Tag Archives: Piemonte

Casa Vanni: A Room in Viganella, Piemonte (Italy)

Italy-Viganella-Casa Vanni-Room-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2013

After a very long day

among the beautiful gardens of Sacred Mount Calvary of Domodossola, a short hike in Anzuno and a visit in the ancient village of Tappia, what a fantastic surprise when I arrived at the hotel!

If for you too, luxury is defined by scarcity, taste, simplicity and warm hospitality, you’ll soon become addicted to Casa Vanni Dimora storica (historical house). From the exterior, I immediately loved it! THE pearl of my weekend in the Antrona valley, Piemonte!

This small hotel with 5 bedrooms is located in the center of Viganella, a semi-desert remote village that full of charm and surprises. In my room at the second floor, I was conquered by the elegant sober contrast between the ancient thick walls and minimalist modern decor (pictures 1 & 2). Spotless bedding and bath room, with new facilities, where every detail is perfectly thought out (pictures 5 & 7).

Simple almost monastic, but so refined, congratulations to our smiling charming hostess! Big euphoria when I discovered my little terrace with panoramic views of the mountains and village (pictures 3, 4 & 8). The bottom of the air is fresh and invigorating and the moment is magical.

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Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés. 

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CASA VANNI 

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Italy, Piemonte: Anzuno And Lunch @ Agriturismo e Osteria della Tensa

Italy-Anzuno-3-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2013

Do you enjoy walking on trails in the countryside?

Follow me in Anzuno (photo 1)! In this village near Domodossola, most of the traditional stone houses are deserted (last photo) and look like a Sergio Leone movie set (picture 2). Only missing Claudia Cardinale Clint Eastwood! I really like!

Among the few inhabitants, there remains the sympathetic guard of the old grape press (photo 4). Anzuno is pretty particular and we can feel good. As if time gave us a break, the right to do nothing, think nothing, just be, see, feel and perhaps absorb… like watching a movie…

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Taking a narrow trail from Anzuno that climbs high

I led the way… no comment, please! We arrive at the Agriturismo e Osteria della Tensa (pictures below). Beautiful mountains view from the terrace of restaurant, where we stayed for ages (pictures 3 and 7).

None of us could not imagine that our lunch will be a 7-course banquet (picture 8)! Luckily yesterday, I forgot to dinner and have breakfast this morning! Everything is of course really tasty. With very good local produce, you can really rediscover flavors and tastes!

Yet I am not a gourmet nor a food lover. But I’ve always loved real fresh produce: a tasty steamed vegetable gives me a billion times more fun than all meals with sauces, as elaborate as they are! 

Here, the products come from local agriculture and the garden of the inn. The Chef, a woman, reinterprets traditional dishes in a light and inventive way, as her excellent risotto with pears. And the owners are friendly. OMG, it sounds like a  food critic? Imagine if I become winemaker too! That’s not me! LOL!

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Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

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AGRITURISMO E OSTERIA DELLA TENSA 

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Italy, Piemonte: Sacred Mount Calvary of Domodossola

Italy-Domodossola-Sacro Monte Calvario-7-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2013

Awesome to stay in mountains during summer!

To be honest as a diver, I am definitely more sea than mountain. As I can’t stand the seaside summer crowds, I prefer to relax and recharge to the mountain. Where I love landscapes, semi-desert villages, hiking trails. Light, beautiful gardens and especially the feeling of serenity that calms my hyperactive temper.

During a recent short break in the Ossola valleys, in the Piemonte, I really had a big crush for the Sacred Mount Calvary‘s garden overlooking Domodossola (pictures below). This Christian sanctuary built in 1657, is part of the nine “Sacred Mountains of Piemonte and Lombardy“, registered in 2003 on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

You can make retreats at the Sacred Mount Calvary. More modestly, I took a long walk between the kitchen garden and the rose garden and the areas near the ruins under the old trees (last picture). Always with the astonishing XXL view of the mountains and valley. And it made me euphoric!

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Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés  

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SACRO MONTE CALVARIO       

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & LIFESTYLE