Paris assaults the senses, demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted and smelled. Gaze impressive monuments and savor its gourmet pastiche of cheese, chocolate, wine and seafood. Paris is a city of vast perspectives and intimate streets, of formal espaces verts (green open spaces) and of quiet squares. Paris is relatively small as capitals go, with distances between many of its major sights and museums invariably walkable. Unforgettable walks exhibiting the best of Paris: stroll down the Champs-Elysees for the chic grand boulevard experience and Rue Cler for a more intimate snapshot of Parisian living.

The greatest fortress city of Europe, Carcassone, is a fairyland, evoking bold knights, fair damsels, and troubadours. Time seems to stand still in this place filled with magic. It is separated into the fortified Cité de Carcassonne and the more expansive lower city, the ville basse. Everybody comes for the Cité, the double-walled and turreted fortress that was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.

Nice is the capital of the Riviera, yet far less glamorous and expensive than Cannes. It's also one of the most ancient, having been founded by the Greeks, who called it "Nike," or Victory. Because of its brilliant sunshine and relaxed living, it has attracted in the past famous artists and writers. The best trip center on the Riviera, you can choose to explore region or hang out in its famous cafes. But the most obvious hangout spot here is the beach. The Nice beach is rocks, just rocks so wear a pair of good sandals.

The fortified city of Avignon was the capital of Christendom in the 14th century. Avignon's architecture, marked by papal history makes it one of the most interesting and beautiful of Europe's medieval cities. Lately, it has become well known as a cultural center. Artists and painters in increasing numbers have been moving here. Experimental theaters, painting galleries, and art cinemas have brought diversity to the inner city.

The most charming center in all Provence, this university town was once a seat of aristocracy, its streets walked by counts and kings. The countryside of Aix-en-Provence nearby attracts every year, many tourists. The gentle way of life, the incomparable light fascinated the artists and its beautiful countryside inspired the painter Paul Cézanne for a lifetime. Summer brings frequent cultural events, ranging from opera to jazz, June through August.

Marseille is the second-largest city in France and its premier port. The Vieux Port, is still at the center of city life, with fishing boats, yachts and cabin cruisers all moored together, though larger ships. Ancient remains, early modern buildings, and twentieth century office and housing blocks make up the physical fabric of a thriving city. Urban infrastructure, Mediterranean climate and a convenient location make it an attractive center for vacations and conventions.

150 years ago Cannes was nothing more than a fishing village. Now it has become an elegant city known round the world and attracts an international clientele. Something's always happening at Cannes: international regattas, galas, concours d'élégance, and even a Mimosa Festival in February, but Cannes is at its most frenzied during the International Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals on promenade de la Croisette. On the seafront boulevards, flashbulbs pop as the stars emerge and pose.

Situated at the junction of the Loire and Cher rivers, Tours is an excellent base for visiting the region's magnificent châteaux. The original home of the French language and the "art de vivre", Tours is a land of harmony and proportion. Today, it is a modern, lively centre; with a thriving university, cultivating economic development. You can taste its charm visiting the old quarter, the Gothic Cathedral of St. Gatien, Touraine Wine Museum, the fine-arts museum and Plessis les Tours.

In the heart of the Pyrenees, Lourdes is the world's most evocative shrine. Spirituality is part of this city through the depth and beauty of the sight, the marks of the past and the serenity of the Sanctuaries. Lourdes was just a small market town on the 11th of February, when Bernadette Soubirous met, along the Cave, the "Lady" that made this town a Marian city. Today Lourdes has the second greatest number of hotels in France with 270 establishments.

Bordeaux is one of the world's most important wine-producing areas and also a major cultural center. The city has excellent museums, lively nightlife and beaches close by. Wide avenues, neoclassical architecture and well-tended parks all give the city an 18th-century grandeur. The most interesting neighborhood in Old Bordeaux is the "golden triangle:" cours Clemenceau, cours de l'Intendance, and les allées de Tourny. Tour the chateaux, imbibe the world-class wines and Bordeaux will charm you forever.

Aix-les-Bains is situated at the heart of the Savoie Olympic region, on the eastern edge of Le Bourget lake, the largest natural lake in France. It is the second busiest spa town in France and has something to offer for everyone: flower gardens, a casino, a racecourse, a golf course, a beach, Thermes Nationaux (the warm baths), the Temple of Diana. All water sports such as swimming, diving and sailing, are available in the water of the Savière Canal which reaches 25° in summer.

Barcelona - Spain's second city - is always on the biting edge of fashion, architecture, food, style, music and good times. Barcelona is one of the most dynamic and exciting cities on the western Mediterranean seaboard. Walk its narrow streets and wonderful plazas and discover its magic: stalls full of books, birds and flowers. Explore its new modern squares, designed by leading artists such as Miró and Barceló and every visitor will understand how Barcelona has been transformed into one of the most moderns and active cities in Europe.

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is one of Italy's most atmospheric and pleasant, retaining a strong resemblance to the small late-medieval center that contributed so much to the cultural and political development of Europe. Art treasures Michelangelo's David Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and Raphael's La Velata draw millions of visitors every year. Throw into the mix fabulous architecture (the Duomo with Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's campanile, Santa Croce), fine restaurants and earthy trattorie, plus leading designer boutiques and bustling outdoor markets, and the city of the Renaissance becomes quite simply one of the world's must-see sights.

Situated less than an hour by train or car from Milan, Como is a remarkable destination, not only for being used as a backdrop for one of the Star Wars movies, but also more importantly for its beauty. The dramatic backdrop of the azure lake makes this little town a romantic destination rivaling Venice. All romance aside, Como is a serene place to escape from the madness of the modern life, where visitors can savor every moment.

In the last few years, Madrid has gained the reputation of being one of Europe's most active and attractive cities for its nightlife and cultural activities. Capital of Spain since 1562, Madrid's museums host, among others, Dalís, Mirós and Picasso's Guernica. Madrid is a city of great contrasts: the Old City, the Madrid of the Hapsburgs, the Royal Palace, the Puerta de Alcala, the Retiro Park. At night, the city changes gears with its famous Madrid nightlife. The city's endless energy is hard to resist, and its sociable style invites you to jump right in.

Montecatini Terme is a heaven for those who love spa treatments. The curative powers of the hot springs and steaming vaporous caverns of the Valdinevole west of Pistoia have been renowned for centuries. Wrapped in mud packs, drinking mineral-laden waters, getting radioactive vapors steamed into your face you will forget all about the stress. The Parco dei Termi, a long park of neoclassical temples expanding over the sources of various underground hot springs is the ideal place for relaxation.

Pisa does not need an introduction, as testified by the millions of tourists offloading each year for their mandatory photo of the Leaning Tower. In the rush of the moment, few bother to find out that Pisa was founded circa 1000 b.c. and became an important maritime republic alongside Venice, Amalfi, and Genoa. Birthplace of the famed Galileo Galilei, Pisa is also home to one of Italy?s top universities. For those choosing to stay longer, there are plenty of architectural splendors around the Tower.

Rome is Italy's treasure, packed with masterpieces from more than two millennia of artistic achievement. Modern Rome has one foot in the past, one in the present. Find a cafe at summer twilight and watch the shades of pink turn to gold and copper before night finally falls. That's when another Rome comes alive; restaurants and cafes grow more animated and after dinner you can have a gelato (or an espresso in winter) or stroll by the fountains or through Piazza Navona, and the night is yours.

Not as famous as its neighbor Portofino, only 15 minutes away, Santa Margherita Ligure is a fashionable Mediterranean resort, and makes a pleasant base to explore the Cinque Terre villages which are about 60 minutes by a train that leaves every hour. One can also catch day trip cruises to the villages. Santa Margarita has a pleasant promenade and an attractive small old town. To the west the rocky coast is interrupted by little inlets, among which there is Paraggi, with a strip of sandy beach ideal for sunbathing.