Following the Sesia river 15 minutes upstream from Gattinara, the next stop is Borgosesia, a village worthy of a stopover for two reasons: its home to two world-famous woolen mills and an excellent restaurant. Borgosesia's wool industry has a long tradition and several branches. For years, the local enterprises have dedicated time and skilled effort to the search for the world's finest wools and quality cashmere.
Just outside the town is the Quarona Lanificio Loro Piana (tel. 0163/201111, fax 0163/430099) It's magnificent garments are well-known and much appreciated by the best boutiques in the world and their workmanship beyond reproach. The location on Corso Rolandi offers sales to the public 7 days a week, including Sundays, from 10:00 - 19:00. Shrewd shoppers can choose from textiles and stylish high-quality garments, huge shawls and scarves, priceless cashmere articles and a line of outdoor clothing.
Great values are also to be had at the Lanerie Agnona located in the Agnona district of Borgosesia. Cashemere, alpaca, mohair, Merino wool and more can be found here, for men and women alike. Textiles are of the finest available in the world, the styling classic and unmistakable.
An exceptional restaurant, run by a true culinary artist is also to be found in Agnona di Borgosesia -- Walter Sodano's Agnona Tennis (tel. 0163/21849) is one in a million, paying tribute to the chef's extensive international experience.

The Hotel Gallia in Milano, Hotel Certosa in Maggiano di Siena, the restaurants Loui-Loui and NYC's Coco Pazzo, the Caffè Ristretto in Paris...these are but a few of the credits accumulated by the seasoned chef before a decision to return to his roots in 1998. Sodano's restaurant reflects an impassioned exploration of local traditions and products, spotlighting the best of all the region has to offer, varying with the season's. Favorites are scampi alle erbe con pancetta valsesiana, filetto di manzo con fonduta di toma piemontese, straccetti di pasta con fagioli di Saluggia, porri stufati and salame della duja.. All served with the areas best wines. The desserts and pastries are NOT to be missed!