Trekking Tour

In ancient times, humans carried out their work in the company of donkeys. The donkey was a companion in travel, work, and life.
Calmness is an essential element for outdoor activities, and the donkey is a faithful friend during nature trips and explorations.

Today, traveling with a donkey is less common — societies have changed, as have the relationships between humans and the environment.
Traveling with a donkey can be a meaningful way to rediscover the world in a more thoughtful and responsible way.
It is a simple and joyful way to enjoy hiking.

L’Ase e lou Ghrich offers:

On request, it is possible to “rent” donkeys for your daily walks.
Keep in mind that they are pack animals, not riding animals, so they can be equipped with saddlebags for your picnic, water bottles, or anything else you like — except people.
For information, contact the facility. Bookings available from May to October.

an Michele Church – Nature Trail
Loop trail that offers the chance to explore nature through a variety of distinct micro-environments: from sparse larch woods to dense spruce forests, from mountain meadows to rocky walls, reaching as far as Genestè.
The second part of the route crosses dry grasslands dominated by beautiful Scots pine trees. Seasonal blooms include broom, wild pear, lavender, and dog rose.

The trail frequently allows sightings of local wildlife species: roe deer, red deer, chamois, goshawk, golden eagle, and bearded vulture.

Route: loop trail: hamlet Allemandi – Colle Ruvera – hamlet San Vittore – hamlet Castelli – hamlet Allemandi
Lowest elevation: 1480 m a.s.l.
Highest elevation: 1545 m a.s.l.
Average hiking time: approx. 2 hours
Difficulty: easy (some exposed sections – caution recommended)
Recommended season: from spring to autumn
Trail markings: yellow paint blazes and wooden signposts with yellow lettering

Points of interest along the trail:
• Allemandi–Colle Ruvera section: panoramic views over Valle Maira / descent through broom, lavender and Scots pine
• Colle Ruvera: dry stone walls built by San Michele’s residents to collect beechwood / rural building with oven carved into rock known as “Granjo ‘d Mundin ‘d Roc”
• San Vittore hamlet: scenic viewpoint near the chapel set on a rocky peak

Ski touring, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
The pristine landscape and silence make this area a paradise for winter sports and snowshoe walks.
The snowy peaks attract passionate ski mountaineers, while a cross-country ski trail runs between Ponte Marmora and Chiappera, accessible from Prazzo.

For more information, we are happy to provide advice and details. Maps and guidebooks are also available for purchase at the facility.

There is a trail in Valle Maira, in San Michele di Prazzo, that truly feels like a fairytale — a path waiting to be discovered, populated with beautiful wooden sculptures, crafted with passion and skill by the sculptor Barba Brisiu.

The trail follows the route of an old irrigation canal from the 1400s, which remained in use until the early 1970s. It is ideal for families with children, school groups, and dreamers of all ages.

The starting point is Borgata Chiesa, in San Michele di Prazzo.
Park your car in this square and step into a magical world, frozen in time!

Follow the signs to Borgata Castiglione (1470 m a.s.l.), the oldest hamlet of San Michele, characterized by striking local architecture: round columns, carved stone portals, and covered walkways.
Located next to the stream, the hamlet once flourished with forges and mills — along the trail you’ll come across one of these ancient mills, a silent witness to the industrious past.

According to tradition, Blessed Ludovico Allemandi, Archbishop of Arles (1382–1450), was born in this very hamlet.

After about an hour and a half of walking, you’ll reach Borgata Chiotto (1284 m a.s.l.), a plateau rich in fruit trees, particularly a curious variety of pear known as butos, believed to have been introduced by Spanish soldiers according to oral tradition.
Until the mid-20th century, this hamlet was known for producing excellent cider.

In Borgata Chiotto, you’ll also find the Chapel of the Immaculate Virgin and the Osvaldo Einaudi Museum dedicated to World War I.

Continue on to Borgata Rabiera, where the trail connects with the well-known Sentiero della Canapa (Hemp Trail), and from there return to Borgata Chiesa.