Rent a Motorhome in Novara: Your Gateway to Piedmont
Start your Italian journey in the heart of Piedmont. When you rent a motorhome in Novara, you unlock the freedom to explore majestic lakes, world-famous vineyards, and the stunning Alps at your own pace. With Campcruisers, finding the perfect camper hire in Novara is simple and convenient. Choose from our modern fleet, including rugged 4x4 campers, and begin your adventure today.
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Discover Novara: The Perfect Start for Your Camper Adventure
Welcome to Novara, the perfect starting point for your Italian road trip! When you rent a motorhome in Novara, you’re positioning yourself in a strategic and historically rich city in the heart of Piedmont. Nestled between the bustling metropolises of Milan and Turin, Novara offers a unique blend of tranquility and accessibility, making it the ideal base for your adventures. Opting for a camper hire in Novara means you can explore this fascinating city before venturing out into the stunning landscapes that surround it.
Geography and Significance
Novara is the second-most populous city in the Piedmont region, with around 104,000 inhabitants. It sits on a plain between the Ticino and Sesia rivers, a landscape dominated by rice paddies, which produce the famous Arborio and Carnaroli rice used in risotto. This agricultural wealth has historically made Novara a significant trade center. Today, it remains an important logistical and commercial hub. The decision to rent a motorhome Novara places you at the crossroads of Northern Italy, with easy access to the Alps, the famous Italian Lakes, and the wine regions of Langhe. For those seeking more rugged adventures, a 4x4 camper hire in Novara provides the capability to explore off-the-beaten-path mountain roads.
A Glimpse into History
Novara's history is long and storied, dating back to its origins as a Roman city named Novaria. You can feel this history as you walk through its streets. The city's layout still hints at its Roman past. Over the centuries, it was ruled by various powers, and it was the site of the pivotal Battle of Novara in 1849, a key event in Italy's Risorgimento (unification). Exploring this history becomes much more immersive when you have the flexibility that a camper hire in Novara provides. You can visit historical sites at your own pace without being tied to hotel check-in times. The convenience of a mobile base is a key reason why so many travellers choose to rent a motorhome in Novara.
Personalities and Culture
Novara has been home to notable figures, including Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, the ninth President of the Italian Republic. The city boasts a rich cultural scene, centered around the magnificent Coccia Theatre, one of Italy's most important traditional opera houses. The local cuisine is another cultural highlight, with Gorgonzola cheese and the aforementioned risotto being local specialties you must try. When you rent a motorhome Novara, you have your own kitchen to experiment with these fresh, local ingredients.
Weather and Best Time to Travel
Novara experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold and foggy. The best time to rent a camper in Novara is during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The autumn, in particular, offers spectacular colours in the surrounding vineyards and countryside. Whether you're planning a standard trip or need a specialised 4x4 camper hire in Novara for mountain excursions, these seasons offer the best conditions for an unforgettable journey. The flexibility you get when you rent a motorhome in Novara allows you to chase the good weather, making your trip even more enjoyable.
Top Sights & Activities Around Novara with Your Camper
Once you've sorted your camper hire in Novara, it's time to explore the city and its breathtaking surroundings. Novara itself is a treasure trove of architectural and cultural gems, all easily accessible before you head out on your bigger road trip.
Basilica of San Gaudenzio
You can't miss the symbol of Novara: the soaring dome of the Basilica of San Gaudenzio. Designed by the visionary architect Alessandro Antonelli (who also designed Turin's Mole Antonelliana), the 121-meter-high dome dominates the city's skyline. A visit here is a must. Park your camper on the outskirts and take a walk to marvel at this neoclassical masterpiece.
The Broletto Complex
Step back in time at the Broletto, a stunning medieval courtyard complex. It consists of four distinct historical buildings: the Palazzo del Comune (Town Hall), the Palazzo dei Paratici, the Palazzo del Podestà, and the Palazzetto dei Referendari. Today, it houses the city's modern art gallery. It's a peaceful spot to soak in centuries of history. Having a flexible base thanks to your motorhome rental in Novara allows you to spend as much time as you like exploring these cultural hubs.
Novara Cathedral (Duomo di Novara)
Opposite the Broletto, you'll find the Duomo. This neoclassical cathedral was also built on the site of an earlier Romanesque church. Don't miss the adjacent baptistery, which is one of the oldest early Christian structures in Piedmont.
Exploring the Surroundings with Your Camper
The real magic begins when you use your rented motorhome from Novara to explore the wider Piedmont region. Just a short drive away, you'll find:
Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore: These stunning pre-alpine lakes are less than an hour's drive from Novara. Lake Orta, with its charming island of San Giulio, is a romantic and tranquil escape. Lake Maggiore offers grand villas, beautiful gardens, and the famous Borromean Islands. A camper hire in Novara is the best way to tour the lakeside towns and find scenic spots to camp for the night.
The Rice Paddies: In late spring, the flooded rice paddies surrounding Novara create a unique and mesmerizing landscape, often called the 'checkered sea'. Drive through the countryside and witness this special aspect of the local agriculture.
Ticino Valley Natural Park: For nature lovers and those with a 4x4 camper hire from Novara, this park offers beautiful trails for hiking and cycling along the Ticino River, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Unforgettable Road Trips Starting from Novara
With your keys in hand from your camper hire in Novara, you're ready for an epic journey. Here are a few tour ideas to inspire your travels through Northern Italy.
🏞️ The Piedmont Lakes Tour (3-4 Days)
This tour is perfect for those who love serene waters and charming lakeside towns. Your motorhome rental from Novara gives you the freedom to explore at your leisure.
Tag 1: Novara to Lake Orta
Pick up your camper and drive north to the enchanting Lake Orta. Visit the picturesque village of Orta San Giulio, wander its cobblestone streets, and take a boat to the mystical island of Isola San Giulio. Find a campsite with a lake view for the night.
Tag 2: Lake Orta to Stresa (Lake Maggiore)
Drive to Stresa, the main town on Lake Maggiore. Park your camper and take a ferry to the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella with its lavish palace and gardens, Isola Madre known for its botanical park, and the quaint Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen's Island).
Tag 3: Exploring the Western Shore
Drive along the western shore of Lake Maggiore, stopping in towns like Cannobio, which has a lovely lakeside promenade. For those with a 4x4 camper from Novara, consider a detour up into the Val Grande National Park for some wild nature before heading back towards Novara.
🍷 The Langhe & Roero Wine Route (3-4 Days)
A must-do for foodies and wine lovers. This region is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for Barolo, Barbaresco, and white truffles.
Tag 1: Novara to Alba
Drive south from Novara into the heart of the Langhe. Make Alba your base. This town is famous for its truffles and chocolate (Ferrero Rocher originated here!). Explore its medieval towers and historic center.
Tag 2: The Barolo Loop
Dedicate a day to exploring the legendary Barolo wine region. Drive the scenic route through towns like La Morra (climb the Belvedere for panoramic views), Barolo (visit the wine museum), and Monforte d'Alba. Book a wine tasting at a local vineyard.
Tag 3: Roero and Return
Explore the Roero region, known for its Arneis white wine. Visit the town of Bra, the birthplace of the Slow Food movement. Enjoy a final Piedmontese feast before making the easy drive back to Novara.
🏔️ Alpine Adventure to Aosta Valley (4-5 Days)
For mountain lovers, this tour offers breathtaking views of Europe's highest peaks. A standard camper is fine, but a 4x4 camper hire in Novara is ideal for exploring higher altitudes.
Tag 1: Novara to Aosta
Drive northwest into the Aosta Valley. The city of Aosta itself is known as the 'Rome of the Alps' for its well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Arch of Augustus and a Roman theatre.
Tag 2: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco)
Head to Courmayeur, the town at the foot of Mont Blanc. Take the incredible Skyway Monte Bianco cable car for jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the Alps. There are numerous hiking trails for all levels.
Tag 3: Gran Paradiso National Park
Drive towards the Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy's oldest national park. It's a haven for wildlife, including the ibex. The towns of Cogne and Valnontey are great starting points for hikes. Find a campsite nestled in the mountains for a truly immersive experience.
Returning Your Motorhome Clean in Novara
Before you return your vehicle from your camper hire in Novara, you'll need to make sure it's clean, both inside and out. Finding a suitable car wash can be tricky for high-profile vehicles like motorhomes. Standard automatic car washes are often too low and can damage the roof, air conditioning units, or satellite dishes.
You need to look for a 'lavaggio self-service' that has high-clearance bays for trucks (camion) or campers, or a dedicated truck wash service. These facilities provide the space and equipment (like long-handled brushes and high-pressure wands) you need to do the job safely.
Here are a few suitable washing stations in and around Novara where you can clean your rented camper:
1. Idrolavaggio 24h
This is a self-service wash with high bays suitable for vans and campers. It's typically open 24/7, offering great flexibility before you drop off your motorhome.
Address: Corso Vercelli, 218, 28100 Novara NO, Italy
2. Autolavaggio Self Service H24
Another good self-service option, often equipped with platforms to help you reach the roof of your camper safely. Check for bays specifically marked for larger vehicles.
Address: Via Verbano, 150, 28100 Novara NO, Italy
3. Lavaggio Self Service Agip/Eni Station
Many larger fuel stations, especially those on main roads catering to trucks, have high-clearance washing facilities. The Eni station on the Tangenziale (ring road) is a good place to check.
Address: Corso della Vittoria, 233, 28100 Novara NO, Italy
Always check the maximum height signs before entering any wash bay. Taking a few minutes to find the right spot will ensure you return your camper in great condition and avoid any potential damage fees.
How to Get to Your Novara Camper Rental
