Discover the Gran Bosco National Park – A Wild Sauze d'Oulx Summer Escape in Val di Susa

Monte Chaberton from Borgata San Marco

Right on the doorstep of The Hideaway Apartments, the Gran Bosco National Park is one of the most beautiful and biodiverse areas in Piedmont. Whether you’re here for hiking, e-biking, photography, or simply breathing in crisp mountain air, this park is a natural treasure waiting to be explored.

🌿 Flora & Fauna

The park stretches over 3,700 hectares of pristine wilderness and is known for its lush larch and spruce forests, alpine meadows, and sparkling streams. In summer, wildflowers bloom in bursts of colour — from gentians and edelweiss to orchids hidden along the trails.

Wildlife lovers will be in their element. The Gran Bosco is home to:

🦌 Red deer and roe deer

🐐 Chamois (mountain goats with curved horns)

🦊 Foxes and marmots

🐿 Red squirrels

🐺 Wolves

🦅 Over 70 species of birds, including golden eagles and black woodpeckers

🦌Occasionally, lucky hikers spot ibex high on the rocky ridges (especially above Lago Orfù)

Forte Pramand & the Galleria dei Saraceni

🏛 History Among the Trees

The Gran Bosco isn’t just about nature — it’s also rich in history. Ancient mule tracks still wind through the park, once used by traders, shepherds, and soldiers. You’ll also find remnants of old fortifications and shepherd huts that tell the story of centuries of life in the Susa Valley.

🚶‍♂️🚵‍♀️ Three Amazing Summer Adventures from The Hideaway

These routes are all accessible if you’ve got a car to reach the trailhead — and are perfect for both hiking or e-biking:

1. Forte Pramand & the Galleria dei Saraceni

   • Difficulty: Moderate (if you drive up to the closest car park, otherwise it's Difficult!)

   • A stunning route that combines history and views. Ride or hike up to the ruins of Forte Pramand, a 19th-century Italian military fort. Continue through the Galleria dei Saraceni — a dark, narrow military tunnel carved through the rock — before emerging to panoramic views over Bardonecchia and the French border.

     
     

2. Pian dell’Alpe Meadows

   • Difficulty: Moderate

   • A gentle but rewarding ride or walk through alpine pastures dotted with wildflowers in early summer. This is a prime spot for spotting marmots and taking in big-sky views of the surrounding mountains.

     
     

3. The Mulini Trail (Sentiero dei Mulini)

   • Difficulty: Easy

   • Starting in Salbertrand, this short and beautiful trail follows the old water channels and mills used for centuries by locals. It’s a great cultural walk with interpretive signs along the way, and ideal if you want a relaxed day out.

💡 Local Tip from The Hideaway

Because The Hideaway Apartments sit right at the edge of the forest in Borgata San Marco, you can be on a trail within minutes. Pack a picnic, plenty of water, and take the trail less travelled!

If you’re looking for an Italian summer holiday that’s wild, authentic, and far from the crowds, the Gran Bosco National Park should be at the top of your list. Stay with us at The Hideaway Apartments and explore the trails, wildlife, and history of this special corner of Val di Susa.

👉 Book your summer adventure today at The Hideaway Apartments

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