One of the loveliest things about this corner of Piedmont is that you rarely have to drive more than twenty minutes for a new view, a new square and a new trattoria. Below are our ten favourite villages to explore — sorted by distance from the B&B. 1. Murisengo Our neighbouring village, less than ten minutes away. Best known for its truffle market in November and the quiet medieval streets around the castle. A good starting point for a walk. 2. Moncalvo Officially the smallest città (chartered town) in Italy, but full of surprises: a beautiful main square, a panoramic terrace, an antiques market on the first Sunday of the month and an excellent bakery. 3. Vignale Monferrato One of the prettiest villages in Monferrato. The whole village sits on a ridge, with sweeping views and a handful of enoteche where you can taste local wines. In summer there is the Monferrato on Stage festival. 4. Ottiglio Monferrato A small, perfectly preserved medieval village with narrow lanes, a village square full of flower boxes and a few tiny bars. On summer Thursday evenings the locals gather here for the weekly aperitivo. 5. Sala Monferrato Vineyards as far as the eye can see, a Romanesque church and a quiet castle park. Ideal for a short morning walk. 6. Cella Monte Recognised by UNESCO for its infernot — centuries-old wine cellars carved by hand in soft sandstone. The Ecomuseo della Pietra da Cantoni offers guided tours. 7. Rosignano Monferrato Another infernot village, with a striking central piazza and views over the Po plain. On Sunday morning there's a friendly farmers' market. 8. Camagna Monferrato Famous for its imposing domed church by architect Crescentino Caselli (a student of Antonelli, the man behind Turin's Mole Antonelliana). From the cemetery, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Alps. 9. Casale Monferrato The largest town on the list, about 25 minutes away. A magnificent synagogue from 1595, a cathedral with a Romanesque portal and the oldest Christmas market in the region. For excellent coffee: Caffè Sant'Anna. 10. Asti Just within the half-hour: city of the Palio (a horse race older than the one in Siena!), Roman towers, a splendid cathedral and the heart of Asti Spumante and Moscato country. In September the city fills up for the Douja d'Or wine show. Ask us for our tip map — it lists our favourite coffee spots, restaurants and quiet viewpoints in each of these villages.