B&B Poggio delle Rondini

This is a handy base for visiting Lunigiana, in the hamlet of Mochignano Chiesa, a scattered village of a few old houses and a rectory. The house looks out over the valley from a sunny spot, which gets very hot in summer. It’s convenient for reaching the pools in the stream down on the valley floor, a lovely place to refresh both body and mind. The house is well equipped and functional, though the rooms are small and not suited to anyone over 1.80 meters. The doors and ceilings are low too. Cleanliness could be better, though I’ve seen worse. Angela manages the property and is always ready with tips on what to see and where to eat. There isn’t much privacy, since the kitchen is shared, and Angela seemed a little suspicious and keen to keep an eye on us. In the evenings, when we wanted to enjoy the cool air and quiet, she was still doing her rounds. We’re not very chatty, but we’re polite and don’t avoid people. Still, we’d have loved to sit and take in the night sounds of nature in peace. There’s a family-run trattoria very close by, and people say the food is good. Since it was festival season, we tried local specialties in the villages that were celebrating instead.

A traditional trattoria just 20 meters away is a nice bonus, and Angela, the owner, is kind and helpful. The small ground-floor apartment sits in a beautiful, characteristic stone setting by a forest, away from the bustle. There’s a little waterfall where you can bathe, and it’s great for nature walks, with peace, greenery, and cool air. Parking takes a bit of planning because spaces are limited, but you can find one. Definitely worth trying if you want to relax surrounded by nature.

A peaceful place surrounded by greenery and silence, ideal for a romantic weekend or a week exploring Lunigiana. The two small apartments are in a 17th-century stone house overlooking a natural terrace beside a little church and its small square. The ground-floor studio sleeps two, with space for a crib or cot, a bathroom, and its own kitchen. Upstairs, the mini-apartment has two bedrooms, a bathroom, a large terrace, a small living room, and a shared kitchen. The prices are competitive and the service impeccable. I highly recommend it.

Between the hikes, visits, and swims in different rivers, there’s plenty to enjoy amid the magnificent scenery. It’s a lovely, different-feeling place for anyone who loves nature, and I recommend staying here.