Literary Walks in the Forest of Thoughts

A literary festival in the heart of the Langhe

The Literary Walks in the Forest of Thoughts are one of the most beloved cultural events in the Langhe. They take place in Serralunga d'Alba, in the province of Cuneo, within the Villaggio Narrante of Fontanafredda, the historic wine village once commissioned by the royal family and now the heart of a cultural and food-and-wine project. They are organized by the Fondazione Emanuele di Mirafiore, established in 2010 by Oscar Farinetti as a laboratory of ideas, meetings, and culture, open to everyone and free of charge.

The formula: reading while walking in the woods

The Forest of Thoughts is described as the last remaining patch of woodland in the Lower Langa: a quiet, shady place that becomes a natural stage for a few weeks each year. The format of the meetings has become a small ritual: it starts with a reading aloud among the trees, continues with an easy walk along paths marked by stops and reflections, and concludes with a direct dialogue with the guest author of the day. A slow and immersive way to experience literature, far from indoor presentations and in contact with the nature of the Roero and Langhe regions.

Authors, journalists, and cultural voices

Each edition brings a calendar of guests to the forest, ranging from fiction to journalism, economics to poetry. Novelists, television personalities, essayists, and local storytellers take turns in intimate meetings where the public can listen, read, and engage directly with the writers. It is this proximity, combined with the natural setting, that makes the difference compared to a classic literary festival.

A free event between spring and summer

The Literary Walks are held between May and July, accompanying the transition from spring to summer in the UNESCO-listed hills. Participation is free, but reservation is required through the Fondazione Mirafiore website: the meetings are highly sought after and places are limited. In case of bad weather, the events move to the evocative historic cellars of Fontanafredda, without losing their charm.

Why it's worth the trip

• Literature experienced outdoors, in the greenery of the Langhe in Serralunga d'Alba.
• Close encounters with writers, journalists, and protagonists of Italian culture.
• Free admission in one of the most fascinating settings of the Piedmontese food and wine scene.
• The opportunity to combine culture, nature, and tastings in the Villaggio Narrante of Fontanafredda.