The best traffic-free bike rides around Bard

The Castello di Suzey stands on an inaccessible rocky spur, in a position that in the 14th century guaranteed absolute control over the transit of the Lys valley. The structure is a classic example of a medieval enclosure castle, dominated by a massive quadrangular tower and surrounded by the remains of a fortified village now swallowed by vegetation. This stronghold was the headquarters of the lords of Suzey, a branch of the Vallaise known for their bellicose nature and independence from central powers. A famous anecdote concerns the family's determination to defend their privileges: it is said that the lords of Suzey imposed such severe transit taxes that they sparked fierce disputes with merchants and neighboring communities, turning the castle into a sort of armed customs post. A local legend also tells that the castle was connected to the other Vallaise properties in Perloz via a network of secret passages dug directly into the rock, used to move troops and riches away from prying eyes during sieges. Another popular tale describes the castle's end as a dramatic event: a devastating fire, which broke out during an enemy attack, would have marked the definitive abandonment of the structure.

very beautiful hill with slopes around 10%

In gravel I don't know, it depends a lot on the gears. You go up with a 33-36 MTB but in some places a more agile gear can be helpful...

End of the climb. Well-deserved rest while admiring a crazy view...

The view of the Mombarone basin is stunning. And turning 180° there is a view of Monte Rosa. Truly an enchanting and wild place...

While traveling along the Via Francigena, on the stretch from Arnad to Bard, you cross this characteristic three-arched pedestrian bridge. On the left orogr. area with a bench for rest.

Emarese is located on a beautiful plateau that is sunny all year round. The village has beautiful stone houses, many of which have been renovated respecting the original materials and architecture. On the walls of some of these houses, reproductions of period photos have been hung, showing the faces of the people who lived in the village in a past that is becoming increasingly distant.

The Chiesa del Santissimo Salvatore in Quincinetto, Italy, is a beautiful parish church located in the center of the village, near the bell tower. Although there are reports of medieval origins since 1297, the church was rebuilt in 1770 in the current late Baroque style, according to the design of architect Bella. The church is 35 meters long and has three chapels on each side. The facade is decorated with beautiful frescoes by the famous painter Carlo Cogrossi from Treviglio. The facade has two marker bands that divide it into registers. The lower registers contain six niches with statues of saints, while the upper register shows an altar icon of the Redeemer in relief. The church has a spacious and bright single-nave space with twelve windows that illuminate the interior. The walls are decorated with frescoes of the Via Crucis, altars and decorative floral motifs. The presbytery is crowned with a red canopy and houses an impressive altar in brick and imitation marble. Four frescoes in the presbytery show scenes from the life of Jesus. The church also contains a unique painting of Jesus as the Redeemer. The walls of the choir are decorated with biblical scenes set after the Resurrection of Christ, painted by Carlo Antonio Cogrossi.