Belvedere Bed & Breakfast

Description of accommodation and area: Alta Val Chisone Piemonte. Off the beaten tourist trail and nestled under the wall of Europe's largest fortress at Fenestrelle and situated in the heart of a 16th century alpine village (Chambons at 1000m altitude), just an hour from Turin (Torino) We are well placed for walking and trekking, mountaineering, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing or just relaxing surrounded by good food, wine and beautiful scenery. The ski resorts of Sestriere, Pragelato (val Troncea) and Prali (val Germanasca) are less than half an hour away, (home of the Winter Olympics 2006) and cross country skiing is right on our doorstep!

The Cosmofil experience: We can introduce clients to the local history and culture of this fascinating region. We can introduce them to traditional culinary delights, local dairies and cheese makers, local wineries and other artisan manufacturers. We can help people explore the region to understand nature and a different way of life.

Language support: Icebreaker

Activities: Ideal conditions for an outdoor life. In winter we are ideally located for skiing with the resort of Sestriere within half an hour's drive as well as world class cross country skiing at Pragelato within ten minutes drive. We also have our own cross country (langlauf) ski circuit right on our doorstep. If this all sounds too energetic then why not try snow shoeing in the Troncea valley (ski escorting can be arranged) or a trek to a mountainside resturant? In the summer (May-October) we are a haven for walkers, cyclists and mountainbikers. (Guided trips are available). Also on offer in the area is white water rafting, climbing and horse riding as well as just good old relaxation. The national parks in the area are home to wolves, deer, stembock and wild boar. Red squirrels, foxes and marmots can also be found. Late September/ early October is especially good for deer spotting! Europe's largest fortress, Fenestrelle is just outside our door. This is an amazing piece of defensive architecture from the 18th Century. The Biggest Fort in Europe SLOW FOOD We can arrange wine tasting at local award winning vinyards, ice cream parlours or direct you to some of the best "Slow Food" restaurants in the area. We are not short on cultural events either. During the summer there are plenty of local markets, festivals and demonstrations of alpine crafts as well as guided tours around some spectacular monuments such as the fortress of Fenestrelle or the Sacre de San Michele monastery (made famous in Umberto Ecco's book "The Name of The Rose") Also within reach is the Baroque City of Turin with it's Royal palaces, hunting lodges and scene of the famous "Italian Job" film starring Micheal Cain. Here you will also find the Italian Film museum and the largest Egyptian Museum outside of Cairo. The Chisone Valley is an ideal place for a family holiday with enough to keep everyone happy. We provide packages for snow shoeing, cross country skiing, cycling and trekking. We can organise special trips around the fortress of Fenestrelle.

Other: Kent is qualified as a Guida Ciclistica, Accompagnatore Turistica and walking guide. We can also organise small group pony treks up in the mountains. Michelle is an experienced English teacher. We are all fluent in Italian.