DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF THE TERRITORY

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Parma

Parma is one of the main cities along the ancient Via Emilia, which has been a busy centre for merchants and travellers since Roman times. Ever since, Parma’s history has further prospered and the city has become a hub of Emilian, Italian, and internationalo culture.

If you come to Parma, you cannot fail to discover the French influences, in particular that of Maria Luigia, Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife who lived here and gave the city a special flair.

When you think of Parma, you can only imagine some of its iconic monuments such as the Duomo and Baptistery, the Farnese theatre, the fountains in the Parco Ducale, the Paganini Auditorium, the Regio Theatre and the Citadella.

If you are in Parma, you cannot miss out on discovering its food culture by entering delicatessens, wine shops and restaurants to find the products appreciated, envied and bought by the whole world: from Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham, Culatello from Zibello, Felino salami, anolini, torta fritta… and many other traditional products and dishes.

But you cannot forget to pay homage to Giuseppe Verdi, Niccolò Paganini and Arturo Toscanini, who changed music in Parma and took it all over the world.

There are many reasons to come to Parma during L’Etape by Tour de France.

...Discover the city and its surroundings on Parma Welcome...

Collecchio

The area of Collecchio extends south-west of Parma in a splendid landscape nested between the hills and the plains, where people live in a special relationship with the surrounding natural environment not least because of two historic regional parks – the Taro River Park and the Carrega woodland.

Artistic and natural treasures are the precious backdrop to Collecchio nowadays, an urban centre bustling with both economic development and cultural-community life.

It is worth visiting the historical-artistic heritage preserved from medieval times, when Culliculum thrived under the bishops of Parma and was a significant stop-over along the Romea Road.

Collecchio is a successful example of sustainable development: the great food farming tradition of this area, with a network of small and medium-sized companies and industries of international standing has been integrated with an effective environmental policy that is a prerequisite for quality production.

This include the cured meat processing industry, first and foremost Parma ham, the dairy business with Parmigiano-Reggiano and Parmalat – the leading long-life milk company – and the tomato canning industry, which at the beginning of the second decade of the 20th century already counted around seventy companies in the Parma region.

Still, the real added value is the people of Collecchio: a community that stands out for its inclination for social solidarity that expresses itself in dozens of voluntary associations engaged in social, health, cultural, and sports activities.

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Langhirano

Located south of Parma along the Strada del Prosciutto e dei Vini dei Colli, Langhirano lies near the Parma stream; the fresh air and vineyards characterize the landscape of this foothill town, entirely imbued with the culture and atmosphere surrounding the production and aging of Prosciutto di Parma.

Langhirano is surrounded by numerous facilities dedicated to processing this excellence of Italian gastronomic tradition, a product appreciated and exported worldwide. The renowned Festival del Prosciutto di Parma, held every year in September, is dedicated to it, featuring guided tours of production facilities, a market with typical local products, music, and cultural events.

Montechiarugolo

Montechiarugolo, with its medieval structure, lies at the foot of the eponymous castle, which is well-preserved and remains an iconic landmark in the area. The name of the village comes from the Latin Mons Clariculus, meaning "clear mountain, devoid of trees," which over time evolved into Monteclaruguli.

The village and castle are deeply intertwined with the history of the Torelli family, who ruled over the region for over two centuries, from 1406 to 1612. In 1545, Pomponio Torelli, a renowned humanist, diplomat, and ambassador for the Farnese family in Italy and Europe, transformed the castle into a true court, enriching its cultural and political importance.

A significant historical event took place here on October 4, 1796, when the Battle of Montechiarugolo occurred. This battle is often considered the first conflict of the Italian Risorgimento, marking the first known use of the Tricolore flag by the Reggiana Civic Guard.

Montechiarugolo is also part of the Parmigiano Reggiano production area, with ten active dairies. Visitors can enjoy the unique flavors of this renowned cheese. In the nearby village of Monticelli Terme, the healing properties of the salsobromoiodic and sulfurous waters of the Borrini Spa, in operation since 1925, offer a relaxing experience.

What to See:

Castello di Montechiarugolo: Built on the remnants of a 13th-century structure, the castle is a stunning example of medieval architecture and offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
Chiesa di San Quintino: This church was rebuilt on the foundation of a Romanesque structure, with the original apse still visible on the exterior.
Palazzo Civico: A building dating back to the late 16th century, constructed atop the ruins of a 15th-century palace, this historic structure is a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Neviano degli Arduini

The Municipality of Neviano degli Arduini is located on the first foothills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, in the province of Parma. Its varied territory is crossed by several streams, with the highest peak being Mount Fuso at 1117 meters. The area is well connected to Parma, about 30 km away. An important attraction is the Monte Fuso Wildlife Center, which offers nature trails, sports activities, and educational programs within the Cento Laghi Park.

The municipality has a strong agricultural vocation, with a particular focus on organic farming. Since 2001, the Oasi Biologica Nevianese Consortium has promoted the quality and value of local products. Neviano is part of the Parma Food Valley and is renowned for Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano, wines from the hills, and Campora chestnuts. Numerous productive activities are linked to ham and cheese production, as well as artisanal and commercial businesses that provide local employment.

The area boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, with villages, historic courtyards, fountains, tower houses, and three important medieval churches: the Pieve of Bazzano, the Pieve of Sasso, and the Pieve of Scurano. It is part of the MAB UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, featuring numerous trails, including the "Panorama Ring" and historical routes linked to World War II events.

The cultural scene is vibrant, with five museums, an active library hosting cultural events, local associations organizing activities throughout the year, two renowned choirs, and a traveling theater group. The municipality is also committed to universal accessibility through the Paralympic Citadel project, aiming to make the area inclusive and accessible to all, in line with the ambitious vision of the “Paralympic Valley” of the Apennines.

Sorbolo Mezzani

The municipality of Sorbolo Mezzani arose in 2019 from the merger of the municipalities of Sorbolo and Mezzani.

The pride of the area is the "Parma Morta" Nature Reserve, which protects the former Parma riverbed where, until the 19th century, the waters of the torrent flowed before entering the Enza torrent. It is an authentic haven for animal and plant species that have now disappeared from much of the Po Valley.

Also in Mezzani, surrounded by the greenery along the Po river, lays the tourist river marina, an ideal mooring for those who want to immerse themselves in nature on the banks of the great river in a welcoming and large recreational green area.

The towns of the municipality preserve a number of interesting buildings, including the Church of San Michele and the Bishop’s Palace in Mezzano Superiore, the Church of the Annunciation in Mezzano Rondani, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and the Oratory delle Grazie in Mezzano Inferiore, the Church of San Silvestro in Casale, the Torrione in Coenzo, and Casa Pezzani in Sorbolo.

In the area the Casa delle Contadinerie di Coenzo is particulalry interesting, as it houses a museum displaying a variety of ethnographic material that bear witness to the life of the local people in the late 19th and early 20th century.

The area also features the initial sector of the Food Valley Bike, the 80 km cyckle track connecting Parma and Busseto.