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Let’s discover today a wonderful landscape, Parco dei Cento Laghi, which includes one eastern stretch of the Apennines touching the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia and Massa Carrara. A very striking environment, which preserves extensive forests, rare species of flowers and plants, as well as a large number of lake basins of glacial origin, reminiscent of the alpine environments. Here are some interesting must-see attractions in this unique atmosphere, along with our recommendations for healthy living at a farmhouse!
DO NOT MISS:
Forest Val Parma: 1,500 hectares of wood within the National Park of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines; the work of reforestation began about a century ago, including Nordic and Alpine tree species
The lakes of the Park: the traces of the modeling process that took place during the ancient glaciations are still visible, in fact the latter shaped the morphology of the land and water surfaces, which occupy the valleys once occupied by glaciers.
Sesto Inferiore: a unique village, chosen by the artist Walter Madoi that in the sixties and seventies created an open-air museum, with beautiful paintings on the walls of the houses, portraying real characters and scenes from everyday life, as well as the beautiful cycle of crucifixion that adorns the local church.
Routes on two wheels: a bicycle trail of over 150 kilometers dedicated to lovers of mountain biking, running through the Park in the east-west direction with well-marked trails.
Hiking in Val Bratica: One of the lesser known and wildest places in the Park, with circuits dedicated to agriculture, in order to introduce kids to environmental issues; to culture, by reading the landscape through literary works, and finally to nature, by discovering the flora, fauna and geology of the area.
Herbs and wild flowers: one of the riches of this land, at the base of natural products such as jams of wild fruits, herbal teas and liqueurs made by local farms.
Prosciutto and Parmigiano: these specialties have an unbreakable bond with the land, thanks to a centuries-old tradition and a patient seasoning that give products their unmistakable characteristics.
WHERE TO STAY:
1) Farmhouse Casa Nuova
In Tizzano Val Parma, in the Apennines between the hills, lies the Farmhouse Casa Nuova, a typical “tower house” built in local stone.
Farmhouse Casa Nuova
Rising in a clearing, surrounded by 50 hectares planted with lavender and berries, and near the woods with paths and trails, the Farmhouse, renovated in larch wood, welcomes guests in six comfortable rooms. Courses of naturalistic watercolor, drawing, ceramics, music, meditation, and environmental education for schools, but also trekking, archery and orientation are some of the activities proposed by the farm. Among the organic produce we find burps berries, honey, essential oils, liqueurs and jams, along with delicious parmesan cheese. The restaurant offers typical recipes of the highland area such as ravioli, pasta, wild boar, mushrooms, salami and fruit tarts, using the products in accordance with the seasons.
2) Farmhouse La Razza
Farmhouse La Razza, near Reggio Emilia, owes its name to the historical fact that it used to be a large equestrian center where they were raised and bred race horses.
Farmhouse La Razza
Today the farm includes the dairy farming, the barn cattle, the vineyard and the pond, as well as the Farmhouse and the sports center. There is also a restaurant where you can taste the specialties of the area and a great golf course. It is possible to visit the cheese factory, have fun on the golf course, practice archery, horse riding or simply enjoy the local cuisine. The rooms are thirteen, located in the Farm and in the Casale, in the countryside overlooking the vineyard. The cuisine is typical from Reggio-Emilia, and pork meat is one of the specialties. Every day, the grandmothers from Reggio Emilia prepare fresh pasta for customers: green tortelli and cappelletti, accompanied by local wines such as Lambrusco.
3) Podere Montese
Farmhouse Podere Montese, in the province of Massa Carrara, offers the possibility of nature walks within the property, hiking and horseback riding along the many trails that wind through the countryside and in the woods of Lunigiana. The pool is equipped with a telescopic cover within which the climate is controlled, making it possible to use even in spring and autumn.
Farmhouse Podere Montese
Raised about 2 meters is the “tower whirlpool”, a comfortable sitting area from which you can enjoy a beautiful view. From beneath the tower leads to the basement in which you will find a small spa which includes a sauna, turkish bath and emotional shower. The restaurant offers delicious dishes thanks to chef Fiore, in a rustic and cozy atmosphere: all the menus comply with the philosophy of eating healthy, tasty, local and seasonal produce. And then a gentle awakening thanks to jams, butter and yogurt, freshly baked bread, honey from Lunigiana and home-made cakes, along with cold cuts and cheese..
4) Farmhouse La Via del Sale
The Farmhouse La Via del Sale is located in Pignone, in the province of La Spezia, in the splendid setting of the Cinque Terre. 
The rooms have been tastefully restored in full respect of the peasant culture, simply furnished. The facility is surrounded by a large garden and a grove of chestnut trees that provide shade and refreshment even during the hottest hours. The rooms of the farm are all spacious and bright, furnished with taste and simplicity, and equipped with every comfort, with large French windows overlooking the beautiful garden of the farm. On request it is possible to dine at the farm: the owners are happy to let their guests enjoy the typical dishes of the Ligurian tradition, using local products and the farm produce in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Monte Marcello Magra.
5) Farmhouse Il Filo di Paglia
The Farmhouse Il Filo di Paglia is located in the sunny Alta Val di Vara, the first bio-district of the region and one of the few on the Italian territory. All the materials that make up the house are natural and extremely environmentally friendly: the interior plaster in clay, straw and wall plasters outside in natural lime allow a good air ionization, excellent breathability with the right degree of humidity and temperature, a significant reduction of sound and electromagnetic waves.
Farmhouse Il Filo di Paglia
All this, combined with the warm colors and furnishings based on antique furniture ensures a high level of comfort. The facility is located within the farm that extends over 5 hectares divided among the chestnut forests, pines, oaks, hazels and the vegetable garden. Here are practiced various techniques such as Biodynamics, Permaculture, Sinergica, in full respect of nature. In the kitchen come together years of experience and the authenticity and freshness of the product. Here guests will find the values of the ancient hospitality of the rural family, with dishes made with organic products, such as delicious Trocchioli, pansoti filled with field greens, gnocchi, and tagliatelle matte with chestnut flour.
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