The Cascina Bricco is located in the small village of Olmo Gentile. With 120 inhabitants, the village is located in the province of Asti and surrounded by lovely valleys with impressive vineyards and hazelnut plantations.
The view of the French Alps reveals the view of the Saracen Towers and Monte Viso.
It is advantageous to have a car in the area, especially if you want to explore a lot. And some Italian, because mass tourism has not yet reached this area.
In the nearby shop in Roccaverano you can buy all things of daily needs. Among other things, there are also fresh bread rolls.
The restaurant “La Posta” about 500 meters from the Cascina Bricco invites you to linger with authentic Piedmontese cuisine. And if you do not want to prepare your own breakfast: from 8 clock there is by prior arrangement for an extra charge a rich breakfast in the restaurant.
Around Olmo Gentile you can explore the big and small city life.
The main cities of the region are easily accessible:
Genoa at a distance of 110 km (journey time of approx. 1¾ hours)
Turin at a distance of 110 km (travel time of about 2 hours)
Milan at a distance of 150 km (journey time of approx. 2¼ hours)
If you like it smaller, you will feel well in the provincial capitals:
Alessandria
Asti
Cuneo
Especially recommended are these small places:
Acqui Terme
Alba
Canelli
Nizza Monferrato
The markets in the area take place on the following days:
Monday: Roccaverano
Tuesday: Canelli
Wednesday: Santo Stefano Belbo, Bistagno
Thursday: Monastero Bormida
Friday: Acqui Terme, Cortemilia
Saturday: Alba
They act as department stores for the Italians. In addition to the very cheap fruits and vegetables, honey, fish, cheese and meat you will also find clothing and shoes and household goods at reasonable prices.
In addition there are supermarkets in the area such as the Bennet in Acqui Terme.
Olmo Gentile is located directly on the trail “5 Torri” (5 towers). This refers to the Saracen Towers of Perletto, San Giorgio Scarampi, Olmo Gentile, Roccaverano and Vengore.
On the hiking trail there are restaurants where you can relax and a bar for a café. Mostly the impression arises that the goals are very close.
The hike itself, however, consists of some climbs, so the way then takes its time. Sturdy footwear is generally recommended, as well as a summer headgear and sunscreen. In the vicinity of grazing land, a remedy against lancing insects is also helpful.
From Olmo Gentile you can reach three more towers in one day tour (round trip):
Olmo Gentile – Perletto
Olmo Gentile – San Giorgio Scarampi
Olmo Gentile – Roccaverano
For swimming, it goes to the Ligurian coast where the water has pleasant temperatures from mid-May to late October.
Since it is partly a stone and steep coast, we recommend you to research beforehand which beach suits you.
Our personal tip is the seaside resort Noli, which is a 1.5 hour drive away.
Here you will find authentic Italian life and small restaurants serving tasty fish dishes.
If you like shopping this is the place you need to go to the Serravalle Designer Outlet.
Only 1.5 hours from Olmo Gentile you can buy well-known brands and high-quality Italian fashion.
If you're looking to enjoy a shopping experience with affordable prices, you’ll find great options in the cities of Turin and Canelli.
Both offer excellent shopping opportunities and the added bonus of beautiful city views — all just an hour and a half drive away.
When we went in search of a house, beautiful views, tranquility, nearby shopping and dining options and not too high temperatures in the summer were important for us.
