Nestled at the foot of Monviso, Sampeyre is a tranquil mountain resort beloved for slow tourism. With a population of around 1,100, it blends peaceful charm with vibrant traditions

Sampeyre offers a perfect blend of mountain serenity, cultural authenticity, and year-round outdoor fun. Whether you're a history buff, a festival lover, or a nature enthusiast, it promises an unforgettable alpine experience.

Every five years, Sampeyre hosts the ancient Baìo di Sampeyre, a folkloric re-enactment celebrating the expulsion of Saracen invaders. Four traditional "armies" from Sampeyre and its hamlets parade in elaborate costumes woven by local women, culminating in traditional Occitan dances like courento, gigo, and others.

The annual Cianto Viol, held in late August in Rore/Becetto, features local songs and dances taking place along the wooded paths, a vibrant celebration of Occitan folklore

The Baìo is composed of four parades (or "armies"), coming from the provincial capital, Sampeyre (Piasso), and its three hamlets: Rore (Rure), Calchesio (Chucheis), and Villar (Vilà). Traditionally, only men participated in the parades, and the complicated costumes were woven by the women. The men traditionally interpreted all roles including women, a custom that led to the event being accused of machismo!

One of its most important parts is the dance. The Valle Varaita is an important centre for the maintenance and the rediscovery of Occitan traditions.

The people maintained many traditional dances and folklore as well as music. The sounds of violins, accordians,organs, clarinets and hurdy-gurdy (sonsaina in Occitan) are heard during traditional dances such as courento, gigo, courento di custiole, countradanso, tresso, bureo d'San Martin, bureo vieìo, and others.

Sampeyre is a hub for hiking, MTB, and nature walks:

• Lobbie di Viso (3,015 m) and other peaks like Monte Ricordone (~1,764 m) dominate the skyline, with trails accessible from the village.

• The vast Bosco dell’Alevé, Italy’s largest larch pine forest, spans elevations between 1,500 and 2,500 m and is shared with nearby towns

• The Sarvanot Trail in hamlet Rore features a playful path through the forest enchanted by mythical “wood sprites,” ending at the Tumpi la Pisso waterfall. A giant bench offers stunning valley views along the route