Area Relax Parco Fluviale Gesso di Cuneo

Imagine a vast natural oasis stretching across 5,500 hectares right at the doorstep of the city center. The Gesso River Park in Cuneo is a picturesque recreation area that is part of a large river reserve in the Piedmont region, Italy. Here, nature is carefully woven into the urban environment, creating a unique corridor of ecosystems that connect majestic mountains and fertile plains.

Gesso River Park of Cuneo. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The heart of this location is the Area Relax—a specially designed space in the city of Cuneo where sports and leisure infrastructure harmonize with natural landscapes. One of the park's main gems is the Sant'Anselmo relict forest, where the region's biological diversity is preserved under the canopy of ancient oaks and bird cherry trees. This place serves not only as the city's "lungs" but also as a vital platform for protecting rare species of flora and fauna.

Today, the park holds the status of a protected natural area known as Parco naturale Gesso e Stura. It attracts travelers with its versatility, offering everything from cozy clearings for family picnics to educational centers. It is the perfect spot on the map for those seeking tranquility, wishing to touch the authentic nature of Italy, and spend time benefiting both soul and body.

For more details before your visit or information about special events, you can use the official contact details:

Visitors will find a vast array of options for both active and contemplative leisure. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the network of cycling and pedestrian paths (ciclo-pedonali) that crisscross the entire territory. Here, you can go for a run, enjoy a long walk, or engage in birdwatching in their natural habitat. For those who prefer water sports, there is a canoe club, while tennis courts are available on land.

One of the most unusual attractions is the f'Orma multisensory path at the "House of the River" (Casa del Fiume). This is a specially designed route for barefoot walking, where different types of surfaces stimulate the senses and help restore psychophysical well-being. This experience is equally engaging for adults seeking relaxation and children learning about the world through sensation.

For a deeper immersion into nature, there are horse-riding routes (ippovie) that can span several days. The park regularly hosts environmental workshops, festivals, and exhibitions. If your goal is simply to unwind, you will always find a cozy spot for yoga, reading a book in the shade of the trees, or a traditional Italian picnic in specially equipped areas.

Reaching this natural zone is quite easy. The park is located within the city of Cuneo and can be easily reached by car via the SP21 or SS20 roads. Convenient parking is available at the entrances to the recreational area, and the drive from the city center takes only about 10–15 minutes.

If you prefer public transport, bus lines No. 2 and No. 7 run from the Cuneo railway station, dropping you off at the nearest stops to the park. For those who enjoy walking, you can reach the park from the city center in about 30–40 minutes by following the signs. There is also an extensive network of cycling paths leading to the park.

For travelers from other regions, the nearest air hubs are Turin Airport (about 100 km) and Nice Airport (about 120 km). Trains run regularly from Turin or Milan to Cuneo Centrale station, with travel times ranging from one to two hours, after which you can take a taxi or a local bus.

The history of this green space began in 1979. It was then that proactive residents and local associations began a campaign against the degradation of riverside areas caused by heavy industrial activity. Citizens sought to restore the social and ecological significance of the rivers, leading to the inclusion of the river basins in the city’s General Plan under the status of Parco della Natura in 1986.

A real breakthrough came in 1999 when the commune participated in the PRUSST sustainable development project. This allowed for large-scale work on trail improvements, the creation of lagoons, and sports facilities. The site’s official birth took place on February 19, 2007, when the Piedmont region legally approved the park's status, handing over management to local authorities.

Over the years, the territory expanded, and by 2019, the park covered 14 communes, earning the prestigious status of Parco naturale Gesso e Stura. From abandoned riverbanks, it has transformed into a multipurpose space where scientific monitoring of flora and fauna harmoniously blends with educational programs and the region's cultural life.

A standard visit to the Area Relax usually takes between 2 to 4 hours. This is plenty of time to take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, have a small picnic, and walk the sensory trails while enjoying the peace and fresh air.

If you are planning a full day of active recreation, including exploring remote forest trails, engaging in sports, or visiting educational exhibits, it is better to set aside a full day (about 6–8 hours). The scale of the territory allows you to return time and again, discovering new corners of this natural corridor with every visit.

The Gesso River Park warmly welcomes guests 24/7 (24 hours a day) every day of the week, including weekends and holidays. This allows you to enjoy morning runs at dawn or peaceful strolls at dusk.

Despite being open 24/7, for maximum comfort and safety, it is recommended to plan your visit during daylight hours. Infrastructure such as visitor centers or educational pavilions may have their own operating schedules, which are best checked on the park's official website.

Exploring the surrounding area after relaxing in nature will allow you to deeper experience the atmosphere of Piedmont and discover the region's historical heritage. Many architectural monuments and cozy squares are located near the riverside zone.