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Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands: little gems in the north of Italy
At the heart of the mountains and surrounded by green hills, Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands will astound you with their beauty. The archipelago of the Borromean Islands is made up of five islands, three of which can be visited. Admire the peacocks that roam freely on the Isola Madre, make a stop-off on Isola dei Pescatori for lunch and visit the Palazzo Borromeo, the shell grotto and the Italianate garden of Isola Bella.
Don't miss the chance to explore the town of Stresa. After a stroll along the lake, take a moment to enjoy an ice cream or have a cup of coffee in one of the town's squares. From there, you can admire the 19th and 20th century Art Nouveau or Liberty villas perched on the slopes of the town, and enjoy an unrivalled view of the Borromean Islands.
Get there by train:
Travel to Milan on a Thello or TGV® France-Italy train from Paris (from €49*, around 7 hrs), then take a train from the Milano Porta Garibaldi station to Laveno.
Lake Como: scenery of 1000 hues
Lake Como is a veritable oasis located at the foot of sheer mountains studded with colourful villages such as Laglio, Argegno, Tremezzo, as well as Menaggio and Domaso. The city of Como is a famous historical city that in its heyday rivalled Milan. Its historical centre is littered with 19th century palazzos, superb churches and ramparts from the Middle Ages, not to mention the remains of gothic and Roman art.
However, to get the best view of the lake's beauty, head to Varenna, the village located at the centre of the lake. Visit the village's two villas, or climb to the Castello di Vezio for a wonderful view of the lake. If you are looking for a botanical-themed trip, take the boat to the village of Bellagio or the town of Tremezzo.
Get there by train:
Travel to Milan on a Thello or TGV® France-Italy train from Paris (from €49*, around 7 hrs), then take a train from the Milano Centrale station to Varenna or Como.
Lake Garda: the largest lake in Italy
Without a doubt one of the main tourist spots in the north of Italy, Lake Garda is also the country's biggest lake. It is surrounded by palm trees, oleanders, olive trees and vines, and also by charming villages such as Sirmione, a small peninsula extending out into the lake. Visit Sirmione to see the Grottoes of Catullus, the remains of an ancient Roman villa offering a breathtaking view of the lake.
The villages of Desenzano, Malcesine, Limone or Tignale and the cable car that climbs from Malcesine to Monte Baldo are not to be missed either.
Get there by train:
Travel to Milan on a Thello or TGV® France-Italy train from Paris (from €49*, around 7 hrs), then take a train from the Milano Centrale station to Desenzano Del Garda-Sirmione.
