The Schweiz–Meer Radweg – Swiss-to-Sea Cycle Route crosses six provinces in Piedmont, starting in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area and continuing across the plains between Novara and Vercelli, renowned for their rice fields—the evocative “checkered sea.” The route then winds through the UNESCO-listed hills of Langhe Monferrato Roero, passing through important historic towns such as Casale Monferrato, Asti, and Alba.
Following the course of the Tanaro River, the Schweiz–Meer Radweg skirts the Roero area and passes through some of Italy’s most important wine-growing landscapes, at the heart of Piedmont’s food and wine culture. The route continues into the Upper Tanaro Valley, reaching Colle di Nava, amid forests, unspoiled nature, and Mediterranean scents of lavender and broom.
In Liguria, the scenery changes: from the inland ridges of the Imperia hinterland, the route descends toward the sea, crossing terraced olive groves and charming villages. The final stretch runs along a cycle path built on the former coastal railway line, offering spectacular views of beaches, cliffs, and the sea, all the way to Sanremo.
From here, the Schweiz–Meer Radweg continues beyond the Italian border along the French Riviera, passing through Menton, Beausoleil, La Trinité, and Nice, further enriching the cycling experience in a captivating international setting.
The Schweiz–Meer Radweg also represents an important European link: thanks to its connection with Swiss National Route No. 3 in the Canton of Ticino, it connects EuroVelo 7 with EuroVelo 8, opening up further cycling itineraries towards Provence and the Mediterranean.
Ideal for cycling enthusiasts, the Schweiz–Meer Radweg offers a slow and sustainable journey through lakes, rice fields, hills, vineyards, and the sea, discovering some of the most iconic landscapes of Piedmont and Liguria.
Best time to go: spring and autumn
Recommended bike: gravel bike
Difficulty level: intermediate
Route type: multi-stage
The downloadable GPX file below was created by Luca Bertero.
PLEASE NOTE: Responsibility for the maintenance and practicability of the various trails lies with the municipalities where the routes are located. The Tourist Board, therefore, cannot be held responsible for any inefficiencies, but is willingly available to collect your reports so that they can be forwarded to the authorities concerned.
