Top 9 Lakes around Chiusa Di San Michele

The most prominent lakes easily accessible from Chiusa di San Michele are the Avigliana Lakes, which include Lago Grande di Avigliana and Lago Piccolo di Avigliana. These are part of a natural park and offer diverse experiences. Another option, for those seeking a more remote destination, is Red Lake, located under the Colle del Vento.

The Avigliana Lakes Natural Park is a significant environmental and tourist resource, recognized for its rich biodiversity. The lakes themselves are of morainic origin, being the only ones surviving from the last two great Pleistocene glaciations in the Susa Valley. The historic Sacra di San Michele abbey also overlooks this protected area.

Lago Grande di Avigliana is a popular tourist destination, often visited for day trips from Turin, with the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Laghi on its shores. In contrast, Lago Piccolo di Avigliana is generally less crowded, offering a more wilderness feel with a cycle path and dirt roads for exploring the surrounding countryside and picnic areas.

Yes, the Avigliana Lakes, including Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo, are considered very family-friendly. They offer opportunities for relaxing walks, picnics, and cycling, making them suitable for visitors of all ages.

Around the Avigliana Lakes, you can enjoy peaceful strolls through the surrounding woods and meadows, cycle along dedicated paths like the Lakeside Cycle Path at the Lago Piccolo di Avigliana, and have picnics. You can also rent pedal boats or other small boats on Lago Grande.

Yes, Lago Piccolo di Avigliana features a cycle path and dirt roads that allow you to tour the lake and enjoy the countryside. The Lakeside Cycle Path at the Lago Piccolo di Avigliana is well-maintained and offers beautiful views.

While the immediate lake areas offer easy walks, the broader region around Chiusa di San Michele provides numerous hiking trails. You can explore routes like the Via Francigena Trail: Monginevro Variant or the Sacra di San Michele loop from Chiusa di San Michele. Find more details on these and other trails in the Hiking around Chiusa Di San Michele guide.

Yes, the area around Chiusa di San Michele offers various mountain biking trails. Options include challenging routes like the View from Truc Muandette loop or the Sentiero dei Franchi MTB Trail. For more information on routes and difficulties, consult the MTB Trails around Chiusa Di San Michele guide.

The most prominent historical site is the Sacra di San Michele abbey, which majestically overlooks the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park. Additionally, on the shores of Lago Grande di Avigliana, you can find the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Laghi.

Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility, especially at Lago Piccolo, which offers a more wild and uncontaminated experience. The well-maintained cycle paths and opportunities for relaxing walks are also highly valued. Many enjoy the scenic views and the chance to take a break from city life.

Red Lake, located under the Colle del Vento, is best admired from a distance. Due to swampy and muddy areas near its banks, it is not recommended for swimming or close access. It serves as a scenic destination for a longer hike.

Yes, particularly around Lago Grande di Avigliana, you will find various amenities catering to tourists, including cafes and restaurants. Lago Piccolo also has a picnic area with a bar at its most upstream point.