Let’s start by telling you that this trail takes its name from the Crostolo stream, which originates and flows through the Reggio Emilia area, starting from Casina in the Apennines, crossing the entire Reggio Emilia area and ending up in the River Po, near the beautiful town of Guastalla.

It is a beautiful cycle and footpath that connects the municipality of Vezzano sul Crostolo to the historic centre of Reggio Emilia (and then continues north to the municipality of Cadelbosco), passing through the Parco del Crostolo, or Parco delle Caprette (Goat Park), so called because inside you can encounter some Tibetan goats and ponies – a special attraction for children.

Continuing along the route, you arrive behind the beautiful Reggia di Rivalta, an 18th-century historic palace considered one of the last “Delizie Estensi” (Estense delights), and the wonderful Vasca di Corbelli, in the centre of which stands the Villa d’Este.

The cycle path is about 9 km long.

Don’t be confused, we’re not in France, but if you prefer to take this walk, know that you will be immersed in what is considered a protected nature park.

You can park your motorhome in Via dell’Aeronautica, near Campovolo, a very famous venue for parties and concerts. From here, you can head to the park’s landmark, the Mauriziano, home of the Italian poet Ludovico Ariosto and a place of historical significance for the entire city of Reggio Emilia.

There is also the Parco delle Acque Chiare, which is becoming a lively hub of social life in the neighbourhood, thanks to the Gabrina Medicinal Herb Garden.

Other places of naturalistic interest include the Fontanile dell’Ariolo near Gavasseto, the WWF Oasis in Marmirolo and the Filippo Re urban forest in Campovolo Park.

We are talking about approximately 7 km of nature trails surrounded by greenery, which you can easily walk with children. You can also rejoin the Crostolo trail, but bear in mind that in this case you will be travelling a long way from where you parked.

We are next to the Reggio Emilia stream, the Modolena, which then becomes a tributary of the Crostolo. This is a shorter route than the previous ones, but no less interesting: it connects Pieve Modolena with the towns of Coviolo and Rivalta and extends to the hamlets of Codemondo and San Bartolomeo.

To date, the historic route of the Strada della Cavalla, which connects Villa Levi and the Reggia di Rivalta using an ancient military road, has already been redeveloped.

In addition, the Municipality of Reggio Emilia is working on other possible intersections to make this route more accessible, one of which is the cycle path that leads to San Bartolomeo, running alongside the Rio Quaresimo.

For this excursion, you can park in Via Fratelli Cervi, where there is a small car park.

The route is approximately 6 km long.