Hello, this summer I am backpacking from Paris to Cote d'Azur by train. I was wondering if someone could give me advice on which town is worth stopping at on the way south. We considered going to Milano but I lived there and we wanted to visit somewhere new. Thank you--any advice would be appreciated.
It depends on your route, and how far East you will be going. For a city, I enjoyed Lyon. For a town, I enjoyed Valence. Both had a variety of restaurants/grocers, and inexpensive (or free) things to see. I enjoyed both so much that I have been twice and would not mind going again. :-) My 2008 trip is still in the planning stages, so you never know!
I enjoyed a brief stop-over in Dijon, but that might be off your route. Another recommended town would be Besancon (seldom visited by tourists) but that probably isn't on your route either.