"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.

La Rochelle has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday: a seaside location, a picturesque old town and port, and any number of fantastic bars and restaurants to while away the hours. It's neat and compact, with all key sights of interest within walking distance. It's a dream of a city, an absurdly beautiful maze of narrow streets lined in pristine white limestone buildings with tasteful pastel shutters. There's a good reason why they call it the Ville Blanche.

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

It's a stunning city, boasting a trove of exuberant Baroque buildings and picturesque piazzas. Yet it never feels showy...

We wander through the labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets that make up Monopoli's historic centre. It's siesta-time and the city is silent

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

We pull up to the door on a cold, wet January afternoon but our mood changes as we enter the cosy festive foyer with an open fire

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

3 days in London's coolest neighbourhoods: hotel with a view, immersive art, incredible food market, fantastic restaurants & a secret tour

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

Guide to getting the best of the Venice Biennale. Insider tips on the best time to visit & must-see itineraries

One of Italy's most vibrant cities, visit Bologna for its great food, lively bars, world-class art & beautiful colonnaded streets

Parma is a city that never fails to delight, often in unexpected ways. Neat, compact & beautifully preserved with a youthful vibe

Getting the best out of your city break in Milan: an introduction to its coolest neighbourhoods, must-see sights, culture, food and wine

Stylish, elegant & effortlessly cool, Turin is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Italy with a vibrant nightlife & Alpine setting

Its finest moments can be found, not in the tick-the-box tourists sights, but entirely for free in the hidden courtyards & tiny piazzas

Top picks in London - a guide to some of the best cafés and restaurants the capital has to offer.

After about three hours in Toulouse we were ready to pack in the day jobs and sell all our worldly goods to make this our new home. It's...