Biogiro of the Lucca Plain

Inaugurated in 2012 thanks to the idea of ​​former professional cyclist Michele Bartoli, the BioGiro is a fully signposted route through a captivating and poetic rural setting. It begins at the Villa Reale di Marlia (Capannori), a stunning Renaissance villa easily accessible from the center of Lucca via the Puccini cycle path. From here, the road gently climbs the hill towards Matraia, just 4 km away.

Matraia is a small village of Roman origins, famous for its sandstone quarries. It's the highest point of the route (300 meters above sea level) and is a hilltop balcony offering splendid views of the area below, with the Lucca plain and Monte Pisano opposite.

The route continues at altitude along the road surrounded by olive groves as far as the eye can see, mixed with fruit trees, vines, and cypresses, for a romantic and evocative ride.

The route continues through the small villages of Valgiano and San Pietro in Marcigliano, where ancient churches, farmhouses, and stone inns, typical of these areas, are clearly visible, as well as luxury accommodations and agritourisms for the more discerning tourists who choose these secluded and peaceful spots for a relaxing holiday. After Valgiano, the road begins to descend, passing by more farmhouses and hamlets, and crossing some wooded and overgrown stretches alternating with others exposed to the sun.

Once you reach the Capannori plain, you can easily return to Marlia and the loop closes, passing through secondary inhabited but risk-free roads.