Cartignano Eco Weekend
A weekend of nature, biodiversity, and sustainability in the heart of Valle Maira
About Cartignano Eco Weekend
Cartignano, an ecology hub in Valle Maira
In the heart of Valle Maira, in the province of Cuneo (Piedmont), the small municipality of Cartignano transforms for an entire weekend into a living laboratory dedicated to the environment. Cartignano Eco Weekend was created as part of the Borghi Ritrovati project, funded by the PNRR (Mission 1, Component 3) and shared with the municipalities of San Damiano Macra and Roccabruna: Cartignano serves as the ecology hub, a village that tells the story of the mountains through the lens of sustainability.
Science, nature, and culture in one village
The strength of the event lies in blending different themes while maintaining nature as the common thread. Saturday is dedicated to knowledge, with the conference Alpine Biodiversity: A Treasure to Discover, which brings researchers and experts to the village, many of whom are linked to the University of Turin. Sunday shifts the pace, opening up to wellness and direct experience: morning yoga sessions, guided walks in the woods and along the Maira stream, talks on sustainable nutrition, and sensory activities for children.
A festival for the whole community
Cartignano Eco Weekend is not just for experts: the village fills with a market of local products and crafts, folk music and live sets, a swap party to exchange items and give them a new life, and recreational workshops for families. The local Pro Loco association hosts social gatherings with lunches and dinners featuring local products, while wine tastings complete an offer that combines taste, knowledge, and environmental responsibility.
Why it's worth the trip
In an era where small Alpine villages are seeking new ways to stay alive, Cartignano chooses ecology as its banner. Visiting the village during the Eco Weekend means discovering the biodiversity of Valle Maira accompanied by those who study it, walking among chestnut groves and meadows with hiking guides and artists, and breathing in the authentic atmosphere of a mountain community sharing its story. A perfect occasion for those who love slow tourism, culture, and the nature of the Cuneo province.
Cartignano Eco Weekend — edition 2026
The first edition of the Cartignano Eco Weekend transformed the Valle Maira village into an ecology hub for two intense days. Saturday was dedicated to scientific knowledge with the conference Alpine Biodiversity: A Treasure to Discover, while Sunday alternated between wellness, guided excursions, music, and family activities. A debut that put nature, sustainability, and community at the center.
Programme Cartignano Eco Weekend 2026
Saturday, April 18 — Conference "Alpine Biodiversity: A Treasure to Discover"
Venue: Multi-purpose facility, Via Copetto.
- 09:30 — Welcome breakfast and conference opening
- 10:30-11:00 — Stefano Fenoglio: "Arteries of life: the unknown biodiversity of streams and rivers"
- 11:00-11:30 — Riccardo Alba: "Fragile balances at high altitude: Alpine birds"
- 11:30-12:00 — Marco Rastelli: "Alps: biodiversity without borders"
- 12:00-12:30 — Marco Tolve: "Spiders of Piedmont"
- 12:30 — Lunch by the Pro Loco of Cartignano (15 euros)
- 14:30-15:00 — Benedetta Baroni: "Biodiversity in miniature: Alpine ants"
- 15:00-15:30 — Elisa Falasco: "Diatoms: the invisible world of aquatic ecosystems"
- 15:30-16:00 — Alessandra Pollo: "Alpine peat bogs"
- 16:30-17:00 — Nadia Rocco: "Small carnivores, big responsibilities: mustelids"
- 17:00-17:30 — Giovanni Riccardi: "Alpine ungulates"
Simultaneously, from 9:00 to 18:00, exhibition by Matteo Tarenghi at the Municipal Hall.
Saturday evening
- 18:30-20:00 — Free wine tasting with Tommi Wine (booking: [email protected])
- 20:00 — Pro Loco dinner (15 euros)
- 21:00-23:00 — Environment and sustainability quiz show with Romano Belfiore
Sunday, April 19 — Wellness, nature, and celebration
Venue: Multi-purpose facility, main square, and village trails.
- 09:00-10:00 — Yoga Nidra with Elisa Balbi (bring a mat, blanket, and cushion)
- 09:45 — Literary-ecological walk "Verses for the Earth" with Febe, Annadamari Fracchia, guide Silvio Bellino, and artist Matteo Tarenghi (departure from Bar Bottega del Buon Cammino, Via Roma 6)
- 10:00-11:00 — Hatha Yoga with Elisa Balbi
- 11:00-12:00 — Meeting with Elide Boglio, nutritionist at ASL Cuneo, on diets, body, and environment
- 13:00-14:00 — Pro Loco lunch (15 euros)
- 14:30 — Guided walk "The forest tells its story" with Silvio Bellino
- 15:00-17:00 — Folk music show with Enrico Negro e Le Nostre Vigne
- 15:30-17:30 — Sensory workshop for children "Magic, scents, and manual skills" with Euphytos and Aire
- 16:00-17:00 — Musical reading on the castle of Cartignano with Luca Occelli and Franco Olivero
- 17:30-21:00 — Deep house live set with Andrew Lakes
All day (10:00-18:00): local products and crafts market, swap party (15:00-18:00), educational stands on the river with Alpistream biologists, and children's entertainment with Mario Collino (Prezzemolo).
Highlights Cartignano Eco Weekend 2026
Highlights of the edition: the scientific conference on Alpine biodiversity with speakers linked to the University of Turin; the literary-ecological walks "Verses for the Earth" and "The forest tells its story"; the folk show by Enrico Negro e Le Nostre Vigne; the musical reading dedicated to the castle of Cartignano; and the deep house live set by Andrew Lakes to close the weekend.
Prices Cartignano Eco Weekend 2026
Practical information — Cartignano Eco Weekend
Location
Cartignano (CN), Valle Maira. Events take place between the multi-purpose facility on Via Copetto, the Municipal Hall, the main square, and the trails around the village.
How to get there
Cartignano can be reached by car by driving up the Valle Maira from Dronero along the SP422. The nearest train station is Cuneo, from which you can continue by car or bus connections to the valley.
Bookings and contacts
Many activities are free but require booking: walks, workshops, and wine tastings via email ([email protected]). For Pro Loco lunches and dinners (15 euros), please book by calling +39 340 4658974 or +39 339 1502952. Full information is available on the Borghi Ritrovati project website.
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Where does it take place — Cartignano Eco Weekend
Struttura polivalente di via Copetto
Via Copetto, 12020 Cartignano