The Franciacorta territories, dotted with vineyards and numerous restaurants featured in the MICHELIN Guide Italy selection, prove to be the perfect microcosm in which to take full advantage of the equipment manufactured by MICHELIN in Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Since its origins, MICHELIN, founded in 1900, has aimed to improve road and tourist mobility. The itineraries suggested in this article also offer an ideal opportunity to implement a green approach to travel, which, in this era of energy transition, can tap into virtuous cycles and minimise the carbon footprint of the trips we make.
Franciacorta by electric car, powered by renewable energy
After recharging the car’s battery at one of the fast chargers at the Outlet Village’s charging station in Rodengo Saiano, set out along the SP510 and SP47. The silent running of the electric car makes it easy to tune into the sounds of nature to be heard reverberating around the centuries-old abbeys built on the heights above Lake Iseo, as you are propelled along by all the technology of MICHELIN tyres, which have been specially developed to enhance the safety and efficiency of electric vehicles. And no drive through the lush green landscape of Franciacorta would be complete without a good traditional lunch. There is no shortage of options in this regard and among the pit stops recommended by the Red Guide is Ai Burattini: at this Bib Gourmand restaurant, the inspectors urge you to sample the many local dishes including “pecora gigante bergamasca mutton, dried sardines from the lake, trout meatballs, house-made casoncelli and the excellent oven-baked rabbit with polenta from Rovetta”.
Villages and moors by bicycle and e-bike
For a gentle ride from Erbusco, with its majestic architecture, to the Torbiere del Sebino, a bicycle or e-bike excursion allows you to admire the rolling hills of Franciacorta without emitting polluting gases into the atmosphere. Once past the Torbiere del Sebino nature reserve, renowned for its bird watching, keep pedalling as far as the shores of Lake Iseo, where you might like to try the elegant cuisine served at Da Nadia in Clusane d’Iseo.
Due Colombe in Borgonato, near the lake basin and peat bogs, is another appealing MICHELIN-starred restaurant. This itinerary, too, is a chance to draw on MICHELIN’s wide-ranging expertise encompassing both hospitality and technical innovation, with recommended restaurants en route and, for those who enjoy pedal-powered rides, six new different tyres designed for bicycles and presented in 2024.
Walking among MICHELIN Green Star establishments and the organic vineyards of Franciacorta
Of the vineyards belonging to the Franciacorta Consortium, which protects the Franciacorta appellation, 55.7% are organic, making Franciacorta one of the world’s leading organic wine productions. Still from an environmental protection standpoint, the area includes agriturismo Il Colmetto: awarded a MICHELIN Green Star, the restaurant is part of a farm complete with vegetable gardens, greenhouses, orchards, cereal crops, a dairy and stables.
The most logical way to pay homage to the area’s green initiatives is to head on foot to Franciacorta’s various destinations (winemakers and restaurants) via country paths wending their way around gentle hills, stone farmhouses and flowering meadows. And if tyres are the “shoes” of road transport, the French company’s extensive product portfolio also incorporates Soles by MICHELIN: footwear with soles designed for riding, outdoor activities and work. Walks in Franciacorta can of course be enriched by breaks at local wineries such as Boccadoro, Bosio, Due Gelsi, Ricci Curbastro and Ronco Calino.
Winding roads, excitement and stunning views
Whether powered by an electric or endothermic engine, motorbikes produce fewer emissions than car journeys. To further improve the efficiency, safety and performance of two-wheeled vehicles, MICHELIN has introduced three new motorbike tyres in 2024: Power 6, Power Gp2 and Anakee Road. Courtesy of the cutting-edge compounds also manufactured using material recovery practices and designed to optimise the grip of the motorbike on the asphalt, the winding roads of Franciacorta become a spectacular circuit, taking in scenic routes and national roads that skirt the perimeter of the lake. Motorcyclists are invited to ride around the lake basin, pushing on to the splendid Trattoria Glisenti. Here on the lakeside terrace you can order a set menu that includes freshwater fish and classic local specialities, giving priority to natural foods and catering to vegetarians.
Historical walks and MICHELIN restaurants
Near Gussago, another interesting walking route in Franciacorta allows you to take in the historical landmarks along the Antica Strada Romana, a Roman road. Covering 3.5km and starting from Ronco’s parish church, the itinerary forges a path through ancient hamlets and Via Sovernighe in a characteristic horseshoe shape. The Sentiero delle Croci (Path of the Crosses) begins at Casaglio, with works by Gussago artists. In just under an hour, you come to the Santuario della Stella (Sanctuary of the Star), from which vantage point you can take in views of much of Franciacorta, the Po Valley and the Alpine peaks. The MICHELIN Guide Italy 2024 recommends Dina, not far off the Sentiero delle Croci, a restaurant located in “a simple village house on a street corner, revealing four areas inside – each as original and comfortable as the next – done out in a romantic, rustic style”. In praising Alberto Gipponi’s cuisine, the inspectors’ notes point out that Dina is “one of the most interesting gourmet destinations in the area”.
Hero image: Nadia, Clusane
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Travelling through the Franciacorta (Italy) with the MICHELIN Guide
