Cycling in Vercelli: Flat Routes Through Rice Fields and Villages
- amycasettadicharme
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 9
Cycling in Vercelli is not about performance or mountain climbs. It’s about rhythm, space and silence.
Here, bike routes run through endless rice fields, along quiet country roads with almost no traffic. The land is flat, the distances are manageable, and the scenery changes dramatically with the seasons.
If you’re looking for slow cycling in Northern Italy — peaceful, authentic and far from mass tourism — Vercelli is an unexpected gem.
And staying at AMY B&B, right in the heart of the rice fields, means you can start riding straight from the door.
Why Vercelli Is Perfect for Cycling
A Unique Landscape in Europe
Vercelli lies at the centre of Europe’s largest rice-growing area.Over 80,000 hectares of rice fields shape a landscape you won’t find anywhere else in Italy.
Each season offers a different experience:
Spring: flooded fields reflecting the sky like mirrors
Summer: bright green rice plants moving with the wind
Autumn: golden harvest light and quiet countryside
Winter: minimalist scenery, fog and total silence
This constant transformation makes cycling here visually powerful and never repetitive.
Easy, Safe and Relaxing Routes
Cycling in Vercelli is accessible to almost everyone:
Completely flat terrain
Quiet rural roads with very little traffic
Short to medium distances (15–45 km)
Ideal for leisure cyclists, couples and multi-day tours
No stress, no climbs — just steady pedalling and space to breathe.
The Best Bike Routes Around Vercelli
Instead of overwhelming you with dozens of options, here are five routes that truly represent the area.
1. Classic Rice Fields Loop – 25 km
An easy loop through working rice farms, historic canals and small villages.Perfect as a first ride to understand the landscape.
Best for: photography, birdwatching, slow riding.
2. Vercelli to Trino Castle – 35 km
A scenic route combining countryside, river landscapes and medieval history, ending at Trino’s castle.
Best for: a half-day ride with a cultural stop.
3. Baraggia Natural Reserve – 20 km
A surprising ride through a protected heathland area that feels wild and untouched.
Best for: nature lovers and something completely different from rice fields.
4. Vercelli to Casale Monferrato – 45 km
From rice paddies to vineyards. This route connects two iconic Piedmont landscapes.
Best for: a full-day ride with wine and food stops.
5. The Canals Route – 30 km
Cycling along historic irrigation canals (rogge) dating back centuries.
Best for: summer rides, shade and quiet paths.
When to Cycle in Vercelli
April–May: the most scenic and photogenic period
June–August: lush green landscapes (early mornings recommended)
September–October: harvest season, warm light, fewer visitors
Winter: atmospheric, foggy, authentic — for experienced cyclists
Where to Stay: A Bike-Friendly Base in the Rice Fields
Choosing the right base makes all the difference.
AMY B&B is located directly in the rice fields, just outside Vercelli, and is designed for slow travellers and cyclists.
Why Cyclists Love Staying Here
Start cycling straight from the doorstep
Secure bike storage
Space to clean and store bikes
Early breakfast on request
Local knowledge of the best routes
After a day on the bike, you’ll find silence, a private garden and a homemade breakfast waiting for you.
Cycling, Food and Local Flavours
Cycling here is inseparable from food.
After your ride, try local specialities like:
Panissa vercellese
Rice-based risottos
Local cheeses and cured meatsPerfect for a relaxed dinner or a countryside picnic.
Ready to Cycle Through the Rice Fields?
If you’re looking for flat routes, peaceful roads and an authentic Italian countryside experience, cycling in Vercelli might be exactly what you didn’t know you were searching for.
Stay at AMY B&B and discover the rice fields at your own pace — one pedal stroke at a time.
