Flight from Lyon (LYS) to Stockholm (ARN)

The Baltic city, erected on an impressive string of islands and islets, seems to float on the water. This natural harmony between land and sea, typical of Scandinavia, can be even more easily seen from the open sea. A good way to do it? Climb aboard a steamboat and head for the castle of Drottningholm, a private residence of the royal family.

The Swedish capital combines its natural elegance with an unusual cultural vitality. With the Vasa Museum, which holds a perfectly preserved 17th century warship, another jewel opened in 2013 on the island of Djugaren. Dedicated to the country's most populous group, ABBA, it welcomes visitors ... in flares

Opened in 1888, the covered halls of Östermalm are still the favourite hideout for foodies. Behind its red bricks lies the city's most chic market, where you can stock up on salmon, reindeer meat, yellow raspberry jam and other Swedish specialties in a delightfully gourmet whirlwind.

Take one of the city's 57 bridges and enjoy the bohemian soul of the island of Södermalm. The former working-class neighbourhood, gradually taken up by a crowd of artists, now is dominated by design shops, good restaurants and chic bistros. Do not miss the trendy atmosphere of SoFo and the red houses that dot the peak of the Vitabergsparken.

Few European capitals offer this type of experiment: when Stockholm freezes in the ice, you can actually put on your skates and crisscross the different districts. And for fans of great white, they will want to go for it on one of the countless frozen lakes nearby; the skating rinks that abound in most places will certainly fill the less foolhardy.