We will be going to Italy and France in July. We are starting our trip in Rome and our last stop will be Paris. Initially after visiting Cinque Terre we were going to fly to Paris and then head down to the Loire Valley for a few days and then back to Paris.. However, now I'm thinking perhaps that after Cinque Terre we should just stay in Italy for a few more days before flying to Paris. We have already been to Florence / Sienna area along with Venice. Was considering going to Stressa after Cinque Terre since it doesn't seem to far by train. Any other suggestions of places to see in Italy before heading to Paris?

In July I see two good options on your route---Stresa and Luzern. Both are lake venues and give you an option of rail or flight connections to Paris.

We went to Lucca (liked it) after the Cinque Terre one year, but that was Oct. Not sure what summer weather is like in June.

Hi Ronnie - Lake Como? Rome? Valle d'Aosta? Piedmonte?

It depends of course on what you're interested in.
So you will have seen the eternal city and a magnificent coast line.

If you like the countryside and good food and wine you can go for South-Piemonte.
Visit the spa-city Acqui Terme, degustate wines at an enoteca or winery, visit home of the truffle Alba, ...