Valle Arroscia.
The lavender fields and the valuable slate doors sculpted by Pieve di Teco, the long braids of garlic from Vessalico, and the outstanding cuisine of Mendatica are just a few of the aromas, flavors, and architectural features that visitors will discover in the Arroscia valley - a passageway since time immemorial between Western Italy and the lower Piedmont. Transhumance farmers, Napoleon's armies, and the Marquis of Clavesana have all left their mark on the region over the centuries: the latter group left five austere forts on the Nava Hill, part of the valley's solid defense system.

In the valley, the hills have ample pastures and the ancient hamlets typical of the agropastoral civilization of shepherds and transhumance. At higher elevations, these give way to rugged and picturesque landscapes such as the spectacular waterfalls of Arroscia and the Rocca Bianca, an extremely deep tunnel among the rocks. Natural products from the lower and middle valley - olive oil and vegetables - share space at table with the prized cheeses and quality wines from the mountain.