Cycling in Vercelli: 5 Best Bike Routes Through the Rice Fields`
- amycasettadicharme
- Apr 11
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
If you're looking for a unique cycling experience in Northern Italy, Vercelli and its rice fields offer something truly special. Flat, scenic routes winding through endless rice paddies, quiet country roads with almost no traffic, and landscapes that change dramatically with each season. This is cycling at its most peaceful – no steep climbs, no crowded tourist paths, just you, your bike, and the rhythm of the countryside. Whether you're an experienced cyclist planning a multi-day tour or a casual rider looking for a relaxing day trip, the Vercelli area has routes for everyone. And staying at AMY B&B – a bike-friendly accommodation right in the heart of the rice fields – gives you the perfect base to explore it all.
Whether you're an experienced cyclist planning a multi-day tour or a casual rider looking for a relaxing day trip, the Vercelli area has routes for everyone. And staying at AMY B&B – a bike-friendly accommodation right in the heart of the rice fields – gives you the perfect base to explore it all.
Why Cycle in Vercelli?
The Rice Fields: A Unique Landscape
Vercelli province is home to Europe's largest rice-growing area. Over 80,000 hectares of rice fields create a landscape unlike anywhere else in Italy. Depending on when you visit, you'll experience completely different scenery:
- Spring (April-May): Flooded fields reflecting the sky like mirrors – perfect for photography
- Summer (June-August): Brilliant green rice plants creating waves in the wind
- Autumn (September-October): Golden harvest season with warm, glowing light
- Winter (November-March): Minimalist landscapes, often wrapped in atmospheric fog
Perfect Cycling Conditions
What makes Vercelli ideal for cycling:
✅ Completely flat terrain – no challenging climbs, suitable for all fitness levels
✅ Quiet country roads – minimal car traffic, safe and peaceful
✅ Well-maintained paths – smooth surfaces, clearly marked routes
✅ Short distances – most routes are 15-40 km, perfect for half-day or full-day rides
✅ Bike-friendly infrastructure – many towns have bike rental and repair services
5 Best Cycling Routes in Vercelli
Route 1: The Classic Rice Fields Loop (25 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2-3 hours
Starting point: Asigliano Vercellese (from AMY B&B)
This is the perfect introduction to cycling through rice fields. The route takes you through Asigliano Vercellese, past working rice farms, across irrigation canals, and through tiny historic villages.
What you'll see:
- Traditional rice processing facilities (riserie)
- Historic farmhouses (cascine)
- Irrigation canals (rogge) built in the 16th century
- Herons, egrets, and other birds in the flooded fields (spring)
Tips:
- Start early morning (7-8 AM) for the best light and fewer people
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching
- Stop at a local farm shop to buy fresh rice and local products
Route 2: Vercelli to Trino Castle (35 km round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Duration: 3-4 hours
Starting point: Vercelli (10 minutes from AMY B&B by car)
This route connects Vercelli city center with the medieval castle of Trino. You'll cycle through rice fields, along the Sesia River, and arrive at one of Piedmont's best-preserved castles.
Highlights:
- Vercelli's historic center (start with a coffee in Piazza Cavour)
- Scenic ride along the Sesia River
- Trino Castle (Castello di Trino) – visit the medieval fortification
- Local trattorias in Trino for lunch
Tips:
- Check Trino Castle opening hours before you go
- The route is slightly longer but very scenic – worth the extra kilometers
- Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river
Route 3: Baraggia Natural Reserve Loop (20 km)
Difficulty:Easy
Duration:2 hours
Starting point:Baraggia Nature Reserve (15 minutes from AMY B&B)
The Baraggia is a unique protected natural area – a heathland ecosystem that feels more like an African savanna than Northern Italy. This route combines rice fields with wild moorland, forests, and ponds.
What makes it special:
- Completely different landscape from typical rice fields
- Wildlife spotting: wild horses, rare birds, butterflies
- Peaceful, almost no other cyclists or people
- Beautiful in all seasons
Tips:
- Bring insect repellent in summer
- Best time: spring (flowers) or autumn (golden colors)
- Mostly dirt paths – hybrid or mountain bike recommended
Route 4: Vercelli to Casale Monferrato (45 km round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4-5 hours
Starting point:Vercelli
This longer route takes you from the rice fields into wine country. You'll cycle through changing landscapes – from flat rice paddies to gentle vineyard-covered hills as you approach Monferrato.
Highlights:
- Transition from rice fields to vineyards
- Casale Monferrato historic center (beautiful medieval town)
- Wine tasting opportunities in Monferrato
- Excellent restaurants for lunch
Tips:
- This is a full-day ride – start early
- Consider making it one-way and arranging pickup
- Book a wine tasting in advance in Casale Monferrato area
Route 5: The Canals Route (Rogge del Vercellese) (30 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2-3 hours
Starting point:Asigliano Vercellese
This route follows the historic irrigation canals (*rogge*) that have fed the rice fields for centuries. It's a peaceful ride along waterways lined with poplars and willows.
What you'll experience:
- Historic canal system (some date back to the 1400s)
- Shaded paths along water channels
- Small stone bridges and water locks
- Very peaceful – feels like you've traveled back in time
Tips:
- Great for hot summer days (shaded and cool along canals)
- Lots of photo opportunities
- Stop at small villages along the way for coffee or gelato
Best Time for Cycling in Vercelli
Spring (April-May) 🌸
Why it's great: Flooded rice fields create mirror-like reflections, perfect weather (15-20°C), fields full of wildlife
What to bring: Light jacket for mornings, camera for photography
Summer (June-August) ☀️
Why it's great: Long days, warm weather, lush green landscapes
Note: Can be hot (25-30°C) – start rides early morning
What to bring: Sunscreen, plenty of water, hat
Autumn (September-October) 🍂
Why it's great: Harvest season, golden landscapes, comfortable temperatures (15-20°C)
Bonus: Fewer tourists, local food festivals
What to bring: Light layers, waterproof jacket
Winter (November-March) ❄️
Why it's great:Dramatic fog effects, empty paths, authentic experience
Note:Shorter days, colder (5-10°C)
What to bring: Warm layers, lights for bike
Why Stay at AMY B&B for Your Cycling Holiday
AMY B&B is designed with cyclists in mind:
Location
✅ Right in the heart of rice fields– start cycling from the doorstep
✅ 10 minutes from Vercelli – easy access to town center
✅ Quiet countryside setting – peaceful rest after a day of cycling
Bike-Friendly Facilities
✅ Secure bike storage – locked shed for overnight storage
✅ Bike cleaning area – hose and tools available
✅ Free parking – if you're bringing bikes by car
✅ Early breakfast available – for early-start rides
✅ Route planning assistance – we know all the best paths
After Your Ride
✅ Private garden – relax with a cold drink after cycling
✅ Comfortable rooms – rest and recover in style
✅ Homemade breakfast – fuel up for the next day's ride
✅ Local tips – where to eat, what to see, hidden gems
From Vercelli, you can also cycle to:
- Turin (70 km) – via quiet country roads
- Novara (25 km) – flat, easy ride
- Monferrato wine region (40-50 km) – rolling hills
Cycling + Food: Perfect Combination
After a morning ride, reward yourself with local specialties:
Traditional dishes to try:
- Panissa vercellese (rice with salami and beans)
- Risotto al Barbera (risotto with red wine)
- Toma piemontese cheese
- Fresh bread and salami for picnics
Ready to Explore Vercelli by Bike?
The rice fields are waiting. Quiet roads, stunning landscapes, authentic Italian countryside – all just outside your door at AMY B&B.
Whether you're cycling 20 km or 100 km, whether you're here for one day or one week, we'll help you make the most of your cycling adventure in Vercelli.
