Rice tourism: itineraries among the rice fields of the Po Valley

22/10/2024

A land of plains, water and rice fields, the Po Valley features a unique landscape, profoundly marked by cultivation. Rice is the star of the chequered sea that emerges when the fields are flooded. This has become a distinguishing feature of the triangle formed by the provinces of Vercelli, Novara and Pavia, where well over 50% of Europe’s rice is produced.

However, rice fields are not simply areas of cultivation. Today, they have become tourist destinations, where visitors can enjoy delightful tours featuring sensory experiences, food and wine, and local culture.

The lands of rice: itineraries in Piedmont

Upper Piedmont boasts many itineraries among the rice fields, which range from scenic and cultural tours to more active adventures, with opportunities for hiking and walking.

Piedmont’s rice itineraries offer the chance to explore the agricultural, natural and cultural traditions of the region, taking you on a journey through landscapes shaped by both water and humans.

The number one destination for rice tourism in Piedmont is undoubtedly the Cavour Canal, a truly remarkable hydraulic feat. This route reveals how engineering and agriculture combined to transform marshy lands into fertile rice-growing plains. The banks offer wonderful hiking and cycling routes along the watercourse, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a landscape that alternates between rice fields and quiet waterways, enhanced by the presence of typical wetland flora and fauna.

Continuing along the Po River, you will discover the beautiful plains typical of northern Italy, where the river is a vital source of sustenance and natural beauty. On top of irrigating the extensive rice fields, this river is a key element in sustaining an astonishing biodiversity. Visitors can take a boat trip up the river to spot aquatic life and birds nesting along its banks. Each stop along the Po is an opportunity to explore ancient villages and discover local museums that tell the story of the river and its impact on the region.

The Baraggia area, with its landscape of rice fields interspersed with dry, wooded areas, offers a fascinating contrast, and highlights the variety of habitats found in Piedmont. The rice fields in this area aren’t simply agricultural lands, but rather authentic ecosystems that support a rich biodiversity. Walking through these areas allow you to observe the sustainable farming techniques that keep the environment in balance, safeguarding the local flora and fauna.

Finally, the Grange of Vercelli granaries represent humanity’s historical and cultural link with the land. These ancient agricultural complexes show how cultivation methods and agrarian structures have evolved over the centuries. Today, many of these granaries have been transformed into tourism hubs that host cultural events, cooking demonstrations, and festivals celebrating rice and local traditions.

Among the rice fields of Lombardy: discovering Pavia and Lomellina

Lombardy offers fascinating itineraries among the extensive rice fields that characterise the landscape of Pavia and Lomellina. These areas, rich in water and heritage, tell a story in which agriculture and culture are deeply intertwined.

The connection with rice is evident in Pavia where rice fields surround the city, creating a landscape that changes with the seasons, from the spring flood to the autumn harvest. After exploring the city’s natural beauty, visitors can also discover its historical architecture, such as the famous Ponte Coperto (Covered Bridge) over the Ticino River, which offers an enchanting view of the river landscape.

Exploring Lomellina, an area marked by numerous waterways, reveals a territory that has made rice one of its defining features. You can admire mosaics of flooded fields, small villages and historic farmsteads, which you can visit to enjoy tastings or to learn about rice cultivation techniques and the importance of agricultural biodiversity directly from the farmers.

Birdwatchers and photography enthusiasts can also observe rare species of birds and other animals that find refuge among the rice fields of Lomellina.

A visit to these areas wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the numerous festivals and fairs where rice and its various derivative products take centre stage, especially during the summer. These events offer the ideal opportunity to savour local cuisine and experience Lombardy’s hospitality, sharing joyous moments that combine food, culture and tradition.

Rice tourism in Veneto: Isola della Scala

In the green Veronese plain, Isola della Scala, a village of just over 10,000 inhabitants, holds the annual Fiera del Riso (Rice Fair). This event attracts visitors from all over Italy and showcases the importance of rice in the local diet and culture.

Rice fields are the emblem of this area, characterised by underground aquifers that rise to the surface and provide the ideal environment for rice cultivation. This area is renowned for its cultivation of Vialone Nano rice.

Food enthusiasts can explore these rice fields and take part in guided tastings, where rice is the star of each dish, while learning all about Veneto’s culinary history and culture.

Other vast rice-growing areas also extend into the territory of Rovigo. These places offer idyllic scenery where you can walk along paths bordering the fields, making it a popular spot for photography and nature enthusiasts. These routes not only offer the opportunity to observe rice cultivation techniques up close, but also to discover the rich birdlife that inhabits these aquatic environments.