Nestled in the heart of northern Italy,Emilia-Romagna is a region that awakens the senses. Known for its rich cultural and gastronomic heritage, this destination appeals to gourmets and lovers of art and history alike.

The cities of Bologna, Parma and Modena are true treasures of the region. They offer an immersion in an exceptionally rich medieval and Renaissance past. Bologna's narrow streets reveal sumptuous architectural details, while Parma's historic center is a veritable hymn to Italian art. Marvel at its squares and cathedrals!

But Emilia-Romagna is not just a destination for aesthetes. Gourmets will delight in its authentic and generous cuisine. Who hasn't heard of Parmigiano Reggiano, Bologna mortadella or Modena balsamic vinegar? These world-renowned culinary delights were born here.

A tourist guide to Emilia-Romagna would not be complete without mentioning the Romagna Riviera and the region's finest accommodations. Among thenuggets not to be missed is the region's Adriatic coast. With its sandy beaches and seaside resorts such as Rimini and Riccione, the choice is vast.

For motor enthusiasts, the region is also home to iconic brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati. A visit to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello is a must.

For the full experience, be sure to visit the perched medieval towns of Brisighella and Dozza, where time seems to stand still.

A visit to Emilia-Romagna is a multi-sensory experience, combining history, gastronomy and breathtaking scenery. Are you looking for a cultural, gourmet or relaxing getaway? This Italian region will meet all your expectations with its must-sees. Dolce Vita!

When to go Emilia-Romagna ?

Emilia-Romagna is a magnificent region of Italy, where each season reveals a different facet of its beauty. If you're thinking of visiting, the ideal time depends on your priorities:

For a gentler, less crowded atmosphere, spring (April-May) is the best time to visit Emilia-Romagna. During these months, the region is adorned with flowers and the days are pleasantly warm without being stifling.

Summer (June-August) sees an influx of tourists, particularly in July and August, when temperatures rise quite high. This is the high season, so expect higher accommodation rates. Nevertheless, festivals and events abound, including local carnivals and markets.

Autumn, particularly September and October, is another exquisite time to discover Emilia-Romagna. The leaves change color and reveal spectacular landscapes. It's also harvest season, a time to sample the local cuisine, rich in fresh produce.

Finally, winter brings its own charm. From December to February, expect cooler temperatures and, in some areas, snow. If you're a culture buff, this is a good time to visit museums and historic monuments without the summer crowds.

The best time to visit Emilia-Romagna depends on what you want to do and see. For culture and a quieter atmosphere, opt for spring or winter. If you like sunshine and excitement, summer will be your season of choice. Whichever period you choose, Emilia-Romagna is sure to seduce you.

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Practical information for travel Emilia-Romagna

Que vous soyez un arpenteur chevronné des villes, un amoureux de la nature, un épicurien intéressé par la bonne chère et le farniente, un amateur de belles cylindrées, ou bien tout cela à la fois, les possibilités ne manquent pas en Émilie-Romagne. Les villes de la région se caractérisent par leur atmosphère tranquille, l’animation n’y est jamais survoltée. Elles possèdent de beaux monuments et des musées aux riches collections. Les campagnes sont très agréables à parcourir, en particulier la région des collines qui longe la chaîne des Apennins et qui regorge de bourgs médiévaux et de châteaux. Sur la côte, aires naturelles protégées et longues plages de sable se partagent le décor. On ne peut passer sous silence le patrimoine gastronomique de l’Émilie-Romagne, qui justifierait à lui seul le voyage : agritourismes, restaurants et petits producteurs ouvrent leurs portes au grand bonheur de nos papilles et notre estomac !

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How to go Emilia-Romagna

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How to go alone

Are you looking for authenticity and the chance to meet new people? Then a solo road trip in Emilia-Romagna is the perfect adventure for you! Travelling alone gives you absolute freedom, so you can adapt your itinerary to suit your mood. Start in lively cities like Bologna, where you can wander the narrow streets, savor the local cuisine in traditional trattorias and chat with the locals. Public transport is reliable and well organized. They make it easy to get between towns and places of interest. For a more immersive experience, consider renting a bike or hiking through the lush countryside. Don't forget to take along a good Emilia-Romagna tourist guide, learn a few basic Italian words and always keep an open mind. The region is full of surprises just waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers. Via all'avventura!

How to go on a tour

Emilia-Romagna, with its historic cities, unrivalled gastronomy and breathtaking scenery, is a prime destination for a package tour. Want to let go and explore without the stress of planning? Tour operators offer a variety of options to suit every type of traveler. From gastronomic tours in Bologna to cultural escapades in Parma or Modena, the possibilities are vast. What's more, an organized tour often offers privileged access to sites or experiences off the beaten track, all accompanied by an expert local guide. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, while enjoying the comfort and security of an organized tour. Before you book, check out the reviews and choose an organizer recognized for its expertise in the region.

How to get around

Emilia-Romagna has a well-developed transport network, making it easy and flexible to get around. The Trenitalia railroad line serves key cities such as Bologna, Parma, Modena and Rimini. In Bologna, the central station serves as a hub for regional routes. If you're planning to visit picturesque villages like Dozza or Brisighella, renting a car is preferable. The roads are well-maintained and clearly signposted. For short trips into town, the bus network is reliable. In Ferrara, for example, buses are frequent and cover the whole city. And for an authentic touch, rent a bike in Ravenna: the city is flat and has many cycle paths. Finally, take a stroll through the pedestrian zones, as in Parma's historic center, where a walk is the best way to discover its hidden charms. A presto!

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Discover Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna attracts visitors to its famous cities: Bologna, with its porticoes and high medieval towers, but also its art and craft fairs; Parma, the city of gastronomy; Modena, with its balsamic vinegar and Ferrari and Lamborghini cars; Ravenna and its mosaics; Rimini, with its beaches and discos... Historical cities and seaside resorts that do not overshadow the entire heritage of this territory. An unsuspected richness that, unfortunately, was put at risk in May 2023, following the devastating floods. The historic floods and landslides have caused fourteen deaths. A region of resilience, which opens its doors to you all the more. Let's take a look at the varied landscapes, the rich historical past, and the culinary specialties that are not limited to the famous Parmesan cheese, Parma ham and balsamic vinegar!

Pictures and images Emilia-Romagna

Basilique San Petronio, Bologne. Olgysha - Shutterstock.com
Palazzo Re Renzo, Bologne. S74 - Shutterstock.com
Le château de Canossa Flavio Vallenari
Bologne, dolce vita. RossHelen - shutterstock.com

The 12 keywords Emilia-Romagna

1. #Balsamic

In Emilia Romagna, balsamic vinegar is grown like wine, that is, with great care. Around Modena and Reggio Emilia, the production of traditional balsamic is strictly controlled. It is made from cooked grape must and aged in wooden barrels for at least twelve years, a true luxury product!

2. #Charterhouse of Parma

Many writers have been fascinated by Italy. This was the case of Stendhal who, after a trip, wrote his book The Charterhouse of Parma, for which he was inspired by the Charterhouse of Paradigna near Parma, built in the 14th century by Benedictines. Since 2007, it has belonged to the University of Parma and houses a research center.

3. #Castles

From the province of Piacenza to the shores of the Adriatic, the territory is dotted with castles, either on the plain or balanced on the top of a rocky spur. Of medieval origin, with their towers and battlements, these castles have often been refurbished since the Renaissance into noble residences with elegant rooms decorated with frescoes.

4. #Earthenware

This term derives from a town in Emilia Romagna, Faenza, located in the province of Ravenna at the foot of the Apennines. It was in Faenza that a center of ceramic manufacturing developed in the 15th century. The name "faience", derived from Faenza and designating the glazed terracotta produced there, spread throughout Europe in the 16th century.

5. #Federico Fellini

If Rimini is first and foremost synonymous with the beach, the city is also the birthplace of the great filmmaker Federico Fellini. It was the setting for several of his films, including Amarcord and I Vitelloni. Whimsical and offbeat, with a critical eye on Italian society, Federico Fellini won the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival in 1960 with La Dolce Vita.

6. #Motor Valley

The most important Italian car manufacturers originate from the region: Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and Ducati were all born along the Via Emilia. The "Motor Valley" or Land of the Motors gathers on its territory museums dedicated to these giants of the automobile and circuits of international renown such as that of Imola.

7. #Parmigiano reggiano

Better known as Parmesan in France, but not to be confused with Grana Padano, which also belongs to the family of pressed cooked cheeses, but which is produced over a larger area, is ripened for a shorter time and is reputed to be less gastronomic. A good Parmigiano is a delight in shavings with a few drops of balsamic.

8. #Portics

Bologna has 40 km of porticos and it is possible to walk along eight of them without ever deviating from the route. The portici give the city a certain elegance and are not limited to Bologna: even the streets of secondary municipalities are equipped with them. Created to save space on the public highway, they protect from the sun and bad weather.

9. #Prosciutto di Parma

Emilia-Romagna is famous for its pork meat and the king of cured meats is Parma ham, made in the hills near Parma and taking advantage of the air currents coming down from the Apennines that intervene in the curing process. To be enjoyed with fried gnocchi (fried bread dough)!

10. #Ragù

Don't you dare order a "Bolognese sauce" in a restaurant, it annoys the people of Bologna. The term ragù is used to refer to this famous sauce. In France, ragù is a mixture of meat and vegetables cooked over low heat. In Italy, it is a sauce made of meat and tomato sauce that accompanies pasta.

11. #University

The University of Bologna is the oldest in Europe. Founded in 1088, it has shaped the city and still today it sums up the soul of the city. In via Zamboni is the heart of the university. Its motto Petrus ubique pater legum Bononia mater means "Saint Peter is everywhere the father of laws, Bologna is the mother".

12. #Verdi

The composer was a child of Parma, and more precisely of Roncole, a hamlet in the province. With his 26 operas, Verdi established himself during his lifetime as the greatest Italian musician of his time. Today, an itinerary allows us to follow in his footsteps, from his birthplace in Roconle to Bussetto, where he spent most of his life.

You are from here, if...

On a rainy day, you know the route that will allow you to cross the city of Bologna while staying dry, protected from the porticos. Ataperitivo time, you take care of your outfit to meet friends and colleagues around a lambrusco. Becauseaperitivo at the end of the day is a moment of relaxation, but always with a certain class!

As aRomanian , you speak Italian with a slight lisp - which may make your Emilian neighbor smile.

You regularly complain about the high humidity of the region. That's right, the Padana plain is humid and is regularly shrouded in thick fog!

Your first meal of the year is a dish of lentils with cotechino. This specialty of Modena is eaten on New Year's Eve.

You keep the bottle of traditional family-produced balsamicunder lock and key or hidden in the back of a cupboard to prevent the children from drinking it on the sly.

You make most of your short trips by bicycle.

Card Emilia-Romagna

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