Other activities

This region is filled with history. The castles and forts are exceptional. Try to visit Exilles, a museum of military fortifications; Bramafam, in Bardonecchia; and Fenestrelle, the largest stone fortification other the Great Wall of China.

The imposing church Sacra di San Michele perched on a rock outcropping, just outside of Torino at the start of the Susa Valley, at 3,100 feet is a Benedictine Abbey. Building on this church began in the 900s and finished in the 16th Century. There is also a group of villages with extraordinary frescos.

The Roure region has more than 50 frescos in four villages; Salza has 32 murals inspired by Italian songs; and Usseaux has a series of frescos depicting mountain life.

Those who love excellent, traditional foods should stop at one of the Albergian shops in the region. They sell everything from local liquors to honey and from jams and juices. They have stores in Sestriere and Progelato as well as five other villages.