Ciclovia Francigena - Stage 6 Villar Focchiardo Bussoleno

From the bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the Gravio, the Ciclovia crosses the hamlets of Pianverso and Malpasso, then enters a new section that runs alongside the Dora Riparia, with the hill and Castle of San Giorio dominating the landscape.

A bridge leads toward the medieval village of San Giorio, with its castle, frescoed Count's Chapel and traditional chocolate canestrelli. Every April the village comes alive with the Dance of the Swords, an ancient rite of celebration of spring, joined for more than ninety years by the historical re-enactment of the Suppression of the Feudal Lord.

The route continues along the Dora, among fields and rural dwellings, until it crosses the SS24 leading to meadowy and wooded areas, joining the Via Francigena footpath near Roncaglie and old Bussoleno. From here continue on a secondary road with low traffic to the historic center of Bussoleno, a lively village surrounded by defensive walls, with inns and medieval houses such as the Croce Bianca and Casa Aschieris, as well as examples of industrial archaeology such as the Varesio Mill.

Bussoleno, like Avigliana, is a strategic rail junction with regular connections on the Turin-Bardonecchia line, ideal for access and re-entry along the Francigena Cycle Route.