After the Maratona del Riso: Lake Viverone

The Route: Santhià → Lake Viverone → Santhià Logistics: A hire car or taxi is simplest. A bus may run, but check the timetable. Marathon Month: May Duration: Day trip

Santhià ──(car or taxi, check bus timetable)──> Lake Viverone ──(same road back)──> Santhià

The Maratona del Riso is run on a flat plain of rice fields, and the nearest piece of water that is not a paddy is Lake Viverone, a short drive from Santhià. It has a shore that is easy to walk.

May at the lake is mild, and the water is cold. Bring a light layer, since the wind off the lake can be cool. Check which cafes and restaurants are open, because many small lake businesses open fully only from summer.

The shore

The lake edge is mostly flat, and a slow loop along it gives a change from the road. Benches are easy to find along the front. Keep the walk short and stop often.

Food

Ask at the hotel for a lunch recommendation. Fish from the lake is common on menus, but check opening days before going.

Getting back

Return to Santhià by the same road. If you rely on a bus, check the last departure before lunch. A taxi is the fallback.