Emilia by bike between castles and flavours

Taste the pleasure of spring atmospheres while pedalling: this is the recipe that VisitEmilia has put together to invite lovers of travelling on two wheels to immerse themselves in an area made up of harmonious contrasts that reflect the Apennine reliefs and the plains furrowed by the Po, the mighty architecture of medieval castles and agricultural landscapes. A mosaic that finds in the network of itineraries of the "Emilia Bike Experience" project its common thread between nature, culture and taste, putting together dozens of routes, designed for all types of cyclists. Cycling, for example, along the cycle paths of the Parks and Castles of the Duchy, where easy and accessible routes such as those of the Stirone or Taro rivers touch on protected areas, historic villages and thermal architecture. Climbing up towards the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, the landscape changes and with it the experience on the bike, with climbs that become more challenging and technical panoramas that open onto valleys and ridges. From the Alta Val Parma MTB to the spectacular Cento Laghi Bike to the routes carved out on the slopes of the Reggio Emilia Apennines, there are hundreds of kilometres of dirt tracks that become an ideal terrain of discovery for nature lovers, although it is in the plains that the bike meets one of the most identifiable features of Emilia: food. The Food Valley Bike route joins Parma to Busseto following the rhythm of the Great River and crosses the countryside, embankments and small villages with stops at places that symbolise the gastronomic tradition, also linking the Food Museums. The Pedalart itineraries, on the other hand, cover the cultural dimension of travelling on two wheels in Emilia, leading to the discovery of an artistic heritage made up of castles, historic villas and contemporary works. Last but not least, there is no shortage of opportunities to experience spring under the banner of events dedicated to greenery, especially in the Piacenza area. These include "The Fruits of the Castle" at the Paderna Castle in Pontenure, which opens its doors on 16 and 17 May for the traditional botanical handicraft exhibition, and "Borgo in Fiore", scheduled for 17 May in Caminata di Alta Val Tidone, with floral installations and workshops dedicated to adults and children.

https://www.visitemilia.com/