A Summer Day in Alta Val Taro: Borgotaro, the River and Local Products

Summer is one of the most enjoyable times to discover Alta Val Taro. The long days, the green woods and the presence of the river make it possible to combine a walk through the villages with a few hours outdoors, away from the heat of the cities.

One possible itinerary can start in Borgo Val di Taro, continue along the Taro River and end in Tornolo, where our workshop is located.

A Walk Through the Centre of Borgotaro

Panoramic view of Borgo Val di Taro – photo by Mr. ZMatteZ,
Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 4.0 licence. Cropped image.

Borgo Val di Taro, also known as Borgotaro, is one of the main towns in Alta Val Taro.

Its historic centre is ideal for a relaxed walk through streets, squares, shops and cafés, in an atmosphere closely linked to life in the Apennines near Parma.

In the centre of Borgotaro you can also find our shop, Bottega del Fungo, where you can discover our products and the specialities connected to our work.

Dried porcini mushrooms and porcini in oil, sauces, creams, vegetables in olive oil and other traditional products all tell the story of the work we carry out between the shop and our workshop in Tornolo.

The Flavours of Alta Val Taro

Visiting Alta Val Taro also means discovering its flavours.

Porcini mushrooms are certainly one of the best-known products of the area, but the territory is also linked to artisanal specialities and simple recipes, expressions of local cuisine and the traditions of the Apennines near Parma.

During a summer day, some of these products can become a practical idea for an outdoor lunch, a charcuterie board or a dinner after a day spent among villages and nature.

In our shop in Borgotaro, you can find different sizes and choose the product best suited to take home or give as a gift.

The Taro River Between Tornolo and Piane di Carniglia

After visiting Borgotaro, the day can continue towards Tornolo and Piane di Carniglia, along one of the most scenic stretches of the Taro River.

In this area, the river flows through a green landscape, with stony banks, clear waters and particularly beautiful natural views. It is a suitable place for those who want to walk, relax along the river or go fishing.

On the hottest days, in areas where conditions allow, it is also possible to enjoy a refreshing swim in the waters of the Taro. Before entering the water, however, it is important to check the current, the depth and the condition of the riverbed.

Our workshop is located in Tornolo, not far from the river and easy to reach during an itinerary in the area.

A Visit to Our Workshop in Tornolo

In our workshop at Via Pometo 4, in Tornolo, we prepare the specialities that are then sold in our shop in Borgotaro and on our website.

This is where we process the ingredients, prepare the recipes, fill the jars and follow the different stages of production.

The workshop is not freely open to the public, but visits are possible by appointment only.

Anyone who would like to learn more about our work can contact us in advance to check availability and arrange a visit.

The proximity to the Taro River and to the road leading towards Piane di Carniglia makes it easy to include this stop in a day dedicated to discovering Alta Val Taro.

A Simple Itinerary Between Nature and Local Products

A summer day in Alta Val Taro can therefore combine a walk through the centre of Borgotaro, a visit to our shop and a few hours along the Taro River, between Tornolo and Piane di Carniglia.

Those who wish can go fishing, relax along the riverbanks or, in areas where conditions allow, cool off in the waters of the river.

With advance booking, the itinerary can be completed with a visit to our workshop in Tornolo, where we prepare the specialities of Bottega del Fungo.

It is a day to enjoy without hurry, among villages, nature, landscapes of the Apennines near Parma and products connected to our work.

For information about the shop or to request a visit to the workshop, you can contact us before your arrival.