Alevè Fair

The fair that kicks off summer in the upper Varaita Valley

The Alevè Fair is one of the most cherished events in the upper Varaita Valley. Every year in late June, it officially welcomes the summer season in Pontechianale, a small mountain town in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont, nestled at an altitude of over 1,600 meters right at the foot of Monviso. The event takes place in the Maddalena hamlet, the municipal seat, where the town center transforms into a large open-air market for the day.

Woodcraft takes center stage

The heart of the fair is woodcraft: artisans line the streets to showcase their work with this precious material, a symbol of a living mountain tradition. Alongside them, you will find displays of local artisanal products, ranging from the flavors of the Cuneo mountains to creations that tell the story of the valley's culture. It is the perfect opportunity to discover traditional trades and take home an authentic piece of the Occitan Alps.

A tribute to Europe's largest Arolla pine forest

The fair takes its name from the Alevè Forest, the largest pure Arolla pine forest in Europe. Covering approximately 825 hectares between 1,500 and 2,500 meters in altitude, the forest is composed of over 90% Arolla pines, some of which are over six centuries old. Organized by the Pro Loco and the Municipality of Pontechianale in collaboration with the Monviso Park, the event celebrates this natural heritage, inextricably linking the fair to the territory that hosts it.

More than just a market: forest hiking

The program extends beyond the town center stalls. During the fair, the Monviso Park offers a guided hike in the Alevè Forest, led by guides who help visitors discover the flora, fauna, and history of this ancient woodland. It is a perfect way to combine a village festival with a direct mountain experience in one of the most evocative natural settings in the province of Cuneo.

Pontechianale and Monviso

Visiting Pontechianale during the Alevè Fair means discovering a corner of Piedmont of rare beauty. Just a short distance away lies the hamlet of Chianale, listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy, while the amphitheater of peaks of the Monviso Park opens up all around. The fair is the most genuine way to connect with the culture, crafts, and flavors of this alpine valley on the border with France.