Halfway between the bustling northern cities of Milan and Turin, Novara is a peaceful provincial town with a laid back air on a summer's day.

Novara is more of a gateway to the region, with the lakes not far away to the north, but it's a pleasant enough place in its own right.

It does get busier: Novara centre.

Just 400 yards from the station you're in the centre. There is no big town square as such but there are numerous alleys and streets to explore. The biggest landmark, the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, is surrounded by buildings too much for you to be able to get a good look at it, but its spire is a good tracking point if you get lost.

On a Saturday lunchtime the historic centre is amazingly quiet, as the locals take a well earned break and most shops are shut. But come late afternoon it has a buzzing atmosphere with families taking in 'the air' and usually an ice cream to boot.

There is a small but very friendly tourist information centre just on the road opposite the train station, who can speak english, provide a map of the town, plus info on other places too. They'll also provide info in English before you go - visit http://www.turismonovara.it/en/home

Looking up: The dome in the centre of Novara

Novara can be taken in inside a few hours on a trip from the major cities, although there are up to a dozen hotels/ B&Bs in town should you want to hang around for the night.

Check out our Traveller's Tale to Novara: Two Series In One Day