We had a lightening stop in Torino (Turin) on our way to Chambery in France. It was a bit of a sad feeling thinking that our holiday in Italy has ended, but we already have plans for our next trip! I just have to get more extended leave from work and we'll be visiting again.

The small part of Turin we were able to see in our afternoon of sightseeing looked great . Lots of large palazzos with the usual loggia and great decorations. We climbed a tower (only 200+ steps this time and we only climbed them once!) so that we could get our bearings in the city. Similar to Verona, there is a river running around the town, wide boulevards and some stunning dress shops. I am seriously regretting not bringing the spare suitcase! We also did a quick lap of the Cathedral where the Shroud of Turin is housed, marvelling at how many people seemed to be enthralled at something that has been discredited as a fake.

The train to Chambery was a French TGV and it went through numerous high mountains covered in snow, with glaciers visible everywhere (no more Italian frecciarossa or FrecciaBianca trains, with the free coffee/wine carts that visit the seats after each train stop - boo hoo). The countryside was beautiful, with ski runs on many mountains, towns and villages full of chalets, pale blue rivers, and, shock horror, people wearing coats and hats. This indicates our tremendous run of warm weather may have come to an end. We have been away nearly two months, and have only worn our lightweight jackets a couple of times, and have needed our rain macs just once, so we have been incredibly lucky.

Chambery has an amazing history, having been the capital of the Savoie region, and it has been part of Italy, Austria and France at one time or another. We did a lap of the town before a late dinner in an Italian restaurant - this is the way to ease yourself away from Italy and into France! The food was superb, as was the chianti that washed it down!