🍁The Best Mountain Restaurants around Val di Susa - Autumn Hike, Local Lunch, Big Views

If you want a perfect late summer Italian afternoon in the mountains that ticks every box - quiet trails, golden larch forests, bright blue lakes and a traditional Italian long lunch, then this hike from Bousson (next to Cesana) to the Capanna Mautino restaurant is a real winner.

We hiked it on a Sunday at the start of September and it was everything we love about Val di Susa in autumn: crisp air, glowing colours, and huge plates of incredible food when we reached our destination.

🚶‍♀️ The Route (Bousson → Capanna Mautino)

• Start: Bousson (Cesana Torinese)

• Finish/turnaround: Capanna Mautino (Rifugio Mautino) — around 2,100 m

• Distance & ascent: roughly 10–12 km return with ~500–700 m elevation gain, depending which carpark you choose

• Time: 4–5 hours including photo stops and lunch

• Terrain: forest tracks → open pastures → gravel roads

From the little hamlet of Bousson, the trail rises pretty steeply through larch woods, alongside a gorgeous stream, before coming out on the plateau in front of Lago Nero and a final 10 minute uphill push to the Capanna Mautino mountain hut. You can also take the gravel road up, making is a much gentler climb.

In September/October the colours are pure, popping eye-candy. Purple heathers, golden trees, aquamarine waters and local red wine!

Optional extras: there are some great little hikes from the mountain hut that each add about an hour onto the journey. Check out the Lake of Seven Colours (lago di sette colori) for even more magical views.

🗺️ Map & Track

👉 Check out our route on Komoot

🍴 Lunch at Capanna Mautino (Reservation Essential)

This is one of those huts where you must book ahead. Even though it feels like the middle of nowhere, you can actually drive up to it, so it's always super busy on weekends. The menu is local and seasonal and mouthwatering. We ate:

• Polenta with wild boar 🐗

• Polenta with sausages 🌭

• Homemade apple strudel 🍎

• Washed down with a big carafe of delicious local red wine 🍷

Simple, hearty and exactly what you want after the hike. We lingered on the terrace taking in the colours and the scenery, and had a couple more radlers before going back down the gravel road.

🗝️ Angie’s Top Tips

• Call to reserve a table for lunch before you set off.

• Don't forget your camera, these views are dying to be captured.

• The sun can still be super strong in September & October. Don't forget the sun cream, even if the air feels a bit chillier.

📍 Handy Info

• Parking: public parking in/near Bousson, or if you're feeling a little lazy you can drive all the way up, although it's a bumpy gravel road and we didn't fancy testing the car's suspension.

• Best Season to Visit: September is magical with the changing of the seasons.

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🏡 Make it a Weekend

Base yourself at The Hideaway Apartments near Sauze d’Oulx for an easy drive to Bousson, a bathtub to soak in for after the hike and outdoor space to put up your feet as the sun sets. Secure storage for gear, proper kitchens for relaxed evenings, and local tips to plan your next day out.

👉 Book your stay at The Hideaway and come see Val di Susa in all its autumnal glory.

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