After the Maratona Reale: The Reggia and La Mandria Park

The Route: Venaria Reale → Reggia di Venaria → La Mandria Regional Park → Venaria Reale Logistics: On foot for the palace. The park may need a short bus or taxi ride. Check the Monday timetable. Marathon Month: October Duration: Day trip

Venaria Reale centre ──(on foot)──> Reggia di Venaria ──(short ride, check timetable)──> La Mandria Park ──> back

The Maratona Reale starts in the central avenue of the Reggia's gardens and ends at the Gran Parterre in front of the palace, and its middle kilometres run through La Mandria Regional Park, past the castle area, Villa dei Laghi and Peppinella, according to the organiser. By Monday the legs may prefer to meet both places at walking pace.

October in Venaria is cool and can be damp, and daylight is getting shorter. Take a light waterproof. Large palaces often close one weekday, so check the Reggia's opening days before leaving, and book a timed ticket if one is offered.

The Reggia

The palace and its gardens are flat in the main, which suits stiff legs. The gardens are where the start and finish were, so the ground has a familiar feel. Check which sections are open and what the ticket includes. Benches are easy to find in the gardens.

La Mandria Park

The park is large, and the organiser's route uses part of it, with natural trail sections. A short walk on the flat paths near the castle area is enough. Check access and opening times, and wear shoes you do not mind getting muddy.

Food

The town centre near the Reggia has cafes and restaurants. Ask at the hotel for a recommendation, and confirm the Monday opening days, since some places close then.

Getting back

Walk back to the centre from the Reggia. From the park, check the last bus, or ask for a taxi.