A friend and I are going back to Europe this June (lived in Paris for 6 months 2 years ago) for a wedding in Lucca, Italy. We are then going to head to Paris, the city we both miss. In the meantime, we would like to visit somewhere new. We have both been to the eastern coast of Italy, Barcelona, Pisa, Florence, Rome, and Geneva. I am looking for suggestions of places to visit that might be off the beaten path. I have been to the southern part of France, but my friend has not, so that's one option. If you have been to any cool towns or cities, we would appreciate your input. Please keep in mind that we are very young professionals and won't be able to spend a ton on the trip. Thank you so much for your help!

~K

I suggest the Piemonte region of Italy, north in the Valle D'Aosta area and/or south around Alba, plus a couple of days in Torino. You could easily move on to Provence and then make your way to Paris.

I second Piemonte. When you are in the area, you can also visit Milano, Lago Maggiore and Lago di Como. From Northwest Italy, drive through the Alps into France. Drive over the Route des Grandes Alpes.

From there, drive to Burgundy and spend a day or two there. From there, it is an easy drive to Paris.

Thanks for your responses! I'll look into Piemonte.

If not Piemonte, then Cinque Terre...

What about the Italian coast and/or the French Riviera? In June the weather should be mild and the tourist crowds relatively light.

Here are my notes from visits to Santa Margherita Ligure and to Nice:

Nice:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34810691

Santa Margherita Ligure:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34817303
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