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.

Head to the pedestrianised streets of the Quadrilatero Romano, Turin's old Roman quarter, to see buildings dating all the way back to that era. The bars and restaurants come alive here in the evening.

Turin's Museo Egizio is the world's oldest museum devoted to Egyptology, and it holds some of the most important archeological pieces that can be seen outside of Cairo. See the website for temporary exhibitions and special events.

Spend some time exploring Laigueglia, with its pretty beach and colourful houses nestled among olive groves. It's a lovely 5km walk along the sea from Alassio or you can hop onto the train to get there in less than ten minutes.

Enjoy a day by the sea - Alassio's coast is home to one of the longest sandy beaches in the eastern Liguria region. Like much of this part of Italy, most of the beaches are privately owned and you have to pay for access. Head west or east of the town for free access to the sea.

Visit L’IMAGE, a small gallery specialising in authentic, vintage posters and browse their eclectic designs (they may only be open by appointment, get in touch in advance). Afterwards, pop by the Muretto de Alassio: an artsy ceramic-tiled wall covered in the autographs of the rich and famous.

Relax in one of the town's subtropical gardens and parks - Val Rahmeh (open 12:30-2pm) , Serre de la Madone and the Jardins Biovès are our top three!

Pack the swimsuits and hit the beach. Enjoy a coastal walk, a paddle or stretch out on the sand. We'll suggest a few of our favourite beach spots. 

Visit the shop of Patrick Roger, the famous Parisian chocolatier, who takes the art of chocolate to another level. Marvel at his sculptural creations and taste some of France’s most unusually flavoured and exquisitely crafted chocolate.

Wander through Montmartre and make the climb up to the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Be sure to linger over the spectacular view at the top; at sunset, you'll get the best light as the sun dips below the city skyline.

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.