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.

Belgium's second city, Antwerp has long been an important city in the nations of the Benelux both economically and culturally. Besides this, the city of Rubens is the world's centre for diamond processing as well as Belgium's primary seaport. The city boasts a magnificent cathedral, a fine-arts museum full of Flemish masterpieces, a maze of medieval streets in the town center, and a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. Take a river cruise, not only to admire the famous skyline with its antique towers from the water, but also to experience the busy world port from the inside. You can also enjoy the Scheldt from the unique promenade near the Steen, the oldest building within Antwerp, which houses the National Maritime Museum with its open-air department exhibiting real ships.

Located at the foot of the Black Forrest, Baden-Baden has been renowned since Roman Times for its curative baths and hot springs. Today, it evokes an aura of 19th-century privilege, combined with the most modern facilities. The surrounding countryside is perfect for hiking and mountain climbing and in wintertime is a center for skiing. Don't miss the Hohenbaden Castle, built in 1102, and known locally as the Altes Schloss and the magnificent view of the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley.

Bern is one of the oldest and loveliest cities in Europe, with origins going back to the 12th century. It is on the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage. There are many museums, theatres, landmarks, cafés, restaurants and shops - not to mention the weekly market (and the lovely Christmas market) - all of which can be easily reached on foot. The Old Town of Bern has one of the longest "weatherproof" shopping malls in Europe under its six kilometers of covered arcades. The medieval atmosphere, with shops in the cellar vaults is unique. The modern mingles harmoniously with the old in this charming city, as in recent years residents have discreetly added contemporary-style homes and structures to the historic environment.

Known as the 'Venice of the North', Bruges seems to have changed little from its 13th-century origins as a cloth-manufacturing town. With the city center closed off to cars, all the architectural and artistic treasures, folklore, chocolate shops, lace boutiques, and ambient restaurants of this unforgettable city can be easily explored on foot, by boat ride along quiet canals, or by horse-drawn carriage among cobblestone streets. The city center also made the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Brussels is sumptuous, historic and luxuriously cozy. What makes Brussels special? For visitors, it's full of delights - Grand Place, mussels with chips, pralines, under crowded museums, intimate hotels, Art Nouveau, Horta, Tintin and unbelievable beers. Modern edifices are only a few steps from the cobbled streets, splendid cafés, and graceful Art Nouveau architecture that speak to the city's eventful past. The city's spirit survives in traditional cafes, bars, bistros, and restaurants. Whether elegantly Art Nouveau or eccentrically festooned with posters, curios, and knickknacks, such centuries-old establishments provide a warm, convivial ambience that is peculiarly Belgian.

The world feels at home in Cologne, where people meet to enjoy a Kölsch. (Kölsch is a language, a philosophy of life and also the popular local beer.) The largest city in the Rhineland, Cologne is rich in antiquity. There is much to see from every period of the city's two millennia history: from the old Roman towers to the modern opera house. Cologne is also a bustling modern city with a decent shot at becoming the fine-art capital of Germany. The city of Cologne also hosts an annual Carnival.

For many, Frankfurt is primarily "Manhattan", city of finance and skyscrapers or only as a transit hub, but a closer look reveals a city of many charms: picturesque houses of the beautifully restored Römerberg in the city center, the unique "Museum Mile" along the banks of the Main river, traditional cider pubs in Sachsenhausen, shops galore in the elegant Goethestrasse and the "Fressgass", and a truly world-class cultural and arts scene. It boasts Germany's most spectacular skyline and Europe's tallest office building. Frankfurt throws more money at the arts than any other European city so you'll most likely catch a groundbreaking exhibition at one of its museums.

The magnificent old city of Ghent was one of the biggest cities in Western Europe at the end of the Middle Ages, renowned for its textile industry. Today it is the third biggest city of Belgium and one of the most beautiful ones. Much of the city's medieval architecture remains intact and is remarkably well preserved. Interesting highlights are the Saint Bavo Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, the belfry, the Gravensteen castle, and the splendid architecture along the old Graslei harbor. The city of Ghent also houses three béguinages, recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, and numerous churches, among which the Saint-Jacobs church and the Saint-Nicolas Church are the most beautiful examples.

Innsbruck is one of Europe's oldest and most beautiful ski centers. Nestled in the Tyrolean Alps, the area has some 200 trails covering 500 kilometers (310 miles) and is perfect for beginner and intermediate-level skiers. It is a winter sports center with modern facilities. The world-famous Air and Style Competition at the Olympic Ski Jump stadium attracts over 25,000 visitors in early December and is a must-see for the ski lovers. Non-skiers and summer visitors can enjoy the sights of the medieval Old Town, the shops with Tyrolean specialties, and the many other outdoor activities that Tyrol offers. Culture seekers will be happy with world-class opera, gorgeous architecture, and superb museums.

Luxembourg's diminutive capital is a delicious contrasting mix of the old and the new. Spend some time exploring the old city with its cobbled streets and imposing walls, and feast your eyes on ornate windows or jewel-like medallions. Come back to modern day as you pass contemporary constructions of glass and steel that house the many banking and business establishments in the capital. Take a lovely walk through Useldange where you can't miss the feudal castle surrounded by rolling plain.

Big-city style and rural charm, Alpine character and Mediterranean verve, art treasures and the Oktoberfest, traditional customs and high technology, beer gardens and haute cuisine, operas and in bars; these are all ingredients that makes Bavaria's state capital so endlessly fascinating, and so popular with visitors from all over the world. Sprawling Munich is one of Germany's major cultural centers, second only to Berlin in terms of museums and theaters. It's also one of Germany's most festive cities, and its location, at the foot of the Alps, is idyllic. Munich's self-imposed image is that of a fun-loving and festival-addicted city - typified by its Oktoberfest.

Nürnberg had suffered a lot of damages during the war but nowadays has regained its vitality and is now a symbol of postwar prosperity. Many of Nürnberg's most important buildings, including some of the finest churches in Germany have been restored. The Altstadt (Old City) is a medieval walled city with large pedestrian walkways. Don't miss the city's churches: Frauenkirche St. Lorenze Kirche and St. Sebaldus Kirche and the Albrecht Durer House where the artist lived for 20 years.