Bristol is having a moment. Buzzy, vibrant and bursting with youthful energy, it has an infectious appeal and a cheeky personality. With an old town like something from a Dickens novel, and a vibrant harbour area with hipster cafés and fine dining in reimagined shipping containers, it ticks a lot of boxes for a city break.

"If I were French, I'd keep Nantes a secret too", says my husband on the last day of our trip. I know exactly what he means. As major European cities get busier, overcrowded and more expensive, and with complaints from residents about 'over-tourism', smaller cities like Nantes are still a pleasure to explore, and you'll receive a warm welcome wherever you go.

First impressions of Marseille... A sparkly sea with boats bobbing in the harbour.  Sunny day vibes at the old port - people sitting with their legs dangling over the edge, chatting and slurping ice-creams before they melt in the afternoon sun. Brazilian buskers rocking a bossa nova beat on the pier. An infectious exuberance and energy in the air. It was love at first sight.

Utrecht: a fantastic alternative city break to Amsterdam. Compact & bike-friendly with cool cafes & bars and some great restaurants

There is something otherworldly and cinematic about Matera. A dizzying maze of alleyways, hidden passages, sleepy squares, tunnels & terrace

Quirky, arty, bohemian and beautiful, there are a myriad of reasons why you should visit one of France's most underrated cities.

Lisbon & Sintra: travel tips on & off the beaten track. Unmissable sights, great restaurants, rooftop bars & best places to catch a sunset

It's a sunny Sunday afternoon as we make our way to Canal Saint-Martin. Tables and chairs spill out onto the pavements & the narrow streets

It's not hard to see why artists like Matisse, Derain and Dufy were drawn to the picturesque towns on the Côte Vermeille

Beat the crowds and enjoy a more authentic experience on your city break in Carcassonne, France's second most visited city after Paris

It's the small things that make me come back again and again to Paris like the picture-perfect jazz vinyl store on the corner, the friendly, knowledgeable staff in the natural wine store or the perfect espresso standing at the bar in a crowded café.

Wicklow packs a powerful punch with areas of the most spectacular natural beauty combined with a vibrant arts, culture & food scene

Everything you want in a city break: world-class museums & galleries, beautiful buildings, river walks and incredible food & wine

With long sandy beaches & turquoise waters, Cornwall could give the Mediterranean a run for its money

Getting away from it all... peace and tranquility in luxury stays. Fine cuisine & fine wine thrown in for good

The beautiful town of Vence is often neglected in favour of its more touristy sister St Paul de Vence. But that would be a mistake. Vence stole my heart instantly, in particular the old town with its narrow winding streets, bustling squares, terracotta-coloured buildings and spectacular views across the countryside

A designated World Heritage site, Bordeaux is a beautifully elegant city with majestic buildings, and fantastic wine bars and restaurants.