Protests in Piedmont: What Travelers to Turin and the Susa Valley Need to Know

No-TAV Protests: A Local Situation with Travel Implications

Last weekend’s violent protests against the Turin-Lyon high-speed rail link (TAV) have prompted authorities to order demonstrators to leave a camp at Venaus in Piedmont’s Susa Valley. According to ANSA reports, 126 police officers were injured and damage is estimated at over one million euros. Thousands of protesters, many from outside Italy, were involved.

For travelers, the risk is minimal if you stay away from the protest zone. The Susa Valley lies west of Turin, near the French border. Turin itself is not affected, but if you plan to hike or drive through the valley, check for roadblocks or demonstrations. Public transport between Turin and the Susa towns (like Bardonecchia) may face delays.

The TAV project has been controversial for years. These protests are not new, but the scale of violence last weekend is unusual. Police presence in the area remains high.

Practical Advice

• Avoid the Venaus area and any gatherings near TAV construction sites.
• If you are traveling by train between Turin and France (via Modane), expect potential delays or cancellations without notice.
• For day trips into the Susa Valley, consider alternative routes or postpone until the situation calms.

No other news items from our monitored sources directly affected other Italian destinations. For general updates on strikes, openings, and events in Italy, check our main guides: Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples.