Cocconato

The Balcony of the Monferrato

Cocconato is nicknamed "Il Balcone del Monferrato" for the extraordinary panoramic views from its hilltop over the Pianura Padana — and on the clearest days, the full Alpine arc from Monte Rosa to the Dolomites. It is the closest village to Bric del Vento at just 15 minutes, and a favourite destination for our guests on any afternoon without a fixed plan. The borgo is genuinely lively — artisan shops, the Dezzani winery, Alberto Marchetti's celebrated gelateria, the Osteria Bell'e Buona and the Cannon d'Oro among the options for lunch or dinner, and a historic piazza that still feels the way a piazza should.

The Sunday market is particularly good and worth timing a morning around: local produce, honey, cheese, seasonal vegetables and the kind of activity that makes a medieval piazza make complete sense. The walk between all the main points of interest takes no more than twenty minutes, which means Cocconato works equally well as a quick stop and as a half-day destination. Most guests end up returning several times over the course of a stay.