (km 91).

In the central Piazza Cavour, beneath the statue, the route crosses the Via Francigena cycle path and continues eastwards.

You cross the River Sesia (93 km) and continue westwards, towards the rice fields of Torrione and Vinzaglio (101 km), Casalino (106 km) and on to the River Agogna (114 km), a road running parallel to which leads to Novara (131 km).

This circular cycle route links Buronzo, the ‘capital’ of Baraggia PDO rice, with Gattinara, a centre of excellence for wine production. The route mainly follows quiet back roads and unpaved country lanes, passing through rice paddies and vineyards. Thanks to its pleasantly flat terrain, this route is perfect for those with a minimum level of fitness who wish to enjoy a smooth, steady ride, ideal for spending a day in the open air in total relaxation.

The route is easy and suitable for everyone, winding along secondary roads and low-traffic embankments amongst the rice paddies.

This pleasant, flat route offers wonderful views and is perfect for exploring in the cooler seasons or during the mildest hours of the morning, so you can fully enjoy the beauty of the sun as it illuminates the landscape. To make the most of this immersion in nature and savour the tranquillity of the more secluded stretches, we recommend bringing a good supply of water and your favourite snacks: it will be the ideal opportunity for a refreshing break in complete independence, letting yourself be lulled by the peace of the walk until you reach the next village. Take care at the junctions near Gattinara and Lenta.

Bike type: a gravel bike or a touring bike. A semi-knobby tyre.

Terrain type: flat

The route is a flat, easy loop, suitable for all cyclists. It winds its way through rice fields and along canals on quiet roads, but care is needed when passing through the villages of Buronzo, Rovasenda and San Giacomo Vercellese. This flat route is a true paradise for those who love cycling in close contact with nature and enjoying the sunlight that bathes the fields as far as the eye can see, offering its best on bright spring days or amidst the warm colours of autumn. To enjoy a perfect adventure in total freedom, we recommend bringing full water bottles and your favourite snacks: it will be the ideal opportunity for a refreshing picnic immersed in the silence of the rural landscape, before reaching the picturesque villages along the route where you can discover the welcoming local communities.

The “Baraggia of the waters” route is a circular cycle route that starts and ends in Buronzo. The route winds its way through the rice paddies and woods of the Baraggia Vercellese, running alongside canals and waterways. It mainly follows low-traffic roads and rural paths through the fields, over predominantly flat terrain typical of the rice-growing plain.

The route passes through areas recommended for stork watching, particularly near Rovasenda and at the start of the route towards San Giacomo Vercellese.

Bike type: a gravel bike or a touring bike. A semi-knobby tyre.

Terrain type: rural paths through the fields across mainly flat terrain.

The route is flat and presents no technical difficulties, making it ideal for all cycle tourists. Enjoy the beauty of this flat route through rice paddies and canals – a route that is at its best on spring and autumn days or during the cool hours of dawn, when the light transforms the landscape into a painting. As this route takes you through open, unspoilt countryside amongst farms, we recommend bringing everything you need to stay hydrated and some energy snacks: this will give you the freedom to enjoy a completely independent and relaxing experience, savouring the tranquillity of this unique rural setting. Take care at road junctions near the villages of Buronzo, Arborio and Albano Vercellese.

The route follows quiet back roads and farm tracks.

The recommended starting point is Buronzo (Via Borri), where the official route map marks the start and end of the route. The location is ideal due to the availability of amenities and e-bike hire points. Alternatively, you can start the loop from Casanova Elvo (Cascina Drusiana), a key point of reference for the BikeSquare routes in the area.

Bike type: A gravel bike, a touring bike or MTB. Semi-knobby tyres are recommended.

Terrain type: Asphalt and sections of compacted earth or gravel along the banks of the canals.

After a breakfast of local produce, we cycle through fields of Carnaroli rice, along canals and springs, towards Cascina Gaietta, a natural oasis where you can spot herons, ibises, night herons and the rare Lycaena dispar butterfly. The farmstead, with its enclosed courtyard, is a fine example of Piedmontese rural architecture, featuring a votive gateway and evidence of early hygiene standards. The route then continues towards the Cavour Canal, passing the Casanova Elvo siphon and the canal’s siphon tombs, extraordinary engineering feats from the 19th century. Finally, you return through rice paddies and agricultural landscapes dominated by water and history.

You can set off from Vercelli station, from where you can reach the Baraggia area via cycle paths leading out of the city.

The route is easy and suitable for everyone, including less experienced cyclists. It winds through the rice fields of Baraggia along roads with very little traffic and along the riverbanks. As it is an open, flat route, bathed in sunshine throughout, it is at its best on cool spring days or amidst the colours of autumn. In summer, we recommend setting off at dawn to enjoy the morning peace and the softest light. The beauty of this route lies in its seclusion and unspoilt nature. Remember to bring a good supply of water and some energy snacks. Take care at junctions with main roads, where there may be fast-moving traffic.

Bike type: A gravel bike, a touring bike or a mountain bike

Terrain type: compacted earth and tarmac

A circular route in the Baraggia area of Vercelli, starting from Rovasenda, taking in stork nests, organic rice fields and historic hydraulic structures. You’ll cycle through environmentally friendly farmland to the Molinia Farm, a pioneer of the ‘Riso Secondo Natura’ (Rice According to Nature) method. You’ll then follow the Ravasanella dam canal and enter the woods, where you can see an operational hydroelectric power station run by the Land Reclamation Consortium. You cycle between the Baraggia Nature Reserve and a military zone, returning to Rovasenda via Cascina Nuova and Teglio. There is the option of a final visit to the medieval manor or a detour along the Fasoli Canal to see the seasonal waterfall of the Cavo Piantalino.

A route combining sustainable agriculture, nature and hydraulic engineering.

This route is easy and suitable for everyone, making it perfect for families thanks to the prevalence of quiet roads and paths surrounded by nature. This flat route is at its best during the milder seasons or in the cool morning hours, when you can fully enjoy the splendid view of the rice paddies while sheltered from the sun. To make the most of this immersion in the wild nature of the Baraggia, we recommend bringing a good supply of water and your favourite snacks: it will be the perfect opportunity for a refreshing break in complete independence, whilst relying on the facilities and hospitality you’ll find in the villages of Rovasenda and Brusnengo.

Bike type: gravel

Terrain type: a mix of tarmac and dirt tracks in the Baraggia