Avigliana Lakes Loop

The Avigliana Lakes loop is an easy shoreline walk in the Parco Naturale dei Laghi di Avigliana, in the Susa Valley west of Turin, Piedmont, Italy. The park address is Via Monte Pirchiriano 54, 10051 Avigliana. A regional train runs from Turin Porta Nuova or Porta Susa to Avigliana in about 30 minutes (trenitalia.com), followed by a walk of roughly 20 minutes to the lake shore. Access to the park is free and no permit is needed. The two lakes were formed by glaciers and sit at the foot of the Sacra di San Michele ridge. The circuit around Lago Grande is about 3.5 km and takes about 1 hour, with around 30 m of ascent. Linking both lakes lengthens the walk to about 8 km, taking 2.5 to 3 hours with about 110 m of ascent on the longer CAI route; sources differ on distances, so the park map should be checked. Surfaces are dirt and gravel shore paths with some boardwalk-style and reed-bed sections, mostly flat and well marked. Shade comes from the trees along the shore, though parts are open to the sun. There is no exposure beyond the lake edge. Landmarks include the reed beds and wetland birdlife, the view of the Sacra di San Michele on its hilltop, and the open water of the two lakes. Walkers can turn around at any point or complete the short Lago Grande loop, and the walk back to Avigliana station provides a simple bail-out. There are no mountain huts, but the town of Avigliana has cafes and shops. Swim points are used in summer, so swimwear can be useful, and binoculars help with the wetland birds. The walk is possible year-round: spring and autumn offer clear air and birdlife, summer is warm for swimming, and winter is quiet.