Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a key figure of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution and he lived  here at Le Charmettes with his lover and mentor, Madame de Warens, between 1736 and 1742. It’s rural setting and plethora of original features makes for a fascinating insight into the life of this Geneva-born philosopher, composer and writer.

In Chambéry's palatial fine arts museum, housed in the former corn exchange building, you’ll find many 14th- to 18th-century Italian painting by such luminaries as Caravaggio, Titian and Ghirlandaio. Also worth a look is the collection of paintings depicting the dramatic landscapes around Chambéry and the Alps painted between 1799 and 1975.

Turin's pioneering food scene is a haven for vegans and veggies. You can find plant-based versions of traditional Italian cuisine, including dishes typical of the Piedmont region, and even gelato made from rice milk – a nice change from a sorbetto every now and then.

Visit one of Turin's many museums and galleries to get a deeper insight into the cultural life of the city. The Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and rural Castello di Rivoli Museo d'Arte Contemporanea are the best for contemporary art, while the Museo Nazionale del Cinema explores the history of cinema in a one of Turin's most distinctive buildings. The Museo Egizio, as Italy's oldest Egptology museum, is also well worth a visit.

Visit the grand 16th century Palazzo Reale for an insight into Turin's royal past. Its lavish, gilded interiors are so richly decorated it's hard to take everything in, while the stately Giardino Reale was designed by the same person as the gardens at the Palace of Versailles.

The Erna Piani is a mountain resort accessed by cable car (the base of which can be reached by bus number 5 from Lecco). There's a stunning viewpoint at the peak and hiking trails – in winter there's sledding and snoeshoeing.

Lecco is on the eastern branch of Lake Como and the area's beaches are a welcome escape from Lake Como's busier shores. There are public beaches close to town: Orsa Maggiore is the closest (next to the road, fairly busy with a beach bar and wakeboarding), others can be reached by train.

This lakeside town has a rich history and you should seek out the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, Visconti Bridge and the Bell tower of Basilica San Nicolò. (Italy's second highest). Stop in the principal square, Piazza XX Settembre, for a bite to eat or coffee.

Wander around the Altstadt with its web of alleys and historic architecture. You'll find everything you need in this central hub including restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries.

Hike to St Luzikapelle, or St Luzi’s Chapel, built into a cave about 45 minutes' walk from Chur's old town. It's a scenic spot, ideal for some peaceful reflection.

Visit the Roman remains in Chur, open to the public (get the key from the tourism office) and covered by a shelter.

Take a walk around Bern's Rose Garden where you will see stunning flowers in bloom. Spend a couple of hours having a leisurely walk around the gardens before enjoying a meal at the top of the hill.

Visit Bern's iconic Zentrum Paul Klee to uncover the work of the cubist-inspired swiss-born artist, known for his pioneering work on theories of colour.

Bern Old City is a great place to walk around and enjoy everything it has to offer. Make sure you look out for a variety of water fountains and statues distributed around town. You will find parks along the river, lots of open air markets and lots of beautiful historic monuments

Paris has no shortage of tempting shops, from independent clothing boutiques to sprawling department stores. Don't miss the opportunity to browse the bouquinistes, open-air booksellers on the banks of the Seine, or indulge at the Galeries Lafayette, the luxurious French department store.

You'll find Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art at the Centre Pompidou (or Beaubourg as it's often called), housed in a striking building covered in pipes and scaffolding. Inside, you'll find temporary exhibitions alongside the permanent collection that includes masterpieces like Duchamp's Fountain, and recognisable works by Frida Kahlo, Robert Delaunay and Wassily Kandinsky.

Take a trip out to the Jardin Albert Kahn and immerse yourself in orchards, rose gardens and forests that combine French, Japanese and English garden design. They were originally created by banker Albert Kahn before the Wall Street Crash, after which he lost his bank and his fortunes – including this garden.